Thursday, June 30, 2011

Low-Key Thursday

As the title states, today was a fairly low-key day. We started off the day not really knowing what to expect. The administrators at the shelter had told us that there was going to be a carnival to mark the official start of camp for the summer, but when we got there, we realized that we might have more work to do than we had thought. The carnival didn't really kick off until after lunch, so we entertained ourselves and the kids with more card games and chalk drawings.

After a successful lunch in the park, in which Cara and Thomas attempted to learn to juggle, we returned to the shelter for our last two hours. We finished up our cha
lk drawings and ended up with a lot of messy kids and a fantastic rainbow turtle. All of the kids worked together to created this masterpiece. All-in-all it was a good day with not too
many issues or fights. The kids are really lear
ning to work together and solve their problems with words instead of fists.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Video (Discussed Below in Blog Post)

A Whole Lot of Fun and Cheesesteaks


The day started off well with the St. Anne's Aviation Academy. Many junior pilots created their own aircrafts and took to the sky over Philadelphia (see our video!). With fewer crafts and more games to play, we are finally starting to see the connection with all of our wonderful campers. They are all starting to work together and are learning to cooperate with rules and behavior. With cards in hand, memory and other card games became a big hit with all of the kids, along with us too!

Little kids in Bright Space (2-5 years old) made felt t-shirts and had tons of fun playing and hanging out on the playground outside. In the afternoon they went to the playground again, except with a different plan in mind. The little kids ended up in the pool with Scott and Kami included in the water fight. While the little ones were getting wet, the older ones were drawing on the blacktop with chalk and playing more physical games like football and soccer. They also continued the infamous card games and had a blast hanging out with all of us.

The day also included some more sightseeing in downtown Philadelphia. We visited the Liberty Bell and a quick tour through Independence Hall really put us all in the mood for the 4th of July!

After the sightseeing got old, we were all getting hungry and the next stop was Pat's for the famous Philly Cheesesteaks. We all were able to order for ourselves, in the strict south Philly style ("one Provy wit," or "one wiz wit out," etc.) which we all found particularly intimidating. They were extremely filling along with the french fries and sodas. While in the area, we walked through the Italian market. Even though it was all closed down, it was still cool to see and smelled great.


All in all, it was a great day with a lot less difficulties at the shelter, and a more positive attitude from all of us and the kids. A whole lot of fun throughout the day and the city along wit
h cheesesteaks at night makes for a tired group of kids. With a good night of sleep, we will be ready for another day of fun with the kids at the shelter tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Second Day at the Shelter in Philadelphia


Dear St. Anne's Readers:

Today, we had our second day at the Stenton Family Manor, a home currently sheltering over forty families (with the ability to shelter one hundred).

Ms. Tami Hall, a staff member of Stenton Family Manor, described the situation in which these children find themselves. Imagine losing your personal belongings and confining you and your family - often more than one child - to a small room made for the temporary accommodation of two adults. The average family stays nine to twelve months. Transitions are often sudden and occur with little notice. Food is confined to three, timed, one-serving meals.

These transitions take their toll on the energy and coping abilities of the children (and adults, too). Often, the only way children know to solve problems is what is demonstrated to them by their tired and stressed parents. This manifests itself in bullying.

Today was more difficult than Monday. Today was the day we witnessed first hand the stressful lifestyle of families in the home. Children attempted to solve small problems by hitting.

We did have lots of fun with the children, today. Activities ranged from piggy-
back rides, bowling, Twister, and arts and crafts.

Observations and Personal Reflections:

Scott:

Today, as I was walking toward Ms. Tami Hall's office, one of the residents came in. She had clearly been crying immensely. The tears looked like happy tears. Ms. Hall stopped her and asked what was the matter. The lady held up a key and, in a faint voice, muttered, "This is my house. I own a house." The speaking was followed by clapping and cheering. Ms. Hall made an announcement: "Congratulations to Ms. Jones, a proud house owner. When you see her in the halls be sure to say 'good job' and pat her on the back. That is all." When I saw this exchange in made me realize there is always a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark or faint that light may be.

Thomas (YPI Intern, Chaperone):

On Monday, I played basketball with a boy, Jeron. His father had been in and out of the shelter all day (he was father also to another girl in the shelter). He walked on to the basketball court. "Finally, I got the papers. You're with me for good," he exclaimed. It was a moment filled with joy for both. It was a humbling experience that the father allowed me to share.

The shelter was a better home for the children than the 'other [whatever it may have been] option.' This shelter - with more than three people to a room for two - was joy. Too, the father was proud of his children. Never in the interactions I witnessed did the father dampen his children's dreaming. Though these humans live under such difficult circumstances, I do not think it right to label them 'depraved.' They are indeed trying.




Monday, June 27, 2011

Our First Day on the Job


Today was our first day working at the Stenton Family Manor. It was a little slow in the morning, but things picked up after lunch when other kids heard about it and came. We made name tags, which were a huge success and played multiple other organized games. In the afternoon we played cards and drew with chalk. We also played basketball and kickball. Some members of our group went inside to Bright Space to play with the kids 5 and under. At three we wrapped up with the kids and headed to the grocery store to acquire dinner supplies. For dinner we had Cincinnati Chili cooked by Scott and Kami. Tomorrow we look forward to getting to know the kids better and playing with them. We expect a greater turn out of kids!

Written by Emma and Callie





Sunday, June 26, 2011

Philadelphia Mission Trip: Sunday















We arrived in Philadelphia on the evening of Saturday, June 25. This morning, after self-made breakfasts, we journeyed to the Episcopal Cathedral of Philadelphia. This unique service was new to us as it mirrored St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco. We moved about the sanctuary for different parts of the service. The cathedral was decorated in a minimalist style displaying the artwork of a congregation member. We enjoyed learning about the cathedral and its traditions. (Above, our mission group stands with Reverend Andre of the cathedral.)

After the service, we traveled to the Reading Terminal Market for a culturally diverse lunch, (Chinese, Greek, Cajun, ice cream, and crepes.) Next we walked eight blocks to the Franklin Institute. There we explored the museum and all it had to offer. The exhibits ranged from giant walk-though hearts to riding a bike on a tight rope suspended three stories high. All-in-all it was a great first day. We ended with a delicious meal of homemade tacos. Currently we're planning for tomorrow's first day at the homeless shelter. Be sure to check back here throughout the week to hear about yet another exciting day in Philadelphia, through the eyes of St. Anne's youth group!