Opening Week (June 15 - June 19)
June 15,2015.
In the first week, all of the hired employees had to attend orientation on Monday to gain better knowledge of the summer program. This day was pretty easy, but was long due to having to obtain so much information about how things were to be ran throughout the summer. During this orientation session, a lot of "professional development" took place in my opinion because we were taught how to handle certain situations throughout the summer.
In the first week, all of the hired employees had to attend orientation on Monday to gain better knowledge of the summer program. This day was pretty easy, but was long due to having to obtain so much information about how things were to be ran throughout the summer. During this orientation session, a lot of "professional development" took place in my opinion because we were taught how to handle certain situations throughout the summer.
June 16, 2015.
"Preparation Day"
My "intern site" was primarily at Lynn Park which is a playground on the South side of Youngstown, OH. We would meet on different days at a place called Arlington Heights Recreation Center, but that was usually for the tournaments. The general surroundings were neighborhoods, nothing in particular.
"Preparation Day"
My "intern site" was primarily at Lynn Park which is a playground on the South side of Youngstown, OH. We would meet on different days at a place called Arlington Heights Recreation Center, but that was usually for the tournaments. The general surroundings were neighborhoods, nothing in particular.
June 17, 2015.
First Official Day.
The actual program did not begin until this day, so it was only a half week. During the beginning of the program, all directors and the site supervisor introduced themselves to all of the kids that would be attending the park during the duration of the program. Most of them were excited to learn, travel, and have fun. No tournaments of field trips were held this week.
First Official Day.
The actual program did not begin until this day, so it was only a half week. During the beginning of the program, all directors and the site supervisor introduced themselves to all of the kids that would be attending the park during the duration of the program. Most of them were excited to learn, travel, and have fun. No tournaments of field trips were held this week.
June 18, 2015.
Within this program, there were different supervisors on different levels. There was a site supervisor, which was someone of my age that previously worked with this program. She kept all of the paperwork in order, ensured all situations were handled correctly, and made sure all of the site directors at that park were doing their job. The other supervisor was head of multiple different parks. She ensured that each park stayed up to par and that all directors were staying on schedule when it comes to different activities.
Within this program, there were different supervisors on different levels. There was a site supervisor, which was someone of my age that previously worked with this program. She kept all of the paperwork in order, ensured all situations were handled correctly, and made sure all of the site directors at that park were doing their job. The other supervisor was head of multiple different parks. She ensured that each park stayed up to par and that all directors were staying on schedule when it comes to different activities.
June 19, 2015.
My duties as playground director were to watch all of the kids, keep them out of trouble, keep them busy, teach them things, and ensure they have a fun filled summer. When I would go on tournaments or field trips, my job was to again watch the kids and keep track of their paperwork and belongings. My favorite was going on the tournaments with them, they behaved well and stayed engaged.
My duties as playground director were to watch all of the kids, keep them out of trouble, keep them busy, teach them things, and ensure they have a fun filled summer. When I would go on tournaments or field trips, my job was to again watch the kids and keep track of their paperwork and belongings. My favorite was going on the tournaments with them, they behaved well and stayed engaged.
Week 1 (June 22 - June 26)
June 22, 2015.
The organizational culture was pretty laid back. When it came to keeping the park clean and having all paperwork in order, it was strict. Other than that though, it wasn't anything stressful. The only dress code we had was to wear our green shirts that were given at orientation that represented the park and not to wear any revealing clothing.
The organizational culture was pretty laid back. When it came to keeping the park clean and having all paperwork in order, it was strict. Other than that though, it wasn't anything stressful. The only dress code we had was to wear our green shirts that were given at orientation that represented the park and not to wear any revealing clothing.
June 23, 2015.
My initial learning expectations of this program was to gain profession and organizational skills for my future. Also on how to handle certain situations that I have no necessarily had to deal with in my life yet.
My initial learning expectations of this program was to gain profession and organizational skills for my future. Also on how to handle certain situations that I have no necessarily had to deal with in my life yet.
