Week 4

My time spent at Jameson goes so fast!  Monday I was told that I could take on an activity known as the 'banner project' for an event we call 'AVID Day' where Youth Leaders (seniors at Ben Davis) facilitate numerous activities for the freshman class.  I went to Joann's Fabrics, collected some materials I thought would be useful, and had a heck of a time purchasing them with Jameson money.  The trick is to have updated proof of tax exemption and adequate contact information for the agency.  It all worked out.  When I got back from this expedition, I refined some documents that have been under construction, and made sure all the addresses for the Youth Leaders were as up-to-date as possible.  Monday afternoon there was another interview session for a potential deputy director.  We had a chance to ask her questions, and she had a chance to get to know Jameson and its staff a little better.  After this meeting, I began working with the materials I strategically picked out.  Dan and Tim came into the office for advice about who seemed like a more appropriate candidate for Deputy Program Director.  I worked with fabric paint and banner material to produce an example banner piece to show AVID seniors (for Wednesday).  After producing an example, I quickly rushed off to tackle a huge project for S433 (which will likely be the death of me).  

Wednesday started EARLY (for me) at Ben Davis--8:30.  Tim and I met inside the classroom with the group of about 22 seniors who are being trained to facilitate AVID Day at Jameson Camp.  This went really well.  Tim did an overview of what the event should look like , and I introduced the banner project, and let the seniors get some hands-on experience making banner pieces based on leadership quotes/pictures/and characteristics.  They can now use their experience to facilitate this project with the freshmen on AVID Day.  Other trainings with the seniors will be similar with different activities being taught.  

Wednesday was also geared toward completing invitation packets and flyers for youth leaders we hope will attend the Follow-ups this fall.  Tim and I spent some time putting together a new template for invitations to the October follow-ups with Halloween themes.  This was tough!  Formatting the document, mail merging the labels, and making the invitations inviting took a lot of collaboration and cooperation.  I wanted so badly to put way more time into this invitation and get really creative, but it's not logical for the time frame.  Resist!  *clenches teeth*  We had to move on to the next task... low ropes challenge course with women from United Way.  The group went less than smoothly, but this is a welcome chance for reflection.  Time was restricted, but all parties had a lot to talk about afterward.