images of students painting rocks  GIFTED Project

Center Elementary School’s WINGS students recently enjoyed a fun afternoon of learning while painting CAMP Rocks. Center's GIFTED Teacher, Mrs. Shelly Cox, organized this event with Mrs. Nancy Perry, the founder of CAMP Rocks as a reward for her students' hard work all year long in her WINGS classes. She shared about the mission of CAMP Rocks, which was founded in memory of her grandson, Camp Tatum.


The goal of CAMP Rocks is to spread awareness of childhood cancer to our community and to support the families of children who are diagnosed with cancer. CAMP Rocks are ordinary rocks transformed into extraordinary treasures that are painted with encouraging messages and then hidden where others will find them. When someone finds a rock painted in memory of Camp Tatum, they take a selfie with the rock, post it on social media using the hashtag #camprocks4kids, and then hide it again to continue the fun.

The students learned about Camp and received two rocks to paint - one to keep and one to hide or give away to uplift someone else. Our school staff appreciates the community partnership with Mrs. Perry and her special on-site visits with our students.  If any other community organization or business would like to partner with our school, please contact Mrs. Lydia Boggs, Parent/Community Engagement Coordinator at (912) 287-2366. 


Mr. Garner, Principal at Center Elementary is pictured with Mrs. Nancy Perry, Founder of CAMP ROCKS.