I looked up the term “community” on Wikipedia recently and learned that in “regard to humans, a community is understood as a group of interacting people, possibly living in close proximity, and often refers to a group that shares some common values, and is attributed with social cohesion within a shared geographical location, generally in social units larger than a household.”

I found that definition apropos, as community is the foundation of everything we do at the Landing. It’s the purpose for its being, the reason why it’s here and is even the theme of our name. The “community” at the Landing is definitely a “group of interacting people,” that has made a commitment to provide our neighborhood (where we live in close proximity), with our “shared common values.” At the core of our values is to provide a safe and clean environment where children can learn, grow, and most importantly enjoy being kids. We love the “social cohesion” (yeah, we all get along) in our “shared geographical location” (right in the heart of beautiful downtown Eagle, Idaho) and on any bustling summer day, one can observe that are social units are made up of numerous households. Wow…we are so “wiki” friendly at the LCC.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, our main and only goal is to have a lasting and positive influence on the lives of the children of Eagle and beyond. We want the Landing to be a place where a child learns to like themselves, a place where confidence prospers and inspiration, wonder and vision become the norm.   Our wish is to foster an environment where a child feels free to become their truest self.

A key component of the Landing goes back to that word commitment. Our commitment to parents and kids alike is that once a child sets foot on the grounds of the Landing, his or her race, ethnicity and background simply cease to exist.  ”All are created equal” is a central value to our staff and the children learn by example that the difference between them does not have to separate them. They can come together as one, in a community, our community, the Landing Community.

Last week at The Landing was a great time for both staff and kids alike and The Landing Community Center in Eagle Idaho, continues to be one great place to be for summertime fun, learning and development.   Everyone enjoyed a number of exciting field trips and loads of fun on The Landing Campus under some of the best weather we have had all summer.  Each week the kids get to enjoy several off campus trips and this week was no different, as the kids hit the beach at Eagle Island State Park,  had a river adventure on the  Boise river, and  had a blast bowling at Emerald Lanes.  ”I really liked going to the river with Jake and Christian, said Trevor. we got to float down the river and  it was great.”

There was a  heated competition to see who would come out as the winner  in the “friendly” confines at Emerald Lanes, but in the end, Java emerged victorious.   ”My favorite part of the week was going bowling because I won and shot a 174.” said Java.

The “beach” at Eagle Island was a a big hit said Kolvin, ” I really liked hanging out on the beach and swimming at Ealge Island.”

The kids didn’t have to leave The Landing  to have a good time and many just enjoyed kicking back on campus under clear blue and sunny skies.  Field trips are just one aspect to a full and rich summer experience.  but every day the kids enjoy free time where they can hang out, play pool, listen to music, play foosball and have some hotly contested ping pong matches.

“I just love handing out at the teen center, I am always beating Daniel at foosball.” Said Josh.  ” I really like The  Landing because it offers us kids a place to hang out in downtown Eagle that doesn’t feel like a daycare, we can have fun and be ourselves.”

As we get full into a great summer schedule, next week should be no different and we all look forward to our new adventures next week.

Every day a new game is introduced while on The Landing campus and hide and go seek is becoming a camp favorite as The Landing property offers some creative and secretive hiding places. But the kids also really enjoy Lava Tag,  Down Down Dodge ball, Bump, and football. Everyday the kids are kept busy while having a great time, building character skills and forming friendships and being mentored by a great staff!