September Programs 2019

We just wrapped up our September programming. It was a great month of fun and new experiences. September is always a month for our housing programs, but we also had other programs. With all of our amazing experiences in Youth Odyssey, we like to share and talk about them. For the youth, each experience they have in our programming can be life changing. It is important for us to highlight those special moments.

Last month we ran programs at La Armada Apartments, Leeward Homes, and Lexington Manor Apartments. Each year we visit these locations 3 times for 3 weeks. We picked up right where we left off after a great summer 2019. All programs had good attendance from youth. Although, some had a slower start than others. Nonetheless, it was a very successful month for us. Across the 3 programs, all the youth had the opportunity to travel to our ropes course. They also were able to go on a adventure wilderness trip to McKinney Falls State Park.

Our Home School Programs started back up this September. We haven't taken the youth on any trips yet, that comes later this year. However, we have had great fun working on many life-skills such as teamwork. The group has done a great job learning how to work as a team to complete a variety of challenges. One of their favorite games they have played recently was Snakes. This game required a lot of trust and teamwork. It was a challenging game, but the group did well working through it together.

Seed to Plate is a partnered program with GROW Local STX. Our focus in this edition of Seed to Plate was on pollinators. The kids learned how vital pollinators are to the survival of every species on the plant, including humans! Once the kids got an understanding on how pollination works, they got their hands dirty. No joke, they dove right into the dirt to pull weeds and put plants in the ground. It wasn't easy work, but it was fun and enjoyable. Best part about it was they were helping the local environment using their own hands. At the conclusion of the program, the kids had the pleasure of making a feast using some of the crops from the garden. They made a delicious Mediterranean meal, falafel tacos. Nothing like a great meal to celebrate some hard work!

September was an amazing month, but we now have our eyes on school programs which start next week! We are super excited to be back in school program season. Each program will have a new activity added, kayaking! Also, we will be at a new school this year, Tom Browne Middle School. New programs is only a sign of our growth. If you want to help youth have new experiences you can donate here to sponsor a youth.