Junction Community After School Program & Family Center (CASP) is GROWING. CASP recently opened its brand new facility doors in May of 2025. After being in the building for six months, it was realized that more space was necessary, specifically for the middle school gardening and art clubs and community classes. CASP is seeking funding for approximately $50,000 to build an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning. This funding will cover the concrete foundation, the metal for the exterior of the classroom, including windows, the building materials, and interior lighting and cooling systems.
Currently, CASP has an art and gardening club that meet several days per week. On those days, the classes meet outside. This makes rainy and/or cold days especially difficult because the clubs cannot find a place to have class. This outdoor classroom would be like a sunroom where students can use lots of natural light to use artistic abilities and to watch how plants grow. The classroom would not be a typical classroom, but one that encourages learning and being outside without the worry of a mess.
This room can also be used for other students on bad weather days so they are in a safe classroom that still encourages play and learning. Additionally, the CASP art teacher plans to begin art classes for adult community members. This classroom would be a wonderful place for these classes.
Adding an outdoor classroom encourages a different type of learning environment that many students are not used to. CASP has a mission to offer engaging educational opportunities. Students will be able to have a space that is engaging and offers them a space to learn things that interest them. Not only will school-aged students be able to use them room, but when classes are offered to the community, this classroom will be a great space that doesn't require the big meeting room in CASP to be overused or get too messy before other events and classes. This classroom offers so many opportunities to many different individuals and it is believed this classroom will allow CASP to grow and further the mission.
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*Donations can also be mailed to 110 N. 17th St., Junction, TX 76849