Super Spring is Underway!
WE ARE FINALLY BACK!
In step with the Governor’s reopening plan for Maine, we have have set in motion our first stage of programming in Lewiston, post pandemic shut-down. I talked with Alyssa, our Mentorship Program Coordinator, about all that’s been happening with the programming and all that is yet to come — we are super excited!
Dubbed Super Spring, neighborhood teens and young adults are volunteering in a mentor/tutor capacity with very small groups of children in a two-session, day camp style program. The mentors, some returning from previous summer programming, are trained to work with children, meeting them where they’re at and working to cultivate relationships. These teens and young adults will continue to develop their leadership skills throughout the summer as they mentor groups for Super Spring and Super Summer (beginning July 6).
The children and mentors are put into small S.U.P.E.R. Groups (which stands for Supporting, Uniting, Preserving, Empowering, Relationship Group). Each day is split into two session. The mornings session called Brain Food, is from 9 to 11 a.m. During this session, the groups eat breakfast and work on writing, math, health science, and tutoring. The afternoon session from 12 to 3 p.m., extra-curricular actives, focusing on sports, games, art, character development and learning how to love God and love our neighbors.
Although Super Spring has been going well, it has not been without some challenges, and we definitely could use your support through giving and prayer as we continue to safely work with our neighbors to engage the children in fun activities this year.
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE CONTINUATION OF PROGRAMMING FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS
The Root Cellar staff carefully prepared a COVID-19 Policy for their spring and summer programming, with over 50 policies following CDC guidelines for days camps and recreation. Among these guidelines are the requirements that the groups are small and all children, mentors and staff wear face masks during any interaction.
“The kids have adjusted pretty well,” says Alyssa. However, it has definitely been a transition for everyone, especially compared to previous summers.
This year has and will continue to look a lot different than other years, and overcoming the challenges of social-distancing, masks-wearing, and small-groups, we have experienced even more opportunities to bring God’s kingdom to our neighborhood.
Many needs have arisen due the pandemic, an immediate one being food security. For many children, school was the primary place they received nutritious meals for Breakfast and lunch. Along with expanded food pantry resources for the neighborhood, we are one location for breakfast and lunch distribution (that now takes place through our programs) in partnership with the Lewiston Public School system. Through distributing meals, staff and volunteers have been able to connect with a significant number of families and children.
Prior to the programming now offered, Brain Food worksheets for all grade levels were prepared and distributed every weekday morning By Alyssa, Emily and Victoria. Another blessing in disguise amid limited capacity due to regulations, is the size of the S.U.P.E.R. Groups. The required structure allows for “a phenomenal child to mentor ratio of two to one. Because of keeping the groups small, we’re made a tremendous impact in these lives,” Alyssa explains. These S.U.P.E.R. Groups allow for relationship development and opportunity among friends and neighbors to cultivate social, economic and spiritual wholeness.
“We’ve had to get creative for field trip opportunities because of COVID-19 and social distancing,” Alyssa said. However, because of this, the kids have gotten to experience new things they might not have otherwise. One example Alyssa shared was that two children have learned how to ride bikes, when they had never been on a bike before.
It is so much fun to see neighbors, volunteers and staff all come together in a COVID-aware Super Spring and Summer.
Though our numbers in the building need to stay small, there is still such a huge opportunity to be apart of these children’s summer.
Your financial support and your prayers for the safety of our neighbors, staff, volunteers and families, is all vital in the continuation of our mission to cultivate social, economic and spiritual wholeness in Maine’s largest cities.
