Volunteer projects

Changing the Youth

Submitted by Kaileyanne on Wed, 12/19/2007 - 02:25.
Last updated on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 17:47.

Vital Stats

 08/01/2007
 10/01/2007
People Impacted:  2500
Money Raised: 1500

The Problem

I volunteer over 3 hours every week to help in a special needs seminary class. After falling in love with these children, I joined efforts with other student body presidents in the area to host a buddy walk for the special needs kids in Idaho Falls. The Buddy Walk began at a local park where the special need children, friends, and family met. The children walked a quarter of a mile to a local highschool where we hosted a carnival. The carnival consisted of fun carnival games, food, and blow up toys. The walked allowed the special needs children to be seen as stars, reminding the community of their specail talents. The Carnival provided an opportunity for these children to be normal kids.

Project Updates

10/17/08
Update:

Our camp unfolded like most other camps, except we took pride in adding special touch. In addtion to having the camp announced at school, we hand delivered invitations to all 5th and 6th grade students in the harder part of town. Delivering the invitations took a lot of time, but the experience was irreplaceable. We were able to meet the kids and see their home lives before they even came to the camp. Seeing their run down homes, broken families, and depressing environment allowed me to experience a deeper involvement in the camp. The kids who attended the camp came from all walks of life. Some kids were the athletic and popular type, some were the nerdy ones, and others just weren't sure who they were- but the kids dropped all of their barriers within the first few hours of camp. These kids grew so much during the camp. We gave them lessons on friendship, self esteem, drugs, leadership, and dance. The Mayor also came and talked to the kids about how they are our future, and how he hoped they would take the stuff they learned at camp and share it and use it. I know they we made a difference in these kid's lives. I wish that I could share the difference in their countenance from the first morning until our final good bye. We will continue to keep in touch with the kids, and let them know that we care.




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