Day Enrichment

Thrivival Academy's Day Enrichment Program offers a powerful, supportive path for youth facing school suspension or expulsion. We know young people on the cusp of adulthood thrive with structure, accountability, and real encouragement. Our program creates a safe, nurturing environment that helps them re-engage with education, build essential life skills, and step into a brighter future. Through focused study time and engaging activities, youth make real academic progress while developing social connections and practical skills such as financial literacy and home economics. We view every young person through a strengths-based lens. A youth previously involved in street-level sales, for example, may actually be a talented entrepreneur with strong instincts for marketing, logistics, and business. At Thrivival Academy, we help redirect those natural abilities toward legitimate opportunities and lasting success. Above all, we instill the values of honor, courage, and commitment. We teach youth to do what is right, even when it is hard. By combining accountability with genuine opportunity, our Day Enrichment Program helps young people get back on track, strengthens families, and builds safer communities.

Evening Enrichment

Thrivival Academy's Evening Enrichment Program provides essential structure and positive guidance during the critical after-school hours when youth are most vulnerable. We combine supervised academic support with exciting, hands-on enrichment activities that expand horizons and ignite new passions. We go beyond standard tutoring by exposing youth to new experiences they might never have tried. These include music appreciation, creative arts, racquetball, martial arts, woodworking, auto repair, cooking, nutrition, and home management. These practical skills prepare them for independent adulthood. At Thrivival Academy, we believe every young person has unique strengths and interests waiting to be discovered. We collaborate with each participant to build a personalized curriculum around what lights them up. Whether that is video production, music creation, entrepreneurship, or mastering a trade, we provide strong mentorship and resources to help them pursue their passions and build a future worth fighting for. Our Evening Enrichment Program does much more than keep youth safe and supervised. It helps them uncover who they are, what they are capable of, and where they belong. This fosters confidence, character, and positive momentum that lasts well beyond the program.

Thrivival Academy’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program helps young people ages 13-18 turn creative ideas into real businesses. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world market experience, youth learn how to create products or services, build a simple business plan, develop confidence, and sell directly to the community.

This two-week summer program is held Monday through Friday at Saint Matthew Baptist Church. During the program, participants explore their interests, brainstorm business ideas, create or prepare products and services, learn basic budgeting and pricing, develop branding, practice customer service, and prepare to sell at the Montclair Neighborhood Farmers Market.

Youth may create businesses around arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, custom apparel, plants, digital creations, service-based businesses, or other approved products and services. Participants receive step-by-step guidance in developing their idea, sourcing materials, creating signs and displays, calculating costs, setting prices, and preparing for real customer interaction.

A key part of the program is the opportunity for youth to sell their products at the Montclair Neighborhood Farmers Market. This gives participants real marketplace experience where they can interact with customers, handle transactions, receive feedback, build confidence, and celebrate their first earnings. Thrivival Academy will help guide youth through the sales process and cover applicable sales tax on products sold through the program.

The program also connects youth with mentors, vendors, and local entrepreneurs who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical business insight. Participants learn more than entrepreneurship. They build communication skills, financial literacy, problem-solving ability, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.

At Thrivival Academy, we believe entrepreneurship can help youth redirect their strengths into positive, productive, and legitimate opportunities. A young person with creativity, hustle, people skills, or problem-solving ability can learn to use those strengths to build something real. This program gives youth a safe place to learn, create, earn, and grow.

Program graduates may also receive continued support if they and their parent or guardian want to take the next step toward legitimizing their business, including assistance exploring how to form an LLC.

No prior business experience is needed. The program is open to interested youth who are curious, creative, and willing to learn. We welcome family referrals, self-referrals, and partnerships with schools, churches, vendors, and community organizations.

