Its not stress from not being prepared. I've had plenty of time to get ready for these, but this is just stress and nerves I get before anything I do. I would get it every summer right before Summer Clubs and Day Camps. I'm always prepared for them, but since I don't know the kids I'll be working with, there is always that little apprehension sitting in the back of my mind... playing Devil's Advocate....
BUT I must work through that, and once more unto the breach, dear friends...
My afterschool program is right around the corner. The sessions start on April 8th, but since mine is a Thursday class, I won't start until April 11th. That is just two weeks away! I feel like I have so much to do still, but really I don't. I've written my outline for the whole course. I've written a skeleton lesson plan for each day. I've made a list of materials I will need for all the projects and activities. The only thing I have left to do is pick out which icebreakers I will be doing with the youth. I'm actually really excited for this. I'm making sure to keep really good notes so this is something that can be continued in the future. Maybe we'll get some Afterschool program interns or something. That would be cool.
For the Summer Gardening Series, I'm working on the youth portion. I've got an outline all ready. Next I have to do the lesson plants, and put together a list of supplies. That should be easy enough. Just a little time consuming. I also have to figure out how long my sessions are so I can plan accordingly. The hardest part of this gardening series is that the youth in it have ranged from ages three to twelve. So there is definitely a learning gap. I've had to try to find activities that both younger and older youth can get into to. Sometimes that can be particularly difficult. I think however, I have found some activities that will be engaging for all; they are hands on, simple enough for a kindergartner to do, yet complex enough for an older youth to have something to think through. .... if that makes sense.
I'm on a new campaign to make YAC a stronger group. I'm working on getting the word out there. As I was cleaning out a file drawer yesterday, I came across some surveys that were sent out to general leaders last year. I found a suggestion on one of them that I really like, and as far as I can tell was never put into action. So I will be working on making displays, handouts, and brochures advertising what YAC is and encouraging youth to participate. I've gotten a few suggestions from my YAC members of people they think might be interested in this. I'm going to send them a person invitation to our next meeting. Hopefully that turns into something! I'm also going to challenge each of my YAC kids to bring at least one friend to the meeting. I'm trying to boost it. I hope I am successful in my endeavor.
Hmm... what else has been going on. YAC did make some Easter baskets to deliver to the local hospital for youth who are stuck in there during this holiday. I hope we made the day of some of them! Here is a picture!
I think its pretty exciting!
Some of my other projects didn't pan out so well. That is ok, live and learn.
Well I think that is about all. I guess I'll go back to my 4-H work now.
Until then!
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