The Liberty Township community recently welcomed Tracy Jordan and staff members with open arms at the newly open Happy Campers Learning Center North Campus.
Tracy Jordan (right) welcomed friends and community members to spend their lunch breaks at Happy Campers Learning Center North Campus Feb. 5 in Liberty Township. Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber
“Tracy’s a jewel, and her vision is obvious,” said Word and Music Ministry’s pastor Duane Turnage. “This vision is far beyond just opening a daycare. It is a collaboration to touch the lives of these children who need an atmosphere and a community and people like Tracy,”
Jordan hosted a grand opening at the daycare center Wednesday alongside the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Liberty Township trustees Arnie Clayborne and Greg Cizmar.
“Thank you so much for believing in us and sharing our vision and coming here to celebrate with us,” Jordan said. “We are looking forward to a phenomenal 2025 with our children.”
Guests on their lunch break attending the grand opening got to experience a day at camp, complete with s’mores and slider hamburgers.
“On behalf of the chamber of commerce, this is an example of someone who is in our community making this a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mark Kholis. “We’re so thankful for what she’s done over the years with the children and future children who are examples of our future leaders in our community. The seeds are being planted at an early age.”
“I know her facility has not only met the requirements needed, but has exceeded those requirements,” he added.
“From Pre-K to gray”
(left to right) Tracy Jordan, Stephanie Gilchrist and Genita Johnson speaking at the grand opening of Happy Campers Learning Center North Campus in Liberty Township. Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Many of Jordan’s family members, friends and community supporters spoke about her dedication over the last 25 years to helping children, including Stephanie Gilchrist.
“This just confirms that you’re in the right place at the right time, because there’s so much opportunity for our kids to grow,” Gilchrist said. “Serving our great city as economic development director, I must tell you, this vision here fits what we want to see from Pre-K to gray, and that our community needs more love and attention.”
Genita Johnson, Jordan’s daughter, is the administrator of the Happy Campers Learning Center in Youngstown.
“This new facility allows us to serve even more families and provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can learn and thrive,” Johnson said. “We’re committed to maintaining our high standards and look forward to welcoming new families here in many more years of happy campers.”
The daycare is inside Word and Music Ministry, located at 1451 Churchill-Hubbard Road.
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 5:03 AM.