June 24, 2015.
What I was expecting to learn from this experience was professional development, how to interact with kids better, and how to deal with unplanned situations. I expected it to be about sports and the involvement of kids; similar to NYSP (National Youth Sports Program). That program focused on keeping the kids involved in a sporting activity daily and even took them to classrooms for learning.
What I was expecting to learn from this experience was professional development, how to interact with kids better, and how to deal with unplanned situations. I expected it to be about sports and the involvement of kids; similar to NYSP (National Youth Sports Program). That program focused on keeping the kids involved in a sporting activity daily and even took them to classrooms for learning.
June 25, 2015.
During the first official week of the program, one field trip to Living Treasures was on the schedule, as well as their first sports tournament; kickball. All of the kids are from "inner city Youngstown," which means they may come from low income families. This program was designed to keep the kids out of trouble and to keep their behavioral problems under control. On Monday, a girl of the age of 13, decided to act out of her character due to being upset. She flipped over tables and continuously threaten myself and my other employees. Therefore we had to call her parents and the police. This situation had to be handled delicately and professional at the same time to ensure no other kid became involved; all mandatory precautions were taken. In the following days and after this situation was forgotten, the kids were taken on their first field trip to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park. It is located in New Castle, PA, which is approximately 40 minutes away from the park. Once all of the kids returned, they shared their favorite moments at Living Treasures as part of their daily activities. The next day, Friday, the kids were able to participate in the kickball tournament. They came close to beating the all of the other 6 parks, but they did not take home the "W".
During the first official week of the program, one field trip to Living Treasures was on the schedule, as well as their first sports tournament; kickball. All of the kids are from "inner city Youngstown," which means they may come from low income families. This program was designed to keep the kids out of trouble and to keep their behavioral problems under control. On Monday, a girl of the age of 13, decided to act out of her character due to being upset. She flipped over tables and continuously threaten myself and my other employees. Therefore we had to call her parents and the police. This situation had to be handled delicately and professional at the same time to ensure no other kid became involved; all mandatory precautions were taken. In the following days and after this situation was forgotten, the kids were taken on their first field trip to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park. It is located in New Castle, PA, which is approximately 40 minutes away from the park. Once all of the kids returned, they shared their favorite moments at Living Treasures as part of their daily activities. The next day, Friday, the kids were able to participate in the kickball tournament. They came close to beating the all of the other 6 parks, but they did not take home the "W".
June 26, 2015.
The first sporting tournament took place this day. It happened to be kickball, one of the kids favorite sport to play on a daily basis. Since they played it almost everyday, they had plenty practice with it. All parks met at Arlington Heights for the tournament and each camp had two directors to keep the kids organized.
The first sporting tournament took place this day. It happened to be kickball, one of the kids favorite sport to play on a daily basis. Since they played it almost everyday, they had plenty practice with it. All parks met at Arlington Heights for the tournament and each camp had two directors to keep the kids organized.
Week 2 (June 29 -July 3)
June 29, 2015.
This day, the kids at Lynn Park had the opportunity to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Only a select few (up to 25) were able to go. My park partnered up with two other parks and met at Chuck E Cheese for the day. Keeping the kids in order was extremely tough, especially when the ratio was 15:1. Having to stay organized with the tokens, food, and drinks was the hardest part, but with everyone's minds put together, it turned out nice.
This day, the kids at Lynn Park had the opportunity to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Only a select few (up to 25) were able to go. My park partnered up with two other parks and met at Chuck E Cheese for the day. Keeping the kids in order was extremely tough, especially when the ratio was 15:1. Having to stay organized with the tokens, food, and drinks was the hardest part, but with everyone's minds put together, it turned out nice.
June 30, 2015.
If a student was looking to work at this program as an internship, I would say not to. Or I would tell them to speak to someone in a higher position to see if they can intern as something higher than a director. It would be a better opportunity to work in the office of Parks & Rec., especially if that is the students major.
