NEESES, S.C.  – Children from Norway, Springfield, Neeses, Williston, Denmark, Blackville and surrounding communities are receiving positive instead of negative attention through the Beaver Creek Baptist Educational Association Academy.

The program started about two years ago with a single goal in mind.

“Our mission is to take God’s gift in each child and stir it up,” says Marilyn Scoot, director of the academy. “No child will ever be able to truthfully say that ‘no one took up time with me’ as he/she was growing up. We have seven churches, seven pastors, their wives and lay people, not to mention all the volunteers who give one Saturday each month to work with these children.”

Currently, 100 children attend the academy, she said.

“Sometimes, we have a few more and sometimes a few less,” Scoot said. “If a child likes to sing, we work with them and teach them how to sing. If they like something else, we work on that. All children are taught basic manners and life skills. For instance, the boys must all learn how to tie a necktie.”

The Rev. Freddie Smith of Hickory Hill Baptist Church currently taught the teens how to be safe while changing a tire. He taught the lesson using Proverbs 4:10.

“If you have knowledge and no wisdom, you are a danger to yourself and others. But if you’re willing to learn and obey, you can apply that knowledge as wisdom and be a benefit to all,” Smith said.

He added, “It’s a wonderful program, and everyone is invited to participate. If you have a talent, come share with the children, and if you are a child, come learn.”

The Beaver Creek Baptist Educational Association Academy was formed by Smith and several other area pastors from Bushy Pond Baptist Church, Samaria Baptist, Smyrna Baptist, Turkey Branch Baptist, Gospel Temple and Oakey Springs Baptist. The pastors’ wives and church laymen also participate in instruction at the academy, along with other volunteers.

“I also work as a counselor in a prison setting, and daily I see young people who have messed up their lives with drugs and other poor decisions. I see mothers just turning 20 with babies being born in prison. And, sometimes, they have several children each by a different father – if they even know the father’s name,” participant the Rev. C. Holliday said. “Those children have a hard start in life, and they need caring. This academy allows us to offer unconditional love to them so they will always know that somebody does care and want the best for them. We treat them with respect and expect them to treat everyone here with respect as well.”

Tonya James, a teacher at Macedonia Elementary School in Blackville, added, “All children are gifts and need to be loved and nurtured. We celebrate every success. We offer many sessions on leading a positive, God-influenced life, life skills, conflict-resolution skills, and we deal with maturing from a child to an adult.”

James said the academy annually sponsors a “Beautillion” to celebrate the children’s talents.

“This year, the Beautillion will be held on Oct. 30. Last year, we raised over $25,000,” she said.

“That money is divided equally among the churches and is offered as scholarship money for the children.”

T&D Correspondent Sherryl Peters can be reached by e-mail at boykinbaby@surrealestate.com.

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