FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 5, 2025
TIFTON, Ga. – To wrap up the 2025 summer season, Tifton is celebrating how multiple departments poured hours of compassion and mentorship into different events benefiting the youth of the community over the last few months.
The Tifton Fire Department hosted a week-long Junior Fire Academy from July 21st through 25th. Tifton Fire created daily programs and lessons for the twelve attendees of the academy, making memories that will last for lifetimes. Activities involved shadowing of Tifton firefighters in-action on a practice vehicle fire, a ride in the ladder truck to see Tifton from above, a surprise visit from the Air Evacuation Life Team, fire extinguisher training, CPR & First Aid and much more.
The Tift Theatre for Performing Arts hosted a three-week camp from July 7th through July 26th for twenty-seven children in total. During the camp, the children learned about theatre and rehearsed DreamWorks Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. The children performed the musical on July 25th and 26th for their families and the public at the Tift Theatre.
Interim City Manager Larry Lawrence reflects, “It is such a powerful thing to see, as our City departments show so much passion for the youth in our community.”
The Anthony Bateman Youth Center welcomed nine students to the Tifton Youth Council through an orientation training on July 24th. Their orientation included a day packed full of discussions about city values, potential service projects, visits from the Interim City Manager and Mayor, and team bonding. Led by Dr. Tonja Tift, Tifton’s Youth Programs Director, the students gained knowledge and experiences that will allow them to benefit the Tifton community as Youth Council programs begin this school year.
In addition, the Tifton Police Department, Fire Department and City Hall represented Tifton at the Conger LP Gas Hometown Heroes Event on July 24th. There, Tifton PD, Fire and City Hall set up tables to welcome children and to teach them about their very own town’s hometown heroes.
Citizens may have seen the City’s Facebook post on July 19th captioned, “Teamwork makes the dream work!” that referred to Tifton city leaders attending a meeting on July 18th hosted by 8th Street and Northeast Middle Schools. This meeting was about collaborative efforts between the middle schools and community partners of the Tift County School System.
Looking back, the Tifton Urban Forestry Department kicked off the summer by leading a Tree Planting at Tift County High School and also a work day for students in the spring, teaching them about Tifton’s Urban Tree Canopy.
And in June, the Bateman Youth Center hosted the Law Trek children’s course and camp that taught children about local government. This course featured classroom lessons and visits from the Mayor of Tifton, Julie Smith, and a police officer from the Tifton Police Department.
Looking forward, the Bateman Youth Center chose to reschedule their Back to School Bash to Saturday, August 8th from 3-6PM due to the extreme heat last week. The original date of the Bash was July 29th. Although the dates have changed, the offerings remain the same – a live DJ, Bouncy Houses, Face Painting, Water Slides, and more. All children are welcome. The Back to School Bash will still be held at the Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center, located at 511 17th St West in Tifton.
The City of Tifton is dedicated to the wellness, progress and safety of our youth. To learn more about the City of Tifton, please visit www.tifton.net
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