If a student was looking to work at this program as an internship, I would say not to. Or I would tell them to speak to someone in a higher position to see if they can intern as something higher than a director. It would be a better opportunity to work in the office of Parks & Rec., especially if that is the students major.
July 1, 2015.
Working in a new place and atmosphere was definitely an experience. Youngstown is known to not be such a great place to hang out all of the time because of the violence, but it was closer to a safer place, Struthers. Since it was at a park too, it was nice to keep the kids out of trouble and out of harms way. The more I went though, the easier it got to be in that area.
Working in a new place and atmosphere was definitely an experience. Youngstown is known to not be such a great place to hang out all of the time because of the violence, but it was closer to a safer place, Struthers. Since it was at a park too, it was nice to keep the kids out of trouble and out of harms way. The more I went though, the easier it got to be in that area.
July 2, 2015.
During this week, there was another tournament, volleyball. As far as the volleyball tournament, the same procedures as every other tournament. My park did not win, but they sure did put a fight up with the other parks. They were looking forward to the softball tournament that will be held the week after.
During this week, there was another tournament, volleyball. As far as the volleyball tournament, the same procedures as every other tournament. My park did not win, but they sure did put a fight up with the other parks. They were looking forward to the softball tournament that will be held the week after.
July 3, 2015.
Independence Day - Park was closed.
Independence Day - Park was closed.
Week 3 (July 6 - July 10)
July 6, 2015.
This internship influenced my career objectives by making me realize I would not like to work with parks & rec. It did make me realize that I would love to start up another day camp that focused primarily on sports and would be for older kids. I would start the program in Youngstown, then try to expand throughout the country in low poverty based areas to help kids become more positive and less discouraged with their outlook on life.
This internship influenced my career objectives by making me realize I would not like to work with parks & rec. It did make me realize that I would love to start up another day camp that focused primarily on sports and would be for older kids. I would start the program in Youngstown, then try to expand throughout the country in low poverty based areas to help kids become more positive and less discouraged with their outlook on life.
July 7, 2015.
No experiences related to my academic studies at all. It was all profession and self based. All situations had to be handled differently, but no material math or history, or any class really was used throughout this internship. That shows that jobs are more hands on.
No experiences related to my academic studies at all. It was all profession and self based. All situations had to be handled differently, but no material math or history, or any class really was used throughout this internship. That shows that jobs are more hands on.
July 8, 2015.
My least favorite part of this program was the lack of activities they had for some of the kids, As a site supervisor, their job was to ensure all activities happened but she did not always do that. So certain days we were supposed to have educational days, but the site supervisor would feel lazy and not have the activity done.
My least favorite part of this program was the lack of activities they had for some of the kids, As a site supervisor, their job was to ensure all activities happened but she did not always do that. So certain days we were supposed to have educational days, but the site supervisor would feel lazy and not have the activity done.
July 9, 2015.
As an educational and fun experience, the kids were taken to Oh Wow!. Oh Wow! is a science and technology center for children. It includes hands on activities to help engage the kids. They particularly liked the engineering portion of the center, so hopefully I'll see some of them grow into engineers one day.
As an educational and fun experience, the kids were taken to Oh Wow!. Oh Wow! is a science and technology center for children. It includes hands on activities to help engage the kids. They particularly liked the engineering portion of the center, so hopefully I'll see some of them grow into engineers one day.
July 10, 2015.
This day, a softball tournament held. My park made it to the finals, but did not win. They lost to a very athletic park that had older kids. Although they did not win a prize, they were happy with their performance. The same procedures as every other tournament were taken.
This day, a softball tournament held. My park made it to the finals, but did not win. They lost to a very athletic park that had older kids. Although they did not win a prize, they were happy with their performance. The same procedures as every other tournament were taken.
Week 4 (July 13 -July 17)
I was on vacation for this week.
Week 5 (July 20 - July 24)
July 20, 2015.
My favorite part of this program was getting close to the kids. I never thought I would enjoy their presence, but I did. They were a handful most days but other days they were a handful of joy. Watching them learn and grow was amazing. I hope to see where they end up in the future.
