Jack and Jill of America makes its way to LU

On Saturday, April 23, Lamar University welcomed the Jack and Jill Beaumont chapter of America in collaboration with the College of Engineering, for their regional event, Children’s Cluster. 

“We have mother-driven, mother-organized programing all year long that try to give our children these skills like leadership, philanthropic, giving back to the community, community service and civic responsibility” says Jack and Jill Beaumont Chapter President, Camille Briggs. “Every year, we have our Children’s Cluster, a child focused conference. We rotate locations and this year, 2022, was Beaumont chapter’s turn! And where better to have it than Lamar University! We are so proud of Lamar University and that it’s done. We had a STEM workshop in the McDonald Gym and Olympic games and activities to test their wit and agility at the Tyrell Track and last, but not least, we can’t have out of town guests come to Beaumont and not check out the Gladys City Boomtown Spindletop, where we had our amazing race.”

Jack and Jill of America is an organization of mothers with children ranging from ages 2-19 in dedication to nurturing future African American leaders with emphasis in leadership, development, voluntary services, philanthropic giving, and civic duty.

“We are so thankful to Lamar University for opening their doors and allowing our more than 500 participants to come on the campus and just to see the great things that Beaumont has to offer and the jewel of that being Lamar University” says Briggs.

The event began with the open ceremony in the Setzer Center where everyone then broke off into multiple groups to attend the Olympic games, amazing race, and the STEM workshop. The children then returned to the Setzer Center where Jack and Jill provided lunch and ended the event with the closing ceremony.

“I think this was just great. I think it gives children a sense of fellowship with each other in different groups” Beverly Williams, National Council of Negro Women Secretary Correspondence, explains. “They’re learning from the STEM program and recreational activities they’re doing outside. This is my first-time volunteering, and I would love to do it again!" 

This event brought in help from multiple nonprofit organizations, such as, The National Council of Negro Women, Top Ladies or Distinction, Delta Sigma Theta, and Top Teens of America. This event has brought in over 80 local volunteers.

 “The Children’s Cluster is a great idea! It caters to the young group of children doing science experiments!” Elois Alex, Top Ladies of Distinction Vice President, exclaims.

The national organization for Jack and Jill of America has over 240 chapters across the nation. The Beaumont chapter meet every month, excluding June and July, to plan events and time to volunteer.

The Children’s Cluster successfully brought in plenty of STEM focused volunteers for the robotics building part of the event. Several students from the College of Engineering offered to help expand the minds of the participating children.

“Lamar University has one of the best engineering schools in the world and I don’t know if a lot of people know about it! So, we really wanted to showcase Lamar in all its glory!” Briggs commented. We wanted to bring our chapter mom’s and kids here to Lamar University and maybe they will consider Lamar in the future.”