Program Benefits Include

• Hands-on product creation and business launch experience

• A two-week structured summer program for youth ages 13-18

• Training in business planning, pricing, budgeting, marketing, and sales

• Mentorship from local vendors, entrepreneurs, and community members

• Real sales opportunities at the Montclair Neighborhood Farmers Market

• Development of confidence, communication, creativity, resilience, and responsibility

• Support with business legitimacy options, including LLC assistance for graduates and families

• A productive summer environment where youth can build skills and earn money

Get Involved

Families can enroll or refer a youth participant.

Community members can volunteer as mentors, workshop leaders, or niche experts.

Businesses and supporters can donate supplies, tools, materials, sponsorships, or youth startup funds.

Vendors, markets, churches, schools, and local organizations can partner with Thrivival Academy to help young people build real opportunities.

Thrivival Academy's Family Partner & Support program provides compassionate, dedicated guidance to youth and their families, helping them build stronger bonds, navigate life's challenges, and create stable, thriving futures. We offer personalized support that feels like having a trusted mentor or "big brother/sister" in your corner, especially for young people facing tough circumstances such as gang involvement, school struggles, family conflicts, or limited community resources.Our trained Family Partners work side-by-side with youth and parents/guardians to:

Strengthen family communication, trust, and positive interactions through coaching and shared activities.

Build practical skills like goal-setting, conflict resolution, advocacy, and emotional resilience.

Help families understand and access community resources, education options, health services, and support networks.

Guide youth toward positive choices that reduce risks, avoid negative cycles, and open doors to education, employment, and personal growth.

Foster a sense of belonging, self-worth, and hope by celebrating strengths and creating safe, encouraging spaces.

We meet families where they are, offering flexible, ongoing support that can include regular check-ins, home visits, group workshops, or one-on-one mentoring sessions. While we collaborate with probation officers, schools, and courts when needed, the program is open to any family seeking extra guidance and partnership, no referral required.This program empowers youth to break free from hardship, families to gain confidence and self-sufficiency, and communities to become safer and more connected. Research on similar mentoring models shows that consistent, caring adult support leads to better school performance, reduced risky behaviors, stronger relationships, and brighter long-term outcomes.Every child and family deserves someone who believes in them and walks alongside them. Your support as a donor, volunteer, or partner can make that possible.Why Support This Program?

Donors: Fund scholarships for families, training for partners, or program expansion to reach more Omaha youth.

Volunteers: Become a Family Partner or mentor, sharing your time and life experience.

Partners: Collaborate as a school, church, business, or organization to refer families or provide resources.

Get Involved

Enroll your family or refer someone who could benefit

Volunteer as a Family Partner or mentor

Donate to sustain and grow this life-changing support

Partner with us to amplify our reach in the community

Thrivival Academy offers year-round training in conflict resolution and self-defense, led by dedicated instructors who prioritize practical, life-changing skills. Our program goes beyond physical techniques it equips youth with tools to navigate real-world challenges through calm, strategic communication and thoughtful decision-making. Conflict resolution teaches that true strength lies in de-escalating tension, understanding others, and resolving disputes peacefully whenever possible. We emphasize positive conflict resolution techniques rooted in proven principles, including:

KODIAK model (a structured framework for safe, respectful de-escalation in high-pressure situations),

L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Active De-escalation Strategies, focused on managing confrontations through effective communication and behavior redirection),

EAR Statements (showing Empathy, Attention, and Respect to quickly calm upset individuals and build connection),

Insights from Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion by George J. Thompson, which treats words as a tactical tool to redirect behavior, defuse aggression, and persuade without force,

Techniques from De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less by Douglas Noll, offering immediate, actionable steps to reduce emotional intensity and restore calm,

Strategies from Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen, guiding youth through emotionally charged talks with clarity, empathy, and mutual understanding.

These approaches help young people recognize early signs of conflict, listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and turn potential escalations into opportunities for positive outcomes. To complement these verbal and mental skills, we incorporate confidence-building and discipline through martial arts training, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA, and Boxing. Led by experienced practitioners like Brown Belt Isaiah Grant, these physical disciplines provide a healthy outlet for energy, teach self-control and perseverance, and develop practical self-defense capabilities when words alone aren't enough. At Thrivival Academy, conflict resolution and self-defense are about shaping character, fostering resilience, and surrounding youth with positive influences. Participants gain the tools to handle disputes constructively, build unshakeable confidence through progress, and thrive in any environment — on the mats or in everyday life. This holistic approach creates not just skilled individuals, but responsible, empathetic leaders ready to make a difference.

