More about our After-School Ministry
Our committee and staff sat down this summer to process the lessons we learned from last year’s program. We discovered we have several challenges: We want to meet the needs of the community as best as we can, but to do so, we need more volunteers.
The age-old “quality versus quantity” conundrum entered our thinking. So, this year we have capped enrollment by both age and size. This allows us to better target our ministry while not being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. We learned that chaos has its own set of limitations.
Initial reviews seem to be positive. So far, we have:
- more volunteers than last year
- more effective ministry
- less behavior problems
However, even with more than last year, we still need volunteers. If you can only give an hour once a month, you can still help! We need help with:
- homework. Do you know how to add and subtract? Do you know your shapes? Yes? Then you are qualified!
- snacks. Can you pour lemonade or put spaghetti in a bowl? Yes? Then you are qualified for that!
- recess. Can you twirl a jump rope or push a swing? Can you blow a whistle? Yes? Wow, then you are qualified for that as well!
If you can help lead an arts & crafts project, tutor spanish, or teach a musical skill, we would like to offer special-enrichment activities for the children. Can you play a guitar? They love that! Just about any gift God gave you can be used to enrich these children’s lives.
Also, we need volunteers to work with our middle-schoolers. Because of limitations on space and resources, we have not been able to provide a program for them. They arrive about 4:00 or so. They need supervision for a snack and then help with homework. If you feel called to help with them, please let us know.
If you feel like you could spare an hour or two every week or month, please call our Director, Nathan, at 540.632.2632 for more information.
