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Marjory Stoneman Douglas Alumni Create Free “SummerSpot” Program for Entire Community

by Guest Contributer June 28, 2018

by Guest Contributer June 28, 2018 12 views

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Alumni Create Free "SummerSpot" Program for Entire Community 2

Daisy the therapy dog. Photo courtesy MSD SummerSpot.

By: Joey Weisler

Summer may be a time for some to step away from routine and even school-year chaos; but for others, it is a time that brings about seclusion and isolation from the camaraderie that the daily school environment provides.

After a trying year in Parkland, mobilization is more vital than ever. That’s why Stoneman Douglas students and the Parkland community need to look no further for support and healing, thanks to the Parkland SummerSpot program.

SummerSpot is a series of free summer events created by Mobilizing MSD and is available to the entire Parkland community. Parents, teachers, students, and anyone else in the community are welcome to join for many free activities including yoga, rock painting, cookie decorating, percussion, and weekly visits with therapy dogs.

Program developer Malorie Calhoun said she is excited to introduce “Lyrical Expressions by Motivational Edge” on Tuesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m.

“Participants will learn the power of creative writing, songwriting, and even album producing,” she said.

She is just as excited for the Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 p.m. program, “Beat the Odds” where it will take listening, group drumming and team building to a cathartic level while coping through music.

Overall, SummerSpot’s mission is to bring students, teachers, and parents together to support one another now they do not have the daily support of being in school.

“We want this to be a place where they can have the support that they had during the year that they may be lacking now. The goal is to keep bringing them together, ” said Calhoun.

Be sure to check out the full events calendar at and register here as space as limited. For questions please email msdsummerspot@gmail.com.

Participate in SummerSpot all summer long on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s from 3:00 p.m. – 6 p.m. throughout the summer until August 9, at the Parkland Recreation Center (PREC): 10561 Trails End, Parkland, FL 33076.