Solar Youth BLOG
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December 21st, 2018
Kids Teachback Celebration
There’s an old proverb that goes- If you can’t explain it to your grandmother, you don’t really understand it. Teaching something is the best way to master it, which is why we include it in our model of Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach! Last week was the end of Solar Youth’s Fall programming for 2018. Parks, rivers, forests and neighborhoods had been explored. Each group had planned and carried out a Community Service Action Project to address an issue of their choice. Then on Friday we capped off the season and completed the cycle of our model by holding the Kids’ Teachback Celebration at the Ives Library with all of our youth and families.
All 7 of our program groups prepared both a written display and a unique presentation to talk about what they had learned in their season. Some groups treated the audience to musical acts. Our new Steward Team at Quinnipiac Terrace choreographed a dance to symbolize kindness, friendship and teamwork, while the younger citycology kids of our Westville Manor program gave a rousing rendition of Solar Youth’s C-SAP (Community Service Action Project) song, getting the crowd to join in.
Other groups produced videos for their presentations. The Westville Manor Steward Team had completed a project aimed to address stress they saw in their community and followed up with their work by recording a series of testimonials about their own experiences with stress and relief that were both poignant and humorous. The Green Jobs Team presented a video tour of the gardens they had worked on.
Though many of our youth may have started the morning with a touch of stage fright, they rose to the occasion to build their public speaking chops and receive accolades for all of their hard work over the season.The event ended with empanadas and cookies while each of our youth was called on stage to receive a certificate honoring their individual commitment. As one Solar Youth community we also took the time to voice our appreciations for each other and those who inspired us this season.
Friday was a showcase of leadership and education through environmental exploration- two of Solar Youth’s core elements. All of our youth are stars and we are thankful for everything that has made 2018 a success for them! We strive to work hard in our programs and at the end of the day we know it’s important to celebrate and have fun!
