A summer full of hope at KidWorks

This year summer programs at KidWorks might not look like our traditional summer programs due to COVID-19 —but they are filled with fun and hope, two things all students can benefit from. Programs run from July 6 through the 17th and will be run virtually to ensure the safety of our campers, staff and volunteers.

Our 2020 summer theme is “Camp Hope,” which reflects our deep belief and faith that our hope at all times is ultimately with and in Jesus.  That’s not new; our summer programs have always had a strong component of Bible study and other faith-growing experiences.

As you might expect, our plans are for a virtual summer session conducted entirely online.  That does present certain challenges, since many of the families we serve have limited access to technology, including the Internet, computers and laptops. We are finding creative and flexible ways to address this issue.  

During Camp Hope, KidWorks will provide programs/activities for both students and their families.  Food distribution and wellness checks will continue to take place in conjunction with summer camp. 

Here’s a snapshot of what Camp Hope will look like during the session:

Kindergarten through fifth grade 

Each day will be packed with wonderful experiences for our youngsters.

The theme for Week 1 is “Personal Hope” and  Week 2’s theme is “Hope for the community/world.”  These support the umbrella theme of “Hope & Resilience.”

The Bible study aspect will help the kids focus on this key verse from Romans 15:13: 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…”

Each day will have a specific focus area: 

• Monday:  Lesson Launch  

• Tuesday:  Fit videos and a fitness challenge posted online so students can follow along remotely. Small Group Review breakout sessions, which will include a bingo game featuring high-frequency words (words that occur most often, such as “the,” “it,” etc.), Geography Jeopardy, math multiplication contests, and more.

• Wednesday:  Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Activity, as well as a focus on art that alternates with science experiments.

• Thursday:  Recap/Food Distribution 

• Friday: Fun Day

Youth

These students will meet online three times a week with a focus on social/emotional development.   Included will be ample time for our youth to bond and get to know each other better.

Activities will include a large weekly online gathering at each of our four centers, formatted for socializing and re-energizing, as well as small online gatherings twice a week, grouped by site/grade level. 

“Like all young people today, the youth in our program face a very challenging time,” says Melissa Garcia, a Program Leader at our Dan Donahue Center.  “For this reason, our summer youth program will play a pivotal role where the youth can have deep discussions about what’s on their minds through our Taboo Talks breakouts.”

Adds Melissa, “Activities will include weekly gatherings, real conversations, movie and game nights, and more.  We urge all youth enrolled in our programs to fully take part.”  

College​

KidWorks college students will have virtual gatherings to bond and prepare for the academic year ahead.  The class of 2020 high school seniors will be included in this group.  

The major component of our summer college program is a four week program, running July 9-30, called “College2Career.”  It is being entirely led and sponsored by PIMCO, who define themselves as “one of the world’s leading premier fixed income investment managers.”

The specific focus for each week will be:

• Week 1 -- College/Career Panel and Mentoring sessions.

• Week 2 -- Leading the Conversation: Communication, presentation and soft skills, the importance of personal brand.

• Week 3 — Financial literacy & budgeting

• Week 4 — Managing Your Future:  Time management Skills, managing the college transition, priorities and your future career.

“PIMCO has been an amazing KidWorks partner, committed to helping our students achieve those dreams,” says Erika Sanchez, our College and Career Coordinator.  “For instance, in 2018, they generously sponsored a hands-on learning workshop at their offices for 23 of our fourth and fifth graders where the kids learned computer coding and even developed their own video games.”

Adds SueLynn Kim, KidWorks’ Partnership and Donor Relations Coordinator: “PIMCO has walked alongside KidWorks students for close to a decade.  During a time when every industry is encouraged to think innovatively and creatively, we are so grateful that PIMCO employees are finding ways to virtually engage with their community.  Our high school and college students have the pleasure and honor of participating in PIMCO’s virtual College2Career series, which will not only provide direction and resources for college and career success but also allow our students to connect with professionals who truly care for their wellbeing.  We are so appreciative of our continued partnership with PIMCO.” 

Parents

For the first time, parent classes and activities will be offered virtually/online over the summer.  The Parent Advisory Council is busy surveying the families served by KidWorks to gather their input on what classes and activities they would find to be the most meaningful. 

We have every confidence that our summer “Camp Hope” program will be a complete and total “virtual” success for our students and their parents.  Look for an August eNews update that recaps all the fun.

Look for an in-depth recap of the summer experience at KidWorks later this season.  In the meantime, we will build on our past summer traditions with additional “just for 2020” stimulating, safe and uplifting activities for our students.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

How A Field Trip Sparked A Passion For Marine Biology

Hello, KidWorks supporter!  It’s still a couple of months away, but KidWorks is busy planning a fabulous summer 2018 for the thousands of students you help us serve.  Oscar Mateo’s story is one of many we are delighted to share over the coming weeks.  At the end of this story, you can learn how YOU can make summer 2018 shine bright for students like Oscar.

Who would have thought a fun day at the beach would help me decide on a career!

