"Summer Smiles", is a 1997 National NAHRO Award winning summer youth recreation program. Kids dream of summer vacation, of all the fun exciting trips, swimming, camp, riding bikes, sports and games and those delicious Bar-B-Qs. But for many low- income kids, reality hits and sometimes summer vacation really isn't that much fun. The Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority was concerned about the kids within its housing developments. To address their needs, it developed a well-rounded 8 week recreational program with creative community collaboration. Key community partners such as the YWCA, Readiness To Learn, Camp Fire Boys and Girls and the Bremerton School District Nutrition Lunch program have been instrumental in providing leadership, positive role models and a lot of fun for these disadvantaged children. Approximately 60 children participate on a daily basis. The result has been happy, healthy summers of organized activities that have improved group interaction reducing on-site youth problems leading to criminal activity or drug involvement. It is a program that allows kids to be kids again, meet new friends, develop positive attitudes and each year have one terrific summer.

1997 NAHRO
National Merit Award