My favorite part of this program was getting close to the kids. I never thought I would enjoy their presence, but I did. They were a handful most days but other days they were a handful of joy. Watching them learn and grow was amazing. I hope to see where they end up in the future.
July 21, 2015.
During this week, the kids were taken to the Phantoms Hockey stadium to learn more about hockey. This got the opportunity to meet the owner of the hockey team and some of the top players as well. The players took time out to teach them how to play. I also benefited from this field trip, because I was able to network with the owners and director of the Phantoms.
During this week, the kids were taken to the Phantoms Hockey stadium to learn more about hockey. This got the opportunity to meet the owner of the hockey team and some of the top players as well. The players took time out to teach them how to play. I also benefited from this field trip, because I was able to network with the owners and director of the Phantoms.
July 22, 2015.
My communication with the supervisor and program assistant was decent. I was closer to the supervisor though because I saw her several times a week, where as I only saw the program assistant every other week. The supervisor was friendly and the kids loved her whenever she came around.
My communication with the supervisor and program assistant was decent. I was closer to the supervisor though because I saw her several times a week, where as I only saw the program assistant every other week. The supervisor was friendly and the kids loved her whenever she came around.
July 23, 2015.
Track and Field Day was also this week. Every year for this program, Track and Field day is a big event. To prepare for it, we had the kids decorate noisemakers and a banner to represent our park on that day. All of the parks met at a local highschool and was ready for the competition. Each child was assigned two events that they could compete in. They could have chosen between sprinting, running on a relay, jumping, throwing, and tug of war. At the end of the competitions, prizes were awarded to all first and second place winners. Also, the staff was allowed to participate in a relay or tug of war at the end of the day. My park did not do as well as the other parks, but they all still had a fun and productive day.
Track and Field Day was also this week. Every year for this program, Track and Field day is a big event. To prepare for it, we had the kids decorate noisemakers and a banner to represent our park on that day. All of the parks met at a local highschool and was ready for the competition. Each child was assigned two events that they could compete in. They could have chosen between sprinting, running on a relay, jumping, throwing, and tug of war. At the end of the competitions, prizes were awarded to all first and second place winners. Also, the staff was allowed to participate in a relay or tug of war at the end of the day. My park did not do as well as the other parks, but they all still had a fun and productive day.
July 24, 2015.
One thing I would change about the annual track and field day would be to let the kids be involved in more than two events. A lot of kids wanted to keep being active and run around, but they were forced to sit down and cheer for their other peers. I understand they are concerned of the physical health of the children, but it would be a good idea to keep them busy with events.
One thing I would change about the annual track and field day would be to let the kids be involved in more than two events. A lot of kids wanted to keep being active and run around, but they were forced to sit down and cheer for their other peers. I understand they are concerned of the physical health of the children, but it would be a good idea to keep them busy with events.
Week 6 (July 27 - July 31)
July 27, 2015.
This week, the kids got to go bowling for their field trip. Only 20 of them were allowed to go and they others had to stay behind; so we sent the older kids and the ones that have been having good behavior. The kids enjoyed it, no one got hurt, and only a few got in trouble. One girl brought milk onto the bus and one of the rules for food was to bring any food items outside of the park area. She was not allowed to go on the next field trip.
This week, the kids got to go bowling for their field trip. Only 20 of them were allowed to go and they others had to stay behind; so we sent the older kids and the ones that have been having good behavior. The kids enjoyed it, no one got hurt, and only a few got in trouble. One girl brought milk onto the bus and one of the rules for food was to bring any food items outside of the park area. She was not allowed to go on the next field trip.
July 28, 2015.
Another thing I would change with this program is I would like to see the kids be taken on more trips. They should be given the opportunity to experience more. Also, the fact that only a certain number of kids (usually 20) could go should be revised as well. A lot of kids missed out on trips because only so many were able to be taken.
