Kids Club made its return in 2022 – after a covid hiatus. The theme this year was service – transitioning from being served, to serving. Youth did just that with a series of projects that included making cards for residents at a nearby senior living community, creating tie blankets for an organization serving those experiencing homelessness, and building a Little Free Library. The final service project will be done at a local community garden.
The highlight of the program was Family Night during the April session that allowed whole families to be involved. Families serving families. One group of families cleaned and spray painted 15 neighborhood storm drains and collected garbage bags of leaves and natural waste. Ten families made plates and cookies to share with their neighbors – a great way to meet new neighbors. Another group of families made 100 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project, which provides sandwiches to those experiencing food insecurity in our neighborhood. One parent said “I loved the Family Night because I got to interact with other families and my kids.”
Rolling up our sleeves and demonstrating servant leadership with youth and families was in direct response to everything our community has seen over the last few years. We look forward to what comes next as we listen and develop responsive programming.