Summer Bonanza is a Chatham County youth mentoring program founded in 1991 by retired County
Commissioner, Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas. Her vision for this youth initiative continues to be administered:
to provide activities addressing respectfulness, responsible choices, character, leadership,
accountability, and moral behavior, while promoting health and wellness, cultural awareness,
community service, and citizenship.
The program is sponsored in part by Chatham County and available to youth, ages 7-14, with a specific
recruitment for children of lesser means and under-served. Partnerships are ongoing with businesses,
community agencies, government entities, and educators, to facilitate classes, sponsor events, and/or
provide financial support. To illustrate, Parent University is a collaborator providing tailored classes for
the participants’ parents in conjunction with the schedule of events for the youth. Community
volunteers are also encouraged to assist and to serve as mentors. Youth ages 15 and above, who have
been in the program and actively involved for at least two years, can serve as junior volunteers.