Thank you Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction!
We would like to say a big thank you to the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction for a recent grant in support our our BTAS! programs!
KYC Escape Room!
This is a clue for our KYCer’s for the February 5, 2020 ‘escape room’ activity.
Nice Work KYCers! Your last digit is 3! To find your prize and crack the code: the treasure was lost, now it’s almost found; let that be your clue as to where it’s hidden!
Mindfulness Mondays
For the month of February are running a series titled, “Mindfulness Mondays.” Being aware of one’s thoughts and being able to quiet the body and the mind are skills that benefit us in numerous ways. Better sleep, stress relief, positive interpersonal relationships, and higher self-esteem are all proven benefits of mindfulness. So, for a month, we are focusing on activities to practice mindfulness. From yoga, to breathing exercises, to guided meditations, we are bringing our awareness to ourselves, our breath, and our bodies in order to lead a more peaceful life!
If you want to join us on this journey, here are some links to get you started!
S.T.O.P Acronym to encourage mindfulness
Yoga for Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back (where a lot of us carry stress and tension!)
Alcohol Awarness
Yesterday in our substance misuse prevention program we covered alcohol awareness. An empty glass represented the only amount of alcohol that is acceptable to drink if under 21, in-long term recovery, or when other circumstances make it unsafe to drink…none at all! We talked about how there are adults who don’t drink at all, adults who sometimes drink, but don’t have a problem, and adults who are in danger due to their alcohol use. A set of visuals (not alcohol of course) demonstrated what is considered a single drink-5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of standard beer, or 1.5 oz. of 80 proof hard liquor. In situations where it is acceptable for adults to drink, men should not exceed two drinks and woman should not exceed one. Drinking five or more drinks is classified a ‘binge drinking, ‘ and carries the greatest risk.
In our prevention programs, we work with White Horse Recovery to help our teens make good choices now and into adulthood!
Share a Joke!
Yesterday we hosted ‘share a joke!’ in the after school program!
What do you call an alligator in a vest?
An investigator!
When it comes to procrastination; don’t even get me started!
I was going to tell a construction joke…
but I’m still working on it!
How do you know graveyards are popular?
because people are dying to get in!
These and many more were shared by our KYCer’s yesterday!
Career Spotlight
Last week we continued our ‘Career Spotlight’ series with an interview with our volunteer, Valerie! So far we’ve heard from Zachary, Mara, Eric from White Horse Recovery, and Valerie. These short programs help show KYCers how different successful career paths can look. The wonderful thing about getting older and having the opportunity to make more individual choices is the chance to shape our own destinies. Looking at individual careers demonstrates how interests, qualifications, capabilities, and circumstances culminate in different stories.
Did you know that Valerie’s first job was at McDonald’s? She’s a nurse who has worked in a trauma unit, open-heart surgery, schools and much more. She’s studied nursing, education, nutrition, psychology, and special education. We sure are lucky that Valerie shares her talents in experiences in her role as one of the KYC’s weekly program volunteers! Thanks Valerie!
Mindfulness at the KYC
Yesterday we hosted a yoga class, which served as an introduction to a series on mindfulness here at the KYC. In February, we will host “Mindfulness Mondays,” during which we will explore mindfulness concepts, meditation, and yoga. We can all benefit from turning to mindfulness concepts as we grapple with the challenges and stimuli of our busy and ever-electronically-connected lives. We look forward to embracing these benefits at the KYC!
Thank You Festival of Trees Commitee
Everyone at the KYC would like to say a huge thank you to the Festival of Trees Committee! The KYC was one of three non-profit beneficiaries of the 2019 event. Proceeds from the event will support the purchase of a new shuttle bus for the KYC. The KYC bus gives local youth the opportunity to serve our community, take advantage of local attractions, see other parts of our state, visit colleges and businesses, and enjoy the natural beauty of our region; these are opportunities that many of these students may not otherwise have.
Gettin’ Outside!
Kingswood Youth Center’s members, staff, and volunteers never shy away from getting outside, even during these dark and cold months. Throughout the last few weeks we have made great use of the equipment we have, and the areas surrounding the KYC!
Last week a group of KYC’ers hopped on the bus and took a five minute drive to The Nick. We went sledding and even snowshoed TO the sledding hill!
This week a few of us strapped on snowshoes and checked out the KYC trail, which is a short loop we made on our property! We practiced following trail blazes, and navigated some short and steep inclines, ice, and even a small wooden plank! The KYC’ers did an amazing job, and didn’t fall once! We hooked into the Cotton Valley trail as well, and trekked to a small bridge, with a beautiful view of Lake Wentworth.
The KYC provides snow-pants, coats, winter boots, hats, and gloves for members to borrow. There is no reason for us to not get outside and play! See you outside!