Another thing I would change with this program is I would like to see the kids be taken on more trips. They should be given the opportunity to experience more. Also, the fact that only a certain number of kids (usually 20) could go should be revised as well. A lot of kids missed out on trips because only so many were able to be taken.
July 29, 2015.
If another peer of mine was considering this job, I would tell them to ask for a position higher up, especially if it deals directly with their major. Or I would tell them to work in the park operations, but not as a director. One could learn more if they worked behind the scenes, instead of on them.
If another peer of mine was considering this job, I would tell them to ask for a position higher up, especially if it deals directly with their major. Or I would tell them to work in the park operations, but not as a director. One could learn more if they worked behind the scenes, instead of on them.
July 31, 2015.
At the end of the week, a basketball tournament was held. This would be the last tournament of the program. Unfortunately my park lost in the first round of the bracket. I was surprised that they lost because we had multiple experienced basketball players on the team and daily the kids would play basketball at the park. After losing, they had to engage in other activities such as play on the playground.
At the end of the week, a basketball tournament was held. This would be the last tournament of the program. Unfortunately my park lost in the first round of the bracket. I was surprised that they lost because we had multiple experienced basketball players on the team and daily the kids would play basketball at the park. After losing, they had to engage in other activities such as play on the playground.
Week 7 (August 3 - August 7)
August 3, 2015.
My least favorite part about this program was the food that was given to the children. Everyday we were to feed them break and lunch. They had strict guidelines to when and how we had to sere the food. We had to serve breakfast from 10-11 and all kids had to sit there whether they were done or not, and we had to serve lunch between 2 and 3. Breakfast usually consisted of a bowl of cereal or an english muffin. Lunch usually consisted of a cold chicken, ham, or turkey sandwich. All meals were served with white or chocolate milk.
My least favorite part about this program was the food that was given to the children. Everyday we were to feed them break and lunch. They had strict guidelines to when and how we had to sere the food. We had to serve breakfast from 10-11 and all kids had to sit there whether they were done or not, and we had to serve lunch between 2 and 3. Breakfast usually consisted of a bowl of cereal or an english muffin. Lunch usually consisted of a cold chicken, ham, or turkey sandwich. All meals were served with white or chocolate milk.
August 4, 2015.
More guidelines following the serving procedures had to deal with the throwing away of the food. If we had any extra meals, we could not serve them to the children; we had to give them to our meal coordinators and serve the same meals the next day. If it was Friday though, we had to just simply toss any of the extra meals away. Before throwing away any milk, we had to pour the milk out so it would not mess up the trash cans. On Friday kids were supposed to receive hot meals such as pasta or pizza, but that rarely happened. Kids were always disappointed with the food.
More guidelines following the serving procedures had to deal with the throwing away of the food. If we had any extra meals, we could not serve them to the children; we had to give them to our meal coordinators and serve the same meals the next day. If it was Friday though, we had to just simply toss any of the extra meals away. Before throwing away any milk, we had to pour the milk out so it would not mess up the trash cans. On Friday kids were supposed to receive hot meals such as pasta or pizza, but that rarely happened. Kids were always disappointed with the food.
August 5, 2015.
One thing I would change about this program is their food vendors. As underprivileged kids, they expect and deservefood that they can enjoy. A lot of the kids were not fed before coming to the program simply because their family could not afford the food. So they would come to the park starving and if they were either allergic to something or just did not like the food, there was nothing we could do. If I had the chance, I would find a better food vendor and feed the kids better.
One thing I would change about this program is their food vendors. As underprivileged kids, they expect and deservefood that they can enjoy. A lot of the kids were not fed before coming to the program simply because their family could not afford the food. So they would come to the park starving and if they were either allergic to something or just did not like the food, there was nothing we could do. If I had the chance, I would find a better food vendor and feed the kids better.
August 6, 2015.
On this day, all of the parks took their annual end of the year field trip. Everyone went to the Zoo in Pittsburgh. We were only allowed to bring 20 kids from each park to regulate the amount of people we brought to the zoo. We left extra early to get there at 10 in the morning and we stayed until about 3pm. During the day, each park split into two groups of ten. This helped to regulate keeping all the kids on track and in place.