Thrivival Academy is in the planning stages for a transformative Summer Day Camp program that will help Omaha's youth unplug from screens, reconnect with nature, build resilience, discover new strengths, and create positive summer memories in a safe, supportive setting. This initiative targets young people facing challenges such as school disruptions, family stress, high-risk behaviors, or limited access to enriching activities. It offers structure, adventure, and genuine growth opportunities.Our Vision
We aim to launch a week-long (or multi-week) day camp first, running Monday-Friday (for example, 9 AM to 4 PM) at local parks, green spaces, or partnered venues in Omaha. The focus will be on digital detox. Youth will leave devices behind to fully engage in the present moment while fostering teamwork, creativity, self-confidence, and joy through hands-on outdoor experiences. As resources grow, we plan to expand to overnight camping sessions. This will add deeper immersion like extended wilderness stays, evening campfires, stargazing, and multi-day adventures to strengthen bonds and build lasting independence.Planned Activities (What We're Designing for Day Camp)
Our program will blend outdoor exploration, skill-building, active play, and reflection for a balanced, engaging experience:

Nature hikes and exploration: Guided trails, wildlife observation, plant and tree identification, and nature journaling to spark curiosity and appreciation for the environment.

Team-building games: Scavenger hunts, relay races, cooperative challenges, and group activities to encourage communication and trust.

Adventure basics: Introductions to archery, orienteering with maps and compasses, knot-tying, simple survival skills, and low-impact challenges.

Creative and hands-on crafts: Nature-inspired art, woodworking projects, DIY creations with found or recycled materials, and other tactile activities.

Active fun: New sports introductions (for example, frisbee basics, racquetball elements), movement games, and energy-positive play.

Wellness and values moments: Group circles for sharing stories, mindfulness practices in nature (for example, quiet listening walks), and discussions on core values like honor, courage, commitment, and self-respect.

Themed weeks: Rotating focuses such as "Wilderness Explorers," "Creative Adventurers," or "Team Builders" to keep energy high and variety fresh.

The camp will target ages 10-17 (adjustable based on community input), with planned support for snacks, meals, and transportation as funding allows. No prior experience is required. Just an open mind and willingness to try new things.Current Status & Path Forward
We are actively in the development and resource-gathering phase. At this time, we do not have the necessary funding, transportation solutions, equipment (for example, sports gear, craft supplies, safety items like first aid kits), or secured venues to launch. However, with community partnership and support, we can move toward a pilot day camp soon and build toward overnight camping in the future.We are seeking:

Volunteers with backgrounds in youth mentoring, outdoor education, first aid or CPR, activity instruction (for example, archery, crafts, games), or camp planning and coordination.

Donors and Sponsors for startup funds, equipment purchases, transportation options (for example, vehicle partnerships or bus rentals), snacks, insurance coverage, or scholarships to ensure accessibility and low or no cost for participants.

Partners (local parks departments, churches, businesses, outdoor organizations, schools, or community groups) for venue access, in-kind donations, expertise sharing, or collaborative planning.

Interest and Input from families, youth, educators, or supporters to help refine activities, timing, themes, and priorities. Your feedback will directly shape the program.

If you believe in giving youth meaningful, screen-free summers that build purpose and positive pathways, your involvement now can help turn this vision into reality. It starts with day camp and grows to include overnight adventures.Get Involved Today

Share your interest, ideas, or suggestions for the camp

Volunteer your time, skills, or experience

Donate funds, equipment, supplies, or in-kind resources

Connect us with potential partners or spread the word

The Thrivival Academy Literacy through Authorship Project is an 11-week summer literacy program for youth ages 13-18. The program teaches reading and writing skills by guiding students through the process of writing their own original book or novella.

