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| Get Involved > General Info |
CAP Volunteer E-News - November 2007 |
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Youth and Teens in Appalachia
Educational and Recreational Programming is CAP's primary vehicle for reaching out to youth and teens in Appalachia. Based out of Camp Andrew Jackson, volunteers in this program not only serve as camp counselors during the summer, but also teach character education and assist school teachers in the surrounding counties. Past volunteers have developed after-school programming such as basketball tournaments for youth, and current volunteers are developing a tutoring program for high school students and assisting in an after-school reading program for elementary school students. by Emily Gerke, CAP volunteer
The two-day retreat gave a Christian spin on the theme “Live For Today—Dream For Tomorrow.” During the weekend, teens heard talks, engaged in small group discussions and participated in activities supporting this theme. Along with the structured schedule there was choice time; this allowed everyone a chance to do more camp-like activities such as fishing, sports, arts and crafts and games. Jamming for the Lamb—a band comprised of CAP volunteers—led praise and worship sessions throughout the weekend. In an unplanned turn of events, several teens spent their choice time practicing on the instruments and later joined the band as guest performers. Credit for the success of the retreat goes in part to our prayer ministry team—a new concept for this retreat. Each participant on the retreat had a prayer partner. A total of 27 CAP volunteers and employees offered prayers and wrote letters for the participants to read as part of the retreat. In addition to the individual prayer partners, 22 CAP programs and innumerable individuals offered up prayers for the weekend. At the end of the weekend, long-term volunteers presented teens with a cross (pictured above) to remind them of their experience. Volunteer Spotlight “I am volunteering with CAP because I want to give of myself in service to others”
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri "CAP immediately struck me as a program I'd like to learn more about." Emily said. "I looked at various other volunteer programs, but CAP seemed the best suited to my needs." Since Emily had experience teaching and enjoyed serving with children, she chose Educational and Recreational Programming for her service placement. Emily's current volunteer position never lacks variety. In addition to teaching anger management at local schools twice a week, she also teaches drama, assists local reading and math teachers in their lesson plans and helps out at an after-school reading program. Emily is looking forward to this summer, when she will serve with about 60 short-term volunteers as a summer camp counselor. "I love hiking, canoeing, camping and kids and this opportunity to spend time in such beautiful surroundings really appealed to me." Upcoming recruitment events Though our fall recruiting season is complete, CAP reps will back on the road in early 2008. Check out our travel schedule to see if we will be visiting your college or community. Urgent Volunteer Needs Though CAP accepts applications year-round for all service positions, we have immediate openings for long-term (serving 9 months or longer) volunteers in the following programs: Outreach Services: Provide emergency assistance (utilities, household goods, materials for emergency home repairs) and on-going needs assessment for a large caseload of families facing financial crisis and long-term poverty. Outreach caseworkers also organize School Readiness and Christmas Basket programs for one or more counties. Must be able to work independently. Great position for someone with an interest or background in social work. Interested? Apply or request an information packet today! Know someone who might be interested in CAP? Let us know and we’ll add them to our email list!
Home | About CAP | Who We Serve | Get Involved | Support CAP | About Appalachia |
According to the 2000 census, only 62.5% of adults in Appalachian Kentucky had earned a high school diploma (compared to 80.4% nationally). Increasing education levels in Appalachia starts with a solid foundation in early childhood, but CAP also recognizes that youth and teenagers need special attention to stay on the road to success.
On Friday, November 9th, 2007, Camp Andrew Jackson was buzzing with activity. Fifteen volunteers from various CAP programs and three camp employees spent the morning and early afternoon in preparation for the Fall 2007 Teen Retreat. A few minutes before 5:00 p.m. the first teens started to arrive. Over the next few hours a total of 27 teens ages 13-16 arrived from Jackson, Rockcastle, Owsley, McCreary and Estill Counties.
Emily at a glance...
