Network Summer Program – ASLC Bloomfield Hills

Today was our last day with the children.  We were all excited to go to the beach.  When we arrived at the beach we first played volleyball, charades, and red rover.  Then we enjoyed a delicious barbeque consisting of hotdogs and chips.  After lunch, we headed to the playground for swings, slides, and all around fun.  After the playground, we finally enjoyed a dip in the pool.  The older kids went down the slide many times, while the younger kids enjoyed splishing and splashing.  We all loved the refreshing frozen lemonade and chips.  After the snack, we piled on the bus for our very last ride with the kids.  We had our last laughs and naps with them.  We arrived at PATH and said our tearful goodbyes to the children and presented them a basketball signed with all our names.  We ended the night with a fantastic fajita feast and cupcakes for desert made by Amy’s mom.  This trip has been a blast, it went so fast in our hearts, but it will always last.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

In their own words: What are you going to take home with you?  How has this experience changed you?

Olivia – If I think my life is bad, I should think of other people’s and know that I have it good and better than others.  If people in the worst situations can stay strong then I can.  I have learned to just find reasons to love my life and not think of how I want to change it; to accept and cherish what I am given/have.  I also have learned how to be a role model and that each decision I make can impact someone and can change their view on who I am.

Jen – I will definitely take home a lot of memories.  I will never forget the kids, the things we have done together, and the stories they have told me.  In the beginning of this experience I saw the kids coming from a very different environment than we live in as kind of different from us, but by the end of these two weeks I’ve realized that they are in facet just like us.  We are all kids, and now I feel almost related to them in a way.  I also have opened up during these two weeks to try things that I never would have on my own and have added a new perspective to what I know.

Katie – I think I am going to take home the excitement and energy the kids have every day about camp.  When I was their age, I always dreaded going to camp and couldn’t wait for it to be over.  These kids are always so happy at camp and constantly tell us they don’t want to leave at the end of the day.  I think this trip has allowed me to see how resilient kids are and how they are able to overcome so much.  So many of them have dreams like they want to go to college, become a doctor, design video games, and many others.  I hope these children can accomplish these dreams and not be influenced by negative surroundings.  These children have given me hope.

Katherine – After this experience, I’m definitely going to take home more patience.  Since I have been here, I have learned to be much more patient and understanding of everyone around me no matter who they are.  This experience has changed me in so many ways.  I’ve become a more open person and have learned how to talk to people in a way that means a lot to them.

Susanna – I’m probably going to take home a sense of achievement from coming here and actually seeing a change in the kids I worked with.  This experience has changed me to make me more grateful for what I have in my life (a loving family, a safe home, etc.) and it has made me more aware to other people’s needs.

Meg – It has really opened my eyes to the difference in lifestyles.  We always hear about it, but seeing it in real life is so different.  I will never take anything for granted after seeing how some necessities are not given to all and how valuable they actually are.  It has had such an immense impact on my I can’t even comprehend it.

Kate – I will take home pictures and memories from the 2 weeks with the kids and our high school group.  I feel more patient and willing to adapt to help kids.  I no longer feel intimidated by kids who misbehave either.  It would be easier to just pass them off to another helper, but I would much rather get to know them and what I can do to stop their bad behavior and let them have a good time.

Julianne – This trip has taught me that each child in some way is so unique and how far a little love can go.  Just spending time or playing a simple game (like duck duck goose) means the world to the Pontiac kids.  I have learned to become more open and outgoing because once the kids knew I trusted and really wanted to be with them, they opened up as well.  I will take home the thoughts of their laughter and smiles as it is obvious that being here, interacting, and have fun with these kids truly means so much.

Kileen – I am going to take home the new friendships I have made.  I have changed by growing more patient and the kids taught me to not care what other people think and to just be me.

Jackie – I’m going to take home a lot of patience from these two weeks.  I feel that I have changed in many different ways; I listen more carefully to the kids, and I have gained more respect for teachers.

