As my project comes to an end.

I'm actually pretty bummed thinking that my project is coming to an end. This means I won't be going back to the center very often. Even some of the kids I became friends with at the center are sad. As the school year started coming to an end they'd ask if I'd keep coming back. I had to say no, but I also said I will come visit whenever possible. A lot of the kids at the center became close friends.

Staff building relationships with kids.

It's ideal for the staff to become close friends with the kids. This is because if staff befriend the kids, then they can be a mentor and a positive influence on kids. So the staff can be there for the kids and get them to join programs they normally wouldn't and even engage with others they normally wouldn't. This is really incredible and something I see everyday at my mentorship.

Staff keep kids coming back

Staff are just as important as the programs themselves. If the staff provide poor service, then kids won't come back. if kids don't come back, then it's impossible to support them and all is lost. Staff are what keep kids coming back.

Benefits of health programs

Through health programs kids can develop healthy habits to carry with them for the rest of their life. If kids don't learn healthy habits at school or at home its up to after school programs to teach them. This in turn can lead to healthier generations in the future. These programs impact a lot!

kids getting older

A common goal among programs is to target kids of all ages with all kinds of wants and needs. There should be a program for everyone that can truly benefit the participant. Variety plays an important role in successful centers.

Plans to start my own program

I plan on starting a summer program at the center for p90x. This will give kids the chance to experience this expensive work out program and be more healthy over the summer for free.

Carnival Today

Today there was a carnival at De Anza Park it was pretty cool. There were lots of festivities and performances.

Pretty cool stuff

Research that I came across a long time ago by Afterschool Alliance still amazes me. Kids in afterschool programs can influence the work force. If parents at work know their kids are safe in an afterschool program then thry'll be more productive while working because they have nothing to worry about.

Cinco De Mayo

The park was packed and there were all kinds of festivities going on.

Tasty treats

These kids just cane in from playing basketball or dodge ball to eat a healthy snack. Todays snack was granola bars, an apple and orange juice.