South Mountain ‘Blasts Off’ to School

south mountain ‘blasts off’ to school. phoenix. a blast–kids line up for a turn in one of the bounce houses as part of an afternoon full of food, fun and prizes hosted by the phoenix so. mountain corps. approximately 250 kids spent an exciting friday afternoon recently at the phoenix south mountain corps and community center, where they were treated to a “back-to-school blast-off” they won’t soon forget. the children had all attended the mark west basketball camp at the community center this summer. shirley durham, director of the corps’ full-time preschool, planned and organized the festival. donations provided a large meal and snack food, three large bounce houses for play, prizes, a pinata, martial arts and dance demonstrations, and a backpack full of school supplies for each child. “this is fun!” was heard repeatedly during the three-hour event. “these kids generally come from homes that might not otherwise be able to provide needed school supplies,” stated commanding officer lt. robert reardon who, with his wife lt. amanda reardon, are in charge of phoenix south mountain. “the entertainment and activities are also a special treat. what’s been done here makes a difference to these kids.”.