Kidsplosion
(Photo : Kidsplosion)

Carlena Evans, daughter of Good Times co-creator and The Jeffersons actor Mike Evans, knows a few things about following dreams. In fact, it was following one particular dream that led Evans to create Kidsplosion.

"One morning in 2009, around 4:00 am, God showed me Kidsplosion," Evans explains. "I'm grateful I was chosen, and grateful I had the guts, determination, and strength to actually follow through on what I was shown."

What Evans created was a place where kids can explore their interests and develop the natural talent that she believes all kids possess. Through courses, camps, workshops, and in-depth programming, Kidspolion allows kids to dive in deep into what they love to do most. 

Discover and Display 

Founded in 2009, Kidsplosion has grown exponentially over the past decade. From their first Summer Camp in Riverdale, GA to their second, Kidsplosion quadrupled in size. In 2014, the company expanded into Gwinnett County, GA, offering programs in multiple facilities throughout the county, which continues to grow each year. 

Focusing on helping kids and teens develop skills that can someday translate into a possible career, the program has offerings that run the gamut from hair and makeup design to construction. Evans believes every child has God-given talent that must be shared.

"Every child is born with natural abilities," explains Evans, "talent and abilities that are given to us for free." These natural abilities have become the focus of Kidsplosion's wealth of programs. 

Under one roof, kids and teens can take classes or enjoy multi-faceted summer camps. The company even hosts events and birthday parties, and also offers private and public K-12 schools a curriculum, allowing those institutions to bring creative, talent-enhancing schoolwork to thousands of additional students. 

After the discovery and development of talents and gifts comes the time to display them. Kidsplosion gives all of its enrollees opportunities to show off what they've learned through Kidsplosion Entertainment, providing kids who cook, dance, sing, or act a place to show off their talents. Through television shows, radio shows, and sports events, the kids and teens involved with Kidsplosion can be celebrated just as any talented adult might be.

The company vision has even included creating an amusement and retail complex called Kidsplosion City. The "city" features a theme park with rides, activities exploring various career options, a youth-inspired shopping center, a science center, and an activity center. 

A Modern Day Robin Hood

The Kidsplosion vision has even begun to spread worldwide, beginning with its 2016 incorporation in Ghana. "It should not be money that is in the way of discovering and developing a child's abilities," explains Evans. She views her company as a modern-day Robin Hood operation, offering programs to areas of privilege and using that money to bring programs to areas where children are less fortunate. 

"I quickly learned that Kidsplosion is even more needed in impoverished areas," says Evans, "because in those areas, children have no idea how valuable and talented they are. All of their energy is often focused solely on survival."

Incorporating in Dubai was a no-brainer for Evans, given its proximity to less-privileged areas such as certain African countries or India. She hopes that with the support of places like Dubai, she can spread the Kidsplosion idea to more regions - and more children - who need it. 

"The beauty of Kidsplosion is that every single child on the planet is included, not just children who can take part in any of our paid programs," Evans explains. "All proceeds from any of our programs go directly toward providing the same services for children in underprivileged areas."

Getting the Community Involved 

Wherever Kidsplosion ventures, they look to get community leaders involved to mentor and teach kids, helping foster their career goals and creative interests. They work closely with industry professionals and leaders to help kids and teens understand that any career goal they may have is achievable. 

"As we continue to grow and expand, our support will continue to reach more underprivileged children," says Evans. 

Evans takes a lot of inspiration from her late father's "can do" attitude. In addition to co-creating one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1970s, he built his own home by hand in the California desert - drilling for his own water supply and wiring his own electricity. That ingenuity, creativity, and drive runs through Evans' veins.

Evans knows that her creation, Kidsplosion, has long-lasting, global potential. She looks forward to seeing it grow in the coming years and continue to impact communities large and small.

"Kidsplosion has limitless growth potential," Evans says. "We continue to obtain new partnerships in various cities, countries, schools, and organizations. We will continue to live out our global purpose of ensuring that all youth and teens alike are thriving within their gifts and abilities."