Myriam – I’m taking good friendships and warm cherishing memories.  I have changed my attitude a lot.  I feel like these kids have opened my eyes to reality and really helped me to have a new mindset in life.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

This morning Lindsey got used to our schedule, while some of the girls got used to new groups. We played basketball, made red, white and blue pudding, and the Ducks had a picnic outside.  After lunch, we took a group picture and watched A Bug’s Life in anticipation of The Music Man’s arrival.  With the music man, we danced, played new instruments, and sang songs.  After a fun filled day we dropped the kids off back home & headed off to Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers played the Baltimore Orioles & we WON!  It was a very enjoyable day! ROAR! GO TIGERS!

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

Today was our first regular schedule day with Lindsey.  She was able to partake in the full Sacred Heart camp experience.  Week two of camp started with a new activity schedule and different camp groups for some.  Some of the activities today at camp were dodge ball, playground, archery, and making chocolate dipped pretzels into sparklers.  After lunch, we headed off to the Detroit Science Center.  Everyone enjoyed the interactive recycling show and the sparks electricity show.  The kids loved all the exhibits where they were really able to play hands on such as water rockets, static electricity (Julianne!!), musical instruments, and seeing many race cars.  We ended the day off with an amazing Arabic dinner at Amy’s parents’ house.  We devoured the delicious hoho ice cream cake!!!!

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

As we were woken up by our new comer Lindsey, we were looking forward to a full day at the zoo.  When the kids arrived at school, we played board games for about half an hour before heading out to the Detroit Zoo.  Once we departed the bus at the zoo, we were welcomed by extreme heat and no breeze.  Armed with a child in one hand and a water bottle in the other, we attacked the zoo with full force.  Our presence was known from the beginning.  Despite the heat, the kids were still excited to see their favorite animals.  Another attraction at the zoo besides the animals was the water misters that cooled us off.  Highlights of the zoo were the lions, red pandas, zebras, flamingos, polar bears, peacocks, penguins, gorillas, and prairie dogs.  At lunch time, we enjoyed some dances by Everado and Tizaria and playing on the playground.  We wrapped the day up with taking naps on the ride home on the bus.  Our evening was spent at Natalie, Chris, Hannah, Nick, and Olivia’s house.  We had a great time tubing and swimming.  We ended our day with eating berry pie and cream puffs.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

Happy 4^th of July from Michigan!

Well, it was another sleeping in late day which everyone enjoyed.  We started our day off by going to church.  After church, we headed back to Sacred Heart to enjoy a lunch made up of Mac and Cheese, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.  We then had a little bit of down time before heading into Birmingham to go see movies.  Some people headed to see Toy Story 3 in 3D, while others ventured off to see Eclipse the Twilight Saga.  After the movies, we headed back to Sacred Heart to get ready for Monday.  Some people made lunches, some people planned reflection, and others had a little bit of down time.  Once the daily duties were all done, we met to figure out groups for the week and our zoo partners.  Before we knew it, it was time to head out to dinner at Sandy and Alan’s house.  We had a delicious dinner followed by a great fireworks display.  It was an enjoyable 4^th of July even though we were all away from home.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

We were able to sleep in today for the first time. We said good-bye to Sandy. Then we went gallivanting around Great Lakes Crossing. We shopped till we dropped. We all bought Michigan sweatshirts. Had lunch. Took pictures. Went on a rollercoaster. Tried on prom dresses. And ended up with so many bags in our hands, but still sad in hearts because Sandy left. After we were really sad, we saw Lindsey’s face and our hearts filled with warmth, joy, and excitement. We came home, ate pizza, played sardines, and watched movies. We had a lot of fun at the mall for a bunch of hours. Thank you Amy for taking us to the mall and patiently waiting for us.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

In their own words:  What has made the most impact on you this week?

Olivia – When I see Myles laugh and smile; especially when I laugh so hard with him.  Whenever I’m with him, he is not just a kid that I’m taking care of, but actually a good friend of mine.

Jackie – Building a relationship with all of the kids, and getting to know them better each day.  I feel like these kids have already changed me in so many ways.  I have a better understanding of what they go through in their lives; it makes me appreciate all that I have and all that I have to offer them.

Kate – The explorers!  They are different than the kids, in my area, I babysit and they have allowed me to see similarities and differences between kids who have grown up in Lake Forest and kids who have grown up in Pontiac.

Jennifer – Seeing how sad the kids were to leave us these past couple of days.  I know that I always love going home, so to see that they would rather stay with us was really touching.  Also, having one-on-one conversations with some of the kids and forming relationships has made an impact on me as well.

