Konichiwa!

Konichiwa!

So this is my first post, feels kind of cool writing a blog... So HERE WE GO !

My Cabin & I Getting Ready to Start Rock Climbing

     Today was a busy day but I was excited to get a message from my boss Lisa from Crossroads For Kids. I've had the pleasure to work at Crossroads for the past two summers and there is no better word that explains it other than FAMILY. At Crossroads you meet kids from different background that go through so much in their life, 66% of our kids come from single parent households, 15% are homeless, and more than 30% have open DCF cases (formerly DSS). But at camp everything disappears and they are reminded that they are just kids and they receive the opportunity to just have fun.

Crossroads for Kids Mission Statement:

Crossroads for Kids is dedicated to creating a safe and caring community where young people from at-risk environments discover a sense of belonging and a passion for life. With our summer camp programs as the starting point, we provide life changing experiences and support that builds trust and healthy relationships kids can count on throughout their childhood, teenage years and beyond. Our intentional multi-year programs and community partnerships open doors to new resources and opportunities that inspire and empower young people to fulfill their unique potential. We are committed to providing measurable impact in the areas of respect for self and others, development of positive life skills, and motivation for academic success resulting in successful graduation from high school with a focus on attaining post-secondary education."

     So what did the message from Lisa said? That she was excited about my project and she can't wait to work on it! I am currently working on my Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program which as a requirement I have to work on an essay and a follow-on service project proposal, and for my follow-on project I decided to work with Crossroads. I want to share with the kids my passion for Japan as well as my experience in Japan. I believe that by sharing what I learn it will encourage the kids at Crossroads to pursue a post-secondary education and study abroad themselves.

What we have planned so far:

• Start some lesson plans at some of the CCI events (the year-long programs) include activities like: cooking projects, learning Japanese (writing their names sounds beautiful), art and crafts etc...
• Continue more lessons plans during the summer; either during creative arts or cabin challenge. 
• While I'm in Japan the Campers will check my blog and ask questions (writing on the blog or leaving me a video) and I will respond (answering on the blog or leaving a video) maybe even chat with them a few times though Skype once we figure out a time. I will also update my blog with videos and pictures for the campers to see Japan.
• Once I return I will do two or three sessions with my campers to see what they thought about Japan and post their experience.
• Once the summer is over I will share my project with College Now (freshmen, low income and/or first generation students). 

So excited I have a list of lesson plans I want to share with my campers.

Oh yea! Did I mention I received the CIEE GAIN Scholarship award? Yeyyy me!

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