#NBWerk Summer To Learn

#NBWerk Summer To Learn. 

What’s up Werk Fam? 

This summer I spent 8 weeks working with youth at the JIC enrichment camp. I was the project manager for the camp and I got to structure the day. We had a small breakfast in the morning, classes, then electives and other activities. 

As you know, we are still in the process of opening Springs Prep. This was a great opportunity to see how effective our system could be. 

I learned a lot that I can implement into SPA and things that I can change. One change would be starting the day with a mentoring session. As the 8 weeks progressed, I added mentoring to the daily routine for students. Affirmations, goal setting, and peer review were tools I used during mentoring. I was excited to see changes in behavior, self-esteem, and confidence. I also noticed that asking students about areas that they can improve led to self-reflection. “I am” statements led to students being more self-aware. Having to speak to the group and offer advice led to confidence. 

My biggest takeaway from the morning mentoring sessions is how they helped students through the day.  After reflecting on goals, I saw students more focused to complete work during class times. Also, students developed a discipline when it came to being distracted. I think starting the day off with mentoring allows students to prepare mentally to learn and grow. So many of us deal with things at home that we may carry into school or work. I feel that having a moment to speak positive affirmations, set goals, and reflect on areas of improvement placed students in a mindset to grow. 

Following a year of e-learning, I was most excited to see kids interacting with each other. Students also experienced music, art, basketball, cooking, educational/amusement park trips. Socially I think this was important. One of the biggest challenges of e-learning was that students are still developing socially. Extra circular activities, such as the ones we did, allowed students to be around peers. They had the freedom to explore different areas, and groups worked together on projects. We saw teamwork skills being developed and leaders emerge. 

Thankful for the opportunity to work with our youth. I will take the things I learned and apply them to more programs as we continue to find ways to engage the youth. I think this time is as important as any, when it comes to kids. To build a better tomorrow start developing the kids today. There are challenges to this but like anything else - God first, AINT NOTHING BUT SOME WERK.! 

Love. 

#NBWerk