Wesleyan’s Kid’s College Recognized as a Statewide Model for Excellence

MACON, GA — Years of intentional planning, dedicated staff, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and loved have earned Wesleyan’s Kid’s College statewide recognition for program excellence. 

     That recognition stems from an exceptional performance on the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network’s comprehensive State Program Quality Assessment, which compared Kid’s College against 279 summer youth programs across Georgia.  

     The assessment recognized outstanding performance across nearly every area of evaluation, including emotional safety, healthy and accommodating environments, warm welcomes, staff support, a sense of belonging, collaboration, and instructional quality. As a result of the program’s exceptional evaluation, Wesleyan College has been invited to present at the Georgia State Conference for After School and Youth Programs, where staff will share the strategies that have shaped Kid’s College’s positive climate and culture. 

     The College has also been asked to serve as a demonstration site, welcoming youth program leaders from across Georgia to observe Kid’s College in action and learn best practices for creating high-quality programs.

     “This level of excellence isn’t achieved without the concerted and focused efforts of a team that fully embraces a shared vision,” said Dr. Virginia Wilcox, Wesleyan College’s Education Department Chair and the Director of Kid’s College. “More than 12 years ago, I envisioned a camp where children would feel seen, heard, and loved. Watching that vision evolve into something so special has been incredibly rewarding, but this recognition belongs to our team. It simply would not have happened without the amazing directors, counselors, and instructors who bring that vision to life each summer.”

     That team includes many individuals whose connection to Kid’s College began long before they became staff members.

     “What makes Kid’s College even more special is that many of our counselors and staff were once campers themselves,” said Wilcox.  “The fact that they choose to return and invest in the next generation of campers speaks volumes about the impact this program has. This really is a very special place.” 

     The statewide recognition reflects not only the quality of the program itself, but is a testament to the countless hours our directors, instructors, counselors, and volunteers have put in to support  Kid’s College in becoming a place that continues to shape lives year after year.

     Wondering how your child can be part of something so special? Registration for the 2027 Kid’s College season is now open!  Next summer's Jurassic Quest camp will run June 7th - July 2nd, 2027 for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. Families who register by April 24, 2027 will receive a 10% Early Bird Discount. For more information, contact Dr. Virginia Wilcox at vwilcox@wesleyancollege.edu or by calling (478)757-5279.