Programs
S.E.A.
Student Enrichment in the Arts (S.E.A.)
This is an after-school program provided in area elementary schools in Franklin and Bedford Counties. About 15 students in each school participate.
SML Good Neighbors began S.E.A. programs in January of 2014 beginning with an eight-week theater session, partnering with various theater companies.
If you would like to bring this program to your school, please email director@smlgoodneighbors.org.
Summer Enrichment Day Camps
A four-week, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. program in both Bedford and Franklin Counties. Approximately 120 - 175 students participate in each county. Students are rising 1st – 6th graders. The program provides academic mentoring plus enrichments in nature education, peace education, global education and the arts. Elementary School students in some Bedford County and Franklin County elementary schools now attend this program for their Summer School education in partnership with the public school systems.
Campers participate in hands-on activities that make learning fun. Special events like Imagination Day and Water Day add to the spirit of the program along with our reading buddies who do a wonderful job fostering a love for reading and learning through example and mentorship with the campers. Our students attend an educational field trip for nature education.
Through arts education, campers also have the opportunity to showcase what they've learned the last day of the program for the other campers.
The primary facilitators of this program are our summer teaching staff interns. They are carefully selected college students from around the world. To learn more about these leadership development internships, please visit our Internship page.
Registration for this program typically begins in March of each year through partnering schools.
Weekend Bags
Our program provides weekend bags filled with food and a free book to help fill nutritional gaps during the summer weekends through our summer camp program.
Each week, students also choose a free book to take home and keep, which is included in their weekend bags.
Our dedicated volunteers come biweekly to pack these bags. We also partner with Food For Kids and Lake Christian Ministries, along with many community supporters, to make our weekend bag program possible. Food For Kids generously provides us with food storage space and a packing location.
Other recent charity partners include Food Lion, Charlene Jones, The Coves at SML, and the Monogram Loves Kids Foundation. Thank you, community friends, we couldn’t do this without you!
Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, to learn, and to grow. We believe in the potential of every child and the impact of investing in their future.
Internships
College students are recruited through a competitive process. Successful candidates work for eight weeks during summers as the primary teachers for our students. The purpose of this program is to give college students leadership development opportunities and vocational exploration. Our long-term objective is that many of these summer teachers will pursue careers as teachers, non-profit leaders and other areas of service to people who may be left behind without assistance from dedicated, committed professionals.
We invite you to become part of our community for a summer of work, fellowship, personal growth and transformation as you help us serve over 250 elementary school children in the Good Neighbors Summer Enrichment Day Camps in the Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia area.
Application process begins Nov. 1, 2025
Nancy Horton Scholarship
SML Good Neighbors established this scholarship program to support our students pursuing educational opportunities after high school. Nancy Horton, a long time volunteer and supporter, pledged matching funds to launch SML Good Neighbors’ Nancy Horton Scholarship, benefiting students who have participated in SML Good Neighbors’ programs and who wish to further their education after high school by attending trade school, community college or a 4-year institution.
SML Good Neighbors will provide scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have participated in our programs. A selection committee will determine which applicants are selected as recipients of the scholarships.
Requirements to apply:
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Applicant must have participated in a SML Good Neighbors' program (as a student or volunteer).
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Applicant must be a senior in high school.
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Applicant must have applied to a trade school, community college or 4-year institution to pursue post high school education.
Apply online at www.smlgoodneighbors.org under the Programs page.
If you need assistance completing the application or have questions, please contact Lisa Lietz by email at director@smlgoodneighbors.org or by text/phone at (540) 238-0102.
Method of selection:
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Applicants may be notified for an interview.
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Recipients will be selected by May 1st.
Scholarship Amount:
Scholarship amounts vary from year to year. Typical range is $1,300 - $3,000.
Information for scholarship recipients:
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Recipients will be honored at Good Neighbors Day in May 2026, as well as at Senior Awards if applicable.
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Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the school or institution that the recipient is enrolled in after the recipient provides proof of enrollment.
Applications will open November 1, 2025
Little Library
The Little Library is now at Moneta Park!
Moneta Park
4229 Rucker Rd
Moneta, VA 24121
WELCOME TO THE
SML GOOD NEIGHBORS, INC.
LITTLE LIBRARY!
Directions:
Help yourself to a few books.
Love them? Keep them!
If not, please return for someone else to read and love.
Close “The Little Library” door.
Come back often to see our latest selection of books! Enjoy!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A DONATION DROP OFF. DO NOT DONATE ANY ITEMS HERE. THANK YOU!
