Summer Spotlight: It All Begins With a SPARK

By: Sally Hopkins ‘26, student correspondent  

Abby Casal ‘25, Laura Echausse ‘25 and Sophia Pisarski ‘25 recently served as team leaders of SPARK, a weeklong program for at-risk youth ages 12-15. The collaborative effort of The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School took place July 22 -26 at the University's Retreat Center at Chapman Lake.

Casal, of Clarks Summit, an early childhood education major; Echausse, of Mineola, New York, an early childhood education major; and Pisarski, of Jessup, a business analytics major, review their week at Chapman Lake where they forged connections with other participants.

What are the goals of the SPARK program?

Abby Casal '25: "SPARK was created as a collaborative program with The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School. These students collaborate to lead groups of 12-15 year-old at-risk youth in the Scranton area. The goal of the SPARK program is to provide University students, Scranton prep students and kids at SPARK with the opportunity to connect with one another.

In the beginning of the week, we tell our University team that their main goal of the week should be to love the students and give them the best week possible.Throughout the week, students participate in a variety of activities related to self-expression, bullying, healthy lifestyles and healthy relationships. Additionally, on Wednesday, we go whitewater rafting, and throughout the week, we have other fun activities, such as free time for the kids to swim in Chapman Lake and a carnival on Friday."

Who took part in the SPARK program?

 
Laura Echausse, '25: ""The Spark program is a collaborative effort consisting of 38 participants: 12 Scranton Preparatory students (all rising seniors), 15 University team members, and the University’s Center for Service & Social Justice staff. A majority of the participants of SPARK come from the Nativity Miguel School of Scranton, specifically the 7th and 8th grade."

Describe a typical day at SPARK.

Sophia Pisarski, '25: "A typical day at SPARK starts as the school bus arrives around 9 a.m. As the kids get off the bus they are greeted by our University and Scranton Prep students. After breakfast is served, the kids are led by their team's leaders through several activities and games, followed by lunch and free time. To end the day, we all sit down to have dinner. The day for our “SPARKlers” is wrapped up around 5:30 p.m. when they get on the bus again to head home."

How did you use the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake to conduct the program?

AC: "The Chapman Lake Retreat Center is the venue for the SPARK program, providing an ideal setting for the activities and interactions that take place. This retreat center offers students a safe and welcoming space away from school, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the program. Throughout the week, students have numerous opportunities to swim in Chapman Lake, an activity they greatly enjoy."

What is the community impact of running a program like SPARK?  

LE: "The community impact of SPARK can be seen through both the kids who partake and The University of Scranton/Scranton Prep team members. Many kids leave SPARK saying it was the best week of their life, due to the outpouring of love and encouragement given to them at all times during the week. On Friday, they leave better able to identify their gifts, with a stronger sense of self love, and the tools needed to be resilient when facing life’s challenges.

SPARK has the capability to give kids the confidence needed to make a positive change in their community. The environment created at SPARK between the kids, University team members and Scranton Prep students is like no other. Each day, every SPARK participant is welcomed, embraced and loved for who they are which is a beautiful thing to witness."

What do you think the teenagers you worked with will get out of SPARK? 

SP: "The teenagers we work with spend the week feeling an immense amount of love and support. Not only do they form lifelong friendships with classmates outside of the classroom, they also learn important life lessons that help them grow and thrive. This program sets them up to have a toolbox of valuable skills that allows them to survive and flourish in school and society. "

How does it feel to participate?

AC: "Participating in SPARK is something that I have felt incredibly privileged to do. The experience is not just an opportunity to engage in a series of activities; it’s a chance to form meaningful connections and create lasting memories. Throughout the week at Chapman Lake, the kids and team become very close. From the moment we arrive at the retreat center, the bonds between University of Scranton students, Scranton Prep students, and kids begin to form. Shared experiences, such as overcoming challenges together during team-building activities or simply enjoying a meal together, contribute to the development of these strong relationships.

Learning from the students and team while having fun together is an incredible aspect of the SPARK program. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is witnessing the personal growth of the kids. Seeing them gain confidence, develop new friendships, and be able to have a fun week is truly inspiring. It’s a reminder of the positive impact that a supportive and nurturing environment can have on young individuals. The program’s emphasis on love, support and encouragement helps create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected."

How does this connect to the University's Jesuit ideals of service and 'being men and women for others'?

LE: "A quote by St. Ignatius that is integral to the education one receives at The University at Scranton states, 'Go forth and set the world on fire.' SPARK encapsulates this quote in many ways, in the sense that each kid who attends is reminded of the light that exists within them, and given the tools that will allow them to set the world on fire.

In terms of the team members, the Jesuit term “magis” most certainly applies to their role. Magis is the idea of doing more for others and striving to give with no limits. During the week, the team goes above and beyond to give every kid the best week by giving them all the attention, love and support that they deserve. Myself, Abby, and Sophia were in awe of the team’s ability to continually give every ounce of themselves to the program"

If someone was on the fence about getting involved with SPARK, what would you want to tell them?

SP: "To give it a chance. It is a program like no other and nothing is similar to the immense joy and fulfillment. Once the kids arrive Monday morning, taking the leap of faith and becoming a part of the program even with all the feelings of [being unsure] will be worth it. It is truly the best program."