But that’s exactly what happened last year when KidWorks treated me and a few dozen other youth to a day of learning and fun on the sand at the beach.  We did all the things you’d expect—made sand castles, took surfing lessons and tossed around a Frisbee.   

But while exploring the tide pools, we also got a lesson about the importance of protecting our oceans and the life within.  That’s when I began thinking to myself, “I might want to become a marine biologist.”  Now I am passionate about everything related to the ocean. 

You probably don't realize the impact that KidWorks summer has on my life.  As a high school student, KidWorks’ summer programs have really made those months when school is out more meaningful for me than ever before.  Instead of sitting around the house watching TV, my summer is packed with three months of keeping on track academically, making new friends, career field trips, and fun.  Trying new things has helped me build confidence with both my peers and adults.

But KidWorks can’t make summer programs possible without financial support from friends like you.  I know it’s only April, but your gift now will let me and hundreds of other children and youth attend KidWorks summer programs and camp.

Here’s how:

Farm Fresh Fun at the OC Fair

If you happen to be a fourth grader, you’re probably very astute when it comes to evaluating field trips.  So it’s definitely a ringing endorsement when our young students give such high marks to their recent complimentary visit to the Orange County Fair.

“This was the best field trip I’ve ever been on!” says Zuleima.

Added first grader Ashley, “My pizza was so good!”

In late July, 200 of our students in kindergarten through fifth grade spent the day at the fair, joined by staff and 22 volunteers, including several of our older students.  Several of the older students served as a buddy to a younger students during the day.

For some of the kids, this was their first time going to a fair or amusement park so this outing was a special treat. The students also got to pet farm animals, dance to music, visit Centennial Farm, and learn through exhibits including a salute to the military at the Veterans.  These and other similar experiences are some of the special features provided by our summer programs with support from our community partners.

“We are so grateful to the Orange County Fair officials for providing the tickets at no cost to our students and for giving each of them a $30 credit for games and food,” says Rachel Cervantes, a Program Leader at our KidWorks Dan Donahue Center.  “Each child was also thrilled to receive a pass valid for three rides.”

Rachel says the kids’ day was packed with fun from start to finish.

“They rode a roller coaster and sky lift, won plush toys and cooled down in a water fountain--all while keeping their energy level up with pizza, and ice cream!” she says. 

KidWorks extends a big “thank you!” to the Orange County Fair for making the day so special for our students.

By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer

Summer 2016 fun at KidWorks: Our youngsters artworks tells the story

Hundreds of children and youth had a tremendous summer at KidWorks.  From July 5 through Aug. 12, students in grades kindergarten through 12 participated in “The Island”-themed activities that filled those long summer days while also keeping their minds stimulated so they were “ready to go” when school started again.

Our elementary and middle school students engaged in challenging games, faith-building bible lessons, creative craft making, field trips and other fun activities.

The high school students participated in our Leadership Academy, which for years has helped prepare them for higher education after high school and successful careers.  These students experienced mentoring, company site visits to learn about the work world, character development and service opportunities.

We asked a few of your younger students to create crayon drawings so they can share their summer experience with you.  We hope you enjoy their original artwork!

"Summer is the best; summer is a lot of fun!"

"My favorite part of summer was the beach."

"My favorite part of summer was the beach."

"My favorite part of summer was going to the park."

"My favorite part of summer was eating food! YAY food!"

"My favorite part of summer was playing at the beach."

Calvary Church creates a summer to treasure for KidWorks students

One of the most well-known and beloved verses in the bible is Matthew 6:21:  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This powerful message was brought to life this summer for our kindergarten through fifth grade students by Calvary Chapel’s Iglesia La Puerta Church.

Pastor Armando Reyes and 15 Iglesia La Puerta church members—including youth and adults—led the vacation bible study that took place the final week of our summer program.  The church also hosted a fun day for neighborhood families on the Sunday following the conclusion of our summer program.

“Our youngsters absolutely loved the volunteers and the way they creatively made this bible verse relevant to their lives,” says Noemi Juarez, KidWorks’ Director of After School Programs.  “The church volunteers told stories to the kids, helped then make crafts and even shared fun snacks that related to our ‘The Island’ summer theme.”

Noemi said that the students learned that treasurers are not just material items, but more importantly the people, faith and values that they hold dear in their hearts.

Noemi also thanked Teen Challenge for leading a similar bible study activity at our Bishop Manor satellite center and the Christ Before You Ministry organization for a fun beach day they hosted for students attending summer programs at our Cedar Evergreen Center.


By Glenn Leibowitz, Volunteer Content Writer

KidWorks youth visit Irivne Ranch Conservancy

This week our KidWorks youth visited the Irvine Ranch Conservancy where they learned about rock formation, native/invasive plants (botany) and animals. They also learned all about national parks. They loved it! Here are some photos from our special time with the staff at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. 

BBVA Partners with KidWorks, Students are a Banker for a Day!

On July 27th we took 11 KidWorks youth to BBVA Compass for our 2nd year of “Banker for a Day”! Our kids had a blast and many of them were inspired to learn more about a future in finance and banking. Here are some great photos from our time with BBVA Compass.