Instead of only practicing literacy through worksheets or traditional assignments, students will spend the summer becoming authors. They will learn how to develop ideas, build characters, organize a story, improve vocabulary, strengthen grammar and punctuation, practice typing, edit their work, revise their writing, and complete a typed manuscript.

The program runs June 1 through August 14, 2026, Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Each day includes a structured writing class from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, a snack break from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and independent writing and manuscript development from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Class topics include story structure, character development, vocabulary improvement, spelling, grammar, punctuation, typing skills, editing, revision, author studies, and guest speaker sessions with writers, educators, and community members.

By the end of the project, each student will complete a typed manuscript and receive a physical printed copy of the book they wrote.

The goal of this project is not just to help students write a book. The goal is to help young people build confidence, discipline, literacy skills, creativity, communication skills, and pride in their own voice.

Program Details

Ages: 13-18
Dates: June 1 through August 14, 2026
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Thrivival Academy, 2936 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68131
Tuition: $400 per week
Website: thrivivalacademy.com
Phone: (402) 713-6882
Email: thrivivalacdemy@gmail.com

What Students Will Learn

• Creative writing

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary development

• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation

• Typing and manuscript formatting

• Story structure and character development

• Editing and revision

• Goal setting and follow-through

• Confidence in written communication

Why This Project Matters

Many young people have stories, ideas, and imagination, but they may not always have the structure, support, or confidence to put those ideas into words. This project gives youth a meaningful summer goal: to become the author of their own book.

Through authorship, students learn that their thoughts matter, their voice matters, and their story is worth developing. The finished book becomes more than a writing assignment. It becomes proof that they can start something, work through challenges, and finish something meaningful.

Get Involved

Families can enroll a student for one week, multiple weeks, or the full 11-week project.

Volunteers can support students as tutors, writing mentors, editors, guest speakers, educators, or classroom helpers.

Donors and sponsors can help provide scholarships, writing supplies, snacks, laptops, printing costs, and support for students who may not otherwise be able to participate.

Thrivival Academy is in the planning stages for a transformative new program that will equip even more at-risk youth and their families with a complete, flexible educational solution right here at our Omaha academy. The K-12 Homeschool and Equivalency Pathways Program will operate as a multi-family exempt school and combine full homeschooling (kindergarten through 12th grade), personalized tutoring, and targeted GED preparation (ages 16 and older) into one safe, structured environment. Youth will receive daily supervised academic support and tutoring while continuing to participate in our signature strengths-based activities including Big Unc mentorship, martial arts, entrepreneurship workshops, conflict resolution, life skills, and passion-driven enrichment. Families will choose from integrated pathways designed around each young person's needs and goals: K-12 Homeschool

Pathway:

Personalized academics leading to a homeschool diploma, meeting all Nebraska requirements. Tutoring and Academic Support Pathway: One-on-one and small-group tutoring woven into the daily schedule.

GED Equivalency Pathway:

Focused preparation and testing support in partnership with local adult education providers. By sparking passion through purpose, this program will help young people redirect their natural abilities, re-engage with learning, build unshakeable confidence, and step into a brighter future whether through a homeschool diploma or high school equivalency credential.

We are currently in active development, coordinating exempt-school filings with the Nebraska Department of Education, securing partnerships, preparing personalized learning plans, and ensuring every detail aligns with our mission to reduce risks and foster lasting success. Help Bring This Program to Life Launching the K-12 Homeschool and Equivalency Pathways Program is a major step forward in our commitment to Omaha's at-risk youth and families.

We are actively seeking generous donors, grant partners, foundations, and community supporters to help fund curriculum materials, technology, additional staffing and training, facility updates, and scholarships for participating families. Every contribution, large or small, will directly impact children and teens by giving them the structure, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive instead of just survive.

Interested in supporting this exciting expansion? Contact us today or donate through our Amazon registry or general fund. Together we can make this program a reality and change even more young lives.