Our children are our future. How we prepare them for the future today will impact everything from lifestyles to the economics of tomorrow.
RSVP of Schuylkill County and Schuylkill County Intermediate Unit 29 21st Century Community Learning Center believe the efforts we put forth now will yield great rewards down the road.
The center will provide an after-school program for local students in grades 5 through 8, emphasizing STEM - the academic disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM is an education policy and endeavor to improve competitiveness in technology development and help students meet state and local standards in core subjects. The program will also focus on academic growth in reading and language arts, and artistic and cultural enrichment. Several school districts will be participating in the program.
RSVP will support the program by recruiting a minimum of 12 volunteers who will donate just one hour after school per week throughout the school year to assist students with homework assignments. Homework Helpers do not need to be experts in the subjects. Assignments are available ahead of time so you can be prepared. Teacher support and supervision is available in addition to teacher guides.
The academic year runs from October through May with summer sessions. However, volunteers have the wonderful option of taking the summer off.
To volunteer with RSVP, the minimum requirements are to be age 55 and above, have a high school education, enjoy working with children, pass child abuse and criminal history clearances, have good communication skills and be reliable. Clearance fees are reimbursed upon acceptance into the program. Volunteers are encouraged to start the process now so they'll be ready for the 2014-15 school year.
If you're not sure if this opportunity is for you, visit one of the sites, meet with the supervising teacher and get a feel for the program before making a commitment.
Investing in a child's future benefits everyone and can lead to profound opportunities for the student. You'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made a difference in a child's life.
If you'd like to help a child reach his full potential, contact Carol Bowen of RSVP, at 570-622-3103.
We're well into summer fun and here are more reasons to get outdoors.
"Porcupine Pat" invites you to join him to Sneak a Peek at the Creek Saturday. The child-friendly program will study the aquatic life in Upper Little Swatara Creek at Sweet Arrow Lake from 10 to 11 a.m. Search for mayflies, crayfish, water pennies and more. Meet at the Waterfall Road parking lot. Equipment is provided. The event is suitable for all ages. Call 570-345-8952 for details.
Schuylkill on the Move will host a Wolf Creek Waterfalls Walk from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday to the scenic waterfalls above St. Clair. Meet on the Burma Road about one mile outside St. Clair to carpool to the hike. This trek is a moderate 4.5 miles. Call 570-622-4124 for more information.
Still looking for more scenery?
Tuscarora State Park Environmental Educator Robin Tracey will guide you to some of the park's prettiest wildflower areas at 10 a.m. July 23. Meet at the beach parking lot for this difficult 4 1/2 mile hike. Call 570-467-2606 for details.
Use the above contact info for those specific volunteer opportunities and find other opportunities at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Community Volunteers in Action can be reached at 570-628-1426 or e-mail to jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.