Founded in 2001 by Tim Smith, Center of Life (COL) supports the people of Hazelwood as they strive to be strong and to make their community strong. With its roots planted deeply in the community and supported by extraordinary partners, COL serves Hazelwood and its surrounding communities with rich academic out-of-school programs and outstanding experiences in music and arts.
Our 2024 Free Summer Programs
Camp Hazelwood
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Throughout each camp day, students will have the opportunity to participate in recreational, enrichment, creative, and musical activities. Every Friday, students will have the opportunity to attend a field trip, if they have met the attendance requirements for the week.
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June 24th-August 2nd. Drop off is between 8:30 - 9:00 AM and pick up is between 3:30 - 4:00 PM at the Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood.
KRUNK Movement
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The KRUNK Movement is a year-round youth production program for students in grades 8-12 that focuses on the elements of hip-hop through songwriting, production, art, and technology. By exploring relevant issues of social justice and health, the student-led collective creates engaging art of varying forms. Students learn the skills, professionalism, and financial literacy necessary to succeed as an artist.
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School-Year Program days are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4PM-7PM. Summer Camp days are Monday-Friday from 10AM-3PM.
COL Jazz
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Center of Life's Jazz program is an instrumental coaching program for grades 8 - 12 that encourages young musicians to explore self-expression using the language of music. We aim to achieve musical fluency for each student through our weekly skills sessions and personalized coaching. Students will master the fundamentals of music by expanding their musical repertoire, collaborating on recording projects, and participating in ensemble exercises with fellow students.
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School-Year Program days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 4PM-7PM. Summer Camp days are Monday - Friday from 10AM - 3PM.
ALTA
(Aspiring Leaders Teen Academy)
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Center of Life’s Aspiring Leaders Teen Academy (ALTA) program is for teen students (ages 14-18) who want to develop their leadership skills in preparation for the next chapter in their lives. The ALTA program provides an opportunity for students to explore their unique interests while gaining important life skills and enrichment. After a 3-week intensive job-training module,ALTA students will then work as Junior Camp Counselors for Camp Hazelwood, serving as mentors to K-8 students.
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Paid Job Training with University of Pittsburgh
May 28th - 30th ; June 3rd -6th ; June 10th -13th
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Staff Orientation
June 17th -18th ; 20th - 21st
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Junior Camp Counselor
June 24th - August 2nd
11:00 AM -4:00 PM Mon-Thurs; 8:00AM -4:00 PM Fridays (field trips)