LAMP Life Centered Ministries,Inc.

LiveLong Health and Wellness Summer Youth Program

Summer Youth Program 2009

We followed a schedule of events that allowed flexibility. We participated in the summer food service program sponsored by the Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership. Breakfast and lunch was served daily to 30-35 children under the age of 18 years old. This was a great summer and we know that it was enjoyable for everyone who participated.

Our schedule of activities began with group discussions. At the beginning of our program the group set rules and guidelines and discussed the desired outcomes. This was also our meet and greet time. Each person had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their interest and introduce the others in the group. They really enjoyed this time because it allowed them the opportunity to meet and greet their peers and see what they had in common with each other, while developing social skills. We later introduced role playing with going to a new school and meeting new people, we talked about how to start a conversation and resolving conflict. It was during our morning discussions that we did positive affirmations and public speaking, increasing self esteem and building self confidence. Throughout the day new words were introduced and someone would say "new word" and we would ask what it meant and they would get the dictionary to look the word up and share the meaning. This exercise provided an opportunity to increase their vocabulary.

The next 90 minutes was devoted to exercise. We would walk, go to the gym, play kick ball, volleyball, basketball, circle games, jump rope, aerobics, gardening in pots, line dancing, and art by Roea.

After lunch, was our literacy hour. We read books, had spelling bees, math quizzes, writing poetry and stories, played jeopardy, leadership training, teambuilding exercises, strategy and planning sessions, and health and wellness tips.

At the last 30 minutes of our day was reflection time and writing in our journals. This gave the youth an opportunity to write and express themselves and really say what they got out of the day.

We enjoyed several field trips, food days, and celebrations. We went to the Waterfront Park, Atlantis Water Park, Lunch dates out, and to the Library.

We brought in several guest speakers who talked about leadership, fire safety, goals, self-esteem, health and wellness, physical exercise, making the right choices, nutrition, and team building exercises.

A special thanks to Judy Schroeder and Metro United Way for funding our program. Thanks to C.A.R.R. for partnering with LAMP to help make our summer program a success; thanks to Taylor for being our high school mentor for the youth, they loved Taylor; thanks to Ms. Lucille Leggett for spending time with us and showing us the garden and walking us through her neighbohood; special thanks to Ms. Sheila Turner who came from work every morning and volunteered her time and never missed a day; thanks to all of our volunteers, parents, LAMP, and everyone who shared in this great summer program. We learned so much and made new friends. What an awesome summer!