Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, poses in the library at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, talks on the phone outside a classroom at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, holds open the door for campers as they go out to play in water at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
(Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, poses in the library at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, poses in his office at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) Romaine McCarthy still remembers the first year she attended the Trinity Educational Enrichment Program on the campus of in New Orleans and met program director Alvin Edinburgh.
“The very first thing I noticed was how Alvin interacted with everyone, talking to us individually and getting to know us,” said McCarthy, the program's assistant director, who is also the upper school learning specialist at Isidore Newman School. “I was about 9 years old back then, and I was very shy. "What Alvin did for me, and I am sure for others as well, is what he is still doing now — showing a genuine interest in each child, encouraging you to find your own voice.
” “What I remember about Alvin was that he was firm but not in a mean way,” added Mia Wallace, who also attended the program. “Alvin has an endearing way of showing how he cares and loves you as his own. "The message I got from him was you can be anything you want to be and that has stayed with me my whole life.
” Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, greets campers as they move between classrooms at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) After 46 years, Edinburgh, 89, retired in July. “It’s hard for me to explain what this program means to me,” Edinburgh said.
“It has been a blessing to have worked with so many generations of children.” The program, founded in 1966, offers a six-week, tuition-free summer program for economically disadvantaged youngsters. It serves two age groups — an early childhood group for pre-K to second grade students, and a middle school group of rising fifth and sixth graders.
Ashley Eastham is communications director for Trinity. She said about 80 youngsters participated in the program this year. “This is not a program anyone can apply to,” Eastham said.
“Campers are identified and recommended for TEEP by their school principals and teachers. The family is contacted, and both the family and the child are interviewed together before the program begins.” Edinburgh, who began at the program teaching a drama course before being named director, said a typical day begins as soon as the participants arrive.
“From the very first day they get here, I greet them with a firm handshake every morning and ask them in return to make eye contact with me,” Edinburgh said. “It’s a way of teaching good manners when you meet someone. After that, the kids have a good breakfast while I speak to them, offering a positive message to start the day.
"Then they move onto the academic part of the program in reading, science and math. And after lunch, the kids can participate in activities they are interested in such as dance, art and music. “There are five core values that we instill in each person which we call ‘the five Rs’ — respect, responsibility, reciprocity, restraint and redemption.
These are values that will help them as they grow older.” Alvin Edinburgh, director of Trinity Episcopal Enrichment Program summer camp for 46 years, hangs out in the library with campers at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune) In addition to the academics and creative arts experience, participants go on field trips to local attractions including the Children’s Museum, the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom and the Land O’ Pines in Covington for a day of hiking, tubing and barbecue.
“Many of the kids have never had an opportunity to participate and enjoy this kind of fun,” said Edinburgh, who taught for 39 years in New Orleans public schools. “Several of the parents also participate in the field trips, giving them a chance as well to have fun along with their children.” The program is supported by members of Trinity church and several local organizations, including the Harry Howard III Foundation, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Gaudet Community Grant Program, the Vincent Memorial Legacy Fund, Women of the Church and the Gladys Gay LeBreton Trinity Educational Enrichment Program Endowment Fund.
In addition to attending the program as a child, Jason Coleman has been a volunteer, counselor, head counselor and donor. He now serves as its board chair. “The two things Alvin has represented in TEEP are stability and excellence,” Coleman said.
“We are already planning his 90th birthday and establishing in perpetuity an endowment so his legacy can enrich TEEP forever.” Wallace’s daughter, Kennedy, participated in the program this summer for the first time. “Before she began TEEP, I noticed Kennedy was lacking a little in self-confidence,” Wallace said.
“But after the first week, she couldn’t stop talking about all the classes, especially drawing, which is her happy place. I could see Kennedy’s confidence level increase. She has blossomed and become more independent, too.
“The resources that were available to me at TEEP opened a new world of possibilities; And the ‘Five Rs’ that Alvin instilled in all of us continues to live in my heart today.” With his retirement imminent, Edinburgh said he plans to relax, listen to more music and travel. He said what he will miss most will be “the kids and the community of Trinity.
” “To be a part of TEEP, you must be committed to it and show love to all the kids,” Edinburgh said. “Love is an action word, so you must put that love into each child you meet by talking to them and listening to what they have to say. “I hope I have been a positive influence in the lives of these children.
Being here has been a labor of love.”.