Susanna – Personally, working with the children from PATH has made the most impact.  Being able to make a difference in the daily lives of these kids, no matter how small of a difference it is, makes me feel like I’m actually doing something worthwhile.

Meg – The “twins,” Jeremiah, and Kaleb.  They are 2 and 3 years old.  I love making them laugh and playing with them.  They are only kids and deserve to have the same opportunities as all the rest.  They are so innocent it’s hard to listen to snippets of things their parents say and they repeat at camp.

Myriam – How all of the boys can easily clique and be with everybody and the girls up to this day it’s hard to make them talk to everybody else.

Julianne – Seeing the Pontiac children’s faces each day.  They laugh and giggle at almost everything.  The Pontiac children cherish the attention and love we give them, which you can really see light up in their faces.  To me, seeing that we can truly brighten up their day and make even a little difference through their joy has made the most impact.

Kileen – Meeting Deon because he is someone that everybody can look up to in different ways.

Katie – I loved playing with Tizaria and Tizariona, who are 4-year-old girl twins.  While they are a handful at times with running in museums and not using indoor voices, their excitement at the littlest things like chocolate pudding and story time makes it all worthwhile.  They have made me an even more patient and caring person.

Katherine – Seeing the kids smile.  It makes me feel so great to know that I am making them so happy, even through the littlest things like choosing them in “Duck, Duck, Goose” or holding their hands.  Hearing their giggles and running feet every morning as we await them in the classroom, and seeing them ask to sleep over with us makes me feel so happy and like I am really making a difference in their summer.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

Our day began with prayer in our meeting classroom so we could feel their presence in the room while we were waiting for them.

Today, the Discovery camp children, who are pre-K through 2^nd grade, started their day off in the blue gym playing duck duck goose and tag.  Then the kids went to cooking to make a necklace to decorate their necks with fruit loops and cheerios.  After that, they went to music to create their own song while clapping with rhythm sticks and rests.   Before lunch, they played with the parachute.  Some games were cat and mouse and popcorn. Then the discovery kids went to lunch and enjoyed sandwiches, chips, and lemonade made by the high school volunteers.

After lunch, we all headed downstairs to the meeting room to enjoy a book read by Myriam, the birthday girl.  And then the kids excitedly hopped onto the bus looking forward to going on a nature trail and interacting with live animals.  Once the kids got to the nature center they were greeted by turtles, snakes, and stuffed animals.  They enjoyed watching a movie.  The younger kids watched The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  The older kids learned about the life cycle.  The children also got a live hands-on experience with snakes, turtles, and toads.  They even got to touch them!  During the nature walk the kids found snails, butterflies, and mulberries.  They got to taste them fresh off the trail.  At the end of the day, a couple of kids had to be coerced to get off of the bus because they didn’t want to leave and wanted to have a sleep over with us.

Evening came around and we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Beau Jacks provided by Mary Lou and Gary including a birthday celebration for Myriam.  After the scrumptious meal, we headed back to Mary Lou and Gary’s house to enjoy cake, playing cards, and watching TV.  The evening was a cherry on top to a wonderful day spent with the Pontiac and Sacred Heart children.

Happy Birthday Myriam!!

Below are some pictures of our adventures…

Since we were locked out of the classroom today, we waited for the kids outside.  The camp is broken down into three age groups.  Ducks are ages 2 to 4.  Discovery is Pre-k to 2^nd grade.  Explorers are 3^rd grade to 6^th grade.

The Ducks played inside cooking and playing with trains and cars.  Then we went outside and played on the playground.   We came back inside for arts and crafts, sand, and play dough.  For lunch, we had a change of pace and went for a picnic outside before heading out for our field trip.

We took a nice 45 minute bus ride eager to go pick strawberries at Blake’s Orchard.  When we got there we took a choo choo train to the strawberry fields and the kids were hopping in their seats with excitement.  The kids each picked a pint of strawberries and headed back on the train for an afternoon snack of apple cider and donuts.  To end the day, we went in the barnyard and got to see bunnies, llamas, goats, ducks, and pigs.  And then we played water duck races, trike races, and watched the Mr. Bones show.

We had a nice relaxing delicious dinner with Mary Jo and Chip.  We look forward to tomorrow’s adventures.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…