Before I started my term of service with AmeriCorps, I thought it would be a summer job more than anything else.  I had heard wonderful things about AmeriCorps, but I didn’t think it would be different than any of the other service work I had done.  However, the further I got into summer the more I realized that the kids I worked with had such a powerful impact on me. 

This experience with AmeriCorps was more than I could ever have imagined.  This was the first job I can honestly say I enjoyed getting up for and going to every morning.

I really believe that each and every experience a person has influences them in some way—I strongly believe that this experience has impacted me in such a positive way and for that I am extremely grateful.

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During my term with AmeriCorps, I was able to participate in many different types of programs.  The day camps were probably the most challenging part of my time with AmeriCorps.  Although I had led similar activities in the past, these seemed much more intense. 

Mud, Muck and Other Wonderful Things was a nature-based program where kids were able to learn more about the food chain, plant life, animals, and of course mud and muck.  The kids were able to investigate buckets of mud and also build bird nests. 

Every Friday morning in June and July I was lucky enough to spend two hours with some of Dubuque’s greatest kids.  The Growing in the Garden program at the Dubuque Arboretum was something I looked forward to all week.  I always left feeling that the kids had had a great time and actually learned something.  Seeing the excitement on their faces when the pumpkins, beans, radishes, kohlrabi, and tomatoes were ready to be picked was great. Though there were a few programs that I focused more of my attention on, there were many things that I was involved in briefly.  This was a great thing, because it gave me the chance to see a variety of programs, work with a variety of people, and it kept the summer interesting and exciting. 

MULTICULTURAL FAMILY CENTER

When I first heard of AmeriCorps, I had only been in Dubuque for a week or two and I had been trying to find work for the summer.  I was a little nervous about meeting new people and not fitting in, but as it turns out that was not an issue at all.  I really enjoyed being able to work with the kids and all of their different personalities.  I enjoyed working with the children the most because they were always smiling and were so energetic.  If I wasn’t in a good mood or did not have much energy, their presence alone made all of that go away. 

I walked door-to-door around the neighborhood to hand out these fliers about the grand opening of the center.  It was very fun meeting people from the community and hearing their stories.

I really liked my AmeriCorps experience!!!  I think joining AmeriCorps was the best thing I could have ever done this summer.  None of my friends’ summer jobs could compare to mine as an AmeriCorps member.  This summer was a great learning experience for me.  I learned that I really like working with kids and I enjoy being able to bring smiles to their faces just by being there to talk to them.  My AmeriCorps experience has helped me to decide that I really do want to be a teacher so that I can be helpful in other people’s lives.  I like being able to make a difference just by being there.

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When I first learned about the AmeriCorps program I was not sure of the extent of what I would learn in the end.  For all I knew then, it was a way of earning money for college or paying my car insurance.  But, I soon found myself learning things about myself while still being able to pay all of my monthly expenses.  For example, I learned at Hoover School that I could keep a young child’s interest in something such as math facts and reading a book when I may in fact be their height.  I also learned that teaching could be another possible career for me. 

While at Audubon playground we played games such as, UNO and ate Popsicles. 

The Smart Start Baseball Program at Flora Park allowed preschool children, their parents, and I had some great times learning the basics of T-ball.  For five Saturdays the preschoolers and parents met during the summer.

Through this experience, I learned that being a leader is not so bad. 

With my term of service completed, I can finally comprehend the fullness of what this program has taught me already.  Through AmeriCorps, I have gained lots of great memories, met great staff, and learned new characteristics about myself.  I cannot wait to do another term and learn what this program has in store for me next.

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Annie Cushman

Presentation Lantern Center

When I was accepted as an AmeriCorps volunteer, I was excited about the opportunity to do service in the Dubuque community, but I really did not know what work I was going to be doing.  My experience at the Presentation Lantern Center has been amazing, and has taught me a lot about other cultures and more about our own American culture.

I learned that hospitality can make a big difference, and many times we do not go the extra mile to reach out to the strangers and newcomers who come to the United States from another country.

The people at the Presentation Lantern Center decorate this Four Seasons Tree for each holiday as a way of introducing the American holidays to the visitors.

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National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

When I started AmeriCorps, I did not know what to expect.  I had never done any community service other than yard work for the elderly or things like that.  I spent a majority of my time at the Museum in the 19^th century Small Craft Shop, on the William M. Black, and the historic Frentress Log Cabin. 

It was a new experience for me to work at the cabin, where I was constantly talking to people and telling them about the display and what I did at the Museum. 

I also worked in the newly opened boat-shop making benches, and used the facility to make wooden pegs for the Cabin.

Looking back over the summer, I am glad that I worked at the Museum.  All of my life I have been a quiet person, but this changed immediately when I began working there.  I was uncomfortable at first, but gradually I got used to it and became more comfortable starting conversations. 

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 Audubon Playground & Sageville Jump Start

I joined AmeriCorps, because I thought it would be a good experience for me. I also like working with children.  I started by getting the camps and programs ready and seeing what the children would be doing over the summer.  Soon with all the preparations finished, I joined fellow AmeriCorps members at Audubon Playground.

Chess, 4-Square, UNO, and Phase 10 were some of the favorite games on the playground.

It was not all playing games and goofing around.  I also helped with Jump Start Kindergarten at the Sageville School.

We were gluing and cutting projects that the children would take home to their parents.

I know I have made an impression on them by just being nice to them and by treating them kindly.  I am glad that I joined AmeriCorps for the summer and was able to experience everything I did over the summer in working with children.  I learned a lot and might do it again next summer, and hopefully learn more and have more experiences just like this summer.

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Four Mounds

I learned a lot of things through AmeriCorps that I might not have been able to learn in other ways.  My experiences helped me grow as a person and taught me how to help other people grow in their own lives as well.  I learned a lot about the different influences certain attitudes can have on children, and how sometimes certain allowances had to be made for certain children.

On the first day of camp, we learned the camp cheer, the rules, counselor names, and the story of the camp’s monster.  Here we are eating lunch after a long hike to the top of the hill.

Through the cave diving trip we learned many things.  We learned about cave safety, communication skills, overcoming fears, how to support fellow campers, and that bus rides are a lot of fun.

In previous years working at Four Mounds, I treated the job as just “something fun to do during the summer,” but after going through AmeriCorps training and learning more about working with children, the responsibilities that went along with the job became more apparent.  Watching the children grow just in the course of one week was enough to make me feel as though I was doing something to make a difference. 

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Melissa Mennig

Spring and Summer Program

When you are in the moment you sometimes don’t realize how important that moment has been to you, but reflecting back on my AmeriCorps term I see that it was one of the best opportunities of my life.  In my placements, I was able to do many different types of jobs, each one bringing with it a new set of challenges and a whole lot of fun. 

These two boