Learning comes in all different forms

Today was packed with college information for the high school students, while the middle school students worked on teamwork skills during capture the flag.

The high school students had the opportunity to learn about the necessary steps to take to be accepted into the CSU or UC college system. Thanks to a presentation given by California State Dominguez Admissions Office the students are now equipped with key resources such as; A-G requirements, SAT and ACT deadlines and the CSU eligibility index. The goal of today was to empower our youth to take their education and learning into their own hands. When it comes time for our students to apply to college, they should feel confident and comfortable with the application process, as well as knowing they have support and key people to call on if they have questions.

While the high school worked on their college knowledge, the middle school students worked on their teamwork and strategizing skills. Team sports teach skills that can be applied later on in school and the workforce, such as: Being a leader, teamwork, trusting others and working hard for the betterment of the group. Today the entire Middle School program was put into two large teams and competed in “Capture the Flag.” The students took different roles on the field. Some delegated tasks to their teammates, others lead the charge over the line, and many encouraged the team, while few observed the entire scene waiting for the right moment to tag the opposing team. What ever their role, the students have unknowingly learned important lessons and skills they will apply later on in life. Who knew capture the flag could teach so much?

 

Whether on the field with capture the flag or in lecture halls, the students learned a lot today and have gained key skills over the past two weeks. Thank you once again to CSU Dominguez Hills for you help and support to create a positive impact on our students! 

Sponsors make the dream work with teamwork!

The Sharefest kids would like to thank our wonderful sponsor, Mitsui, for paying us a visit today! We know that without sponsors like you, our summer dreams of playing in the pool, and learning about college couldn't happen. Thank you for being a part of our wonderful team!

To help Mitsui feel the YDA love, we decorated a huge “thank-you” sign with their name in bright, rainbow colors. Once they saw it, they greeted us with smiles and shook our hands, not minding that we were dripping from head to toe with pool water! We even took a picture together! It was amazing to meet high profile professionals, knowing that they supported our academic, physical, and mental well-being as dedicated sponsors to our program.

Today was also Creative Writing Day, as Derrick Engoy lead the artistic workshop and taught us how to express ourselves as motivated individuals with dreams and goals we are passionate about. Mitsui got a sneak peek of this passion and enjoyed the workshop as well.

The high school students were located in the computer lab, working on college portfolios. After a leisurely tour around California State Dominguez Hills’ beautiful campus, Chad brought the Mitsui representatives to the computer lab and introduced them to the college prepping group. Mitsui listened closely to student’s responses to Dr. Collatos’ presentation and were impressed to hear about all the work the students accomplished during the program.

Afterwards, we had to say our goodbyes. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time we meet!

We are so grateful to have met such caring supporters committed to our personal and academic development! We hope to see you again, and hope you enjoy your extra-special YDA care package!

Service with a smile at Narbonne High School Community Garden

We started off the day at the Narbonne Community Garden to teach students how they can lend a helping hand within our local community. Sharefest helped start the garden as a 2013 Workday project and our YDA students lent a hand today to help the garden continue to to grow and feed veterns and thier families.

Like the peppers, pumpkins, and eggplants in the garden, these kids’ excitement grew as they saw how much work they accomplished together. Weeds were pulled up, leaves were raked, plants were watered, and most importantly, friendships were nurtured as middle school and high school students worked extremely hard to clear out an overgrowing garden plot. Even the interns helped tidy up!

As the sun rose high over our heads, the whistle blew and it was already time for lunch. Hooray for Subway and Chick-fil-a ! There was much joy and munching as the sandwiches were passed around and the cool, clear water refreshed our throats

Interestingly, one of the YDA interns, Rebecca, participated in Narbonne’s JROTC program and invited the high school JROTC students to perform for us, with step-shows and rifle tosses.

We’d like to thank our sponsors and supporters for another day spent lending a hand to Narbonne High School’s Community Garden and creating lasting change in our communities.

YDA reflections.....

Camp is 75% complete, and it feels like we just started yesterday! Though we only have a week to go, we are still going strong and packing a lot fun and development into each day. From writing thank you letters to our sponsors, to enjoying the competition on the capture the flag field, or seeing who can hold their breath the longest in the pool, the middle school students had a great day of fun and reflection. The high school students delved into learning tips to survive the SAT with Dr. Genvieve Richards and ended the day with water baloon toss games by the pool. 

Not only do the students have access to amazing professional, such as Dr. Richards, but they also get to interact daily with ten talented young men and woman, the YDA counselors. A few of the counselors reflected on the past three weeks. Overall they have enjoyed their time during this camp and show a great passion for leading these kids. When asked about her experience with Session One students, Megan said, “I had the pleasure of being a counselor for an amazing group of kids. They were awesome and we had so much fun each and every day of camp. I already miss them!” While Megan is a bit sad to see her kids go counselor Sergio was excited about getting to meet and impact Session Two students. Many of counselors say they have learned so much, from their kids and are so thankful for the opportunity to participate in YDA. This video from Gabe sums up the impact of being a counselor for Sharefest:

As he expressed the best thing about Sharefest is he is able to give back to his community. Thank you so much to all our wonderful staff, counselors and sponsors, for your hard work and dedication to our mission!  

A wonderful visit with Councilman Joe Buscaino!

Arriving at camp this morning things seemed a bit gloomy, the sky was dark and grey. But leave it to our wonderful camp director, Anwar to bring the energy! The camp was divided into two groups and a “hype off” took place to see what group can be the most enthusiastic! After three rounds of intense cheering, the Wolfgang group prevailed. With a newfound energy one group headed out to the baseball field and the other to the pool! 

On the field coaches and players from the San Pedro High School Program were back to teach the basics of baseball. Some students showed natural talent, other showed great improvement over a short amount of time. Back at the pool, students continued their daily lessons improving their swimming skills and enjoying the freedom of free swim time! 

After an earlier lunch, a special guest visit by Councilman Joe Buscaino took place! There was so much excitement as the students greeted the councilman. After photos and many handshakes, Councilman Buscaino went to speak with our high school students. They were full of interesting questions such as “At what age did you realize you wanted to seve your community?” and “How do I get in touch with a my city council member? Councilman Buscaino shared his story of how his love for serving the community was born. He also empowered the students by expressing to them that they have a voice and they can have an impact on their community. The students were so grateful for the opportunity to speak with the Councilman Buscaino. Thank you for all that you do for Sharefest and the community!