On this day, all of the parks took their annual end of the year field trip. Everyone went to the Zoo in Pittsburgh. We were only allowed to bring 20 kids from each park to regulate the amount of people we brought to the zoo. We left extra early to get there at 10 in the morning and we stayed until about 3pm. During the day, each park split into two groups of ten. This helped to regulate keeping all the kids on track and in place.
August 7, 2015.
On this day, an activity day was held. This activity day was mainly for all of the kids that were not permitted to go on the field trip. We feel as if every kid earned to have a day of fun, so this was created. Several different sports were held, face painting, and arts & crafts were there for the children. Activity day was actually held at Lynn Park. It was a crazy, messy day but it was worth it for the kids.
On this day, an activity day was held. This activity day was mainly for all of the kids that were not permitted to go on the field trip. We feel as if every kid earned to have a day of fun, so this was created. Several different sports were held, face painting, and arts & crafts were there for the children. Activity day was actually held at Lynn Park. It was a crazy, messy day but it was worth it for the kids.
Week 8 (August 10 - August 12)
August 10, 2015.
Overall, this program is a great idea and it has been running for years. It reminded me of a program that used to run called NYSP. That program was for kids age 9-17. If I could restructure this day camp, I would change the age groups of the program and bring back something similar to NYSP. I would make the Parks & Rec. day camp ages 5-11 and the other program 12-17. During work everyday, all the younger kids stayed together and so did the older ones. It would be a great idea to have separate camps.
Overall, this program is a great idea and it has been running for years. It reminded me of a program that used to run called NYSP. That program was for kids age 9-17. If I could restructure this day camp, I would change the age groups of the program and bring back something similar to NYSP. I would make the Parks & Rec. day camp ages 5-11 and the other program 12-17. During work everyday, all the younger kids stayed together and so did the older ones. It would be a great idea to have separate camps.
August 11, 2015.
The overall interaction with the park supervisor was very friendly. Angie had been working at the park program for many years so every time she would come check our parks, all the kids knew her and would be happy. She had a lot on her plate, due to being in charge of three parks, but she handled everything professionally.
The overall interaction with the park supervisor was very friendly. Angie had been working at the park program for many years so every time she would come check our parks, all the kids knew her and would be happy. She had a lot on her plate, due to being in charge of three parks, but she handled everything professionally.
August 12, 2015.
This was the last week of the program, so it only consisted of three days. To end the program, we had a end of the program picnic, which took major planning to ensure it was ran accurately. The picnic was held at Arlington Heights and was an all day event. We were in charge of ensuring the kids ate twice, breakfast and the food that some of the directors grilled. Many activities took place such as face painting, dancing, basketball, board games, etc. At the end of the day, kids names were drawn from a bucket to win various prizes. Kids enjoyed this day, as did the directors.
This was the last week of the program, so it only consisted of three days. To end the program, we had a end of the program picnic, which took major planning to ensure it was ran accurately. The picnic was held at Arlington Heights and was an all day event. We were in charge of ensuring the kids ate twice, breakfast and the food that some of the directors grilled. Many activities took place such as face painting, dancing, basketball, board games, etc. At the end of the day, kids names were drawn from a bucket to win various prizes. Kids enjoyed this day, as did the directors.
Final Reflections
As a result with working with Youngstown Parks & Rec. I have a more positive outlook on children and it has made me want to older kids out even more. With this Summer Day camp, the majority of kids are from the ages of five to twelve. That means kids any older than that do not have something to really look forward to in the summer time; at least in this area. When I was younger, a program called NYSP (National Youth Sports Program) used to exist and every kid loved it. After a few years of existing, the program did not have enough money and had to shut down. I now have the dream to bring that program back or one similar for kids ages thirteen to seventeen. This program will include daily sports activities, various educational classes, community service, and they will be fed. Working with this program this past summer, has taught me to handle situations in professional ways, to organize paperwork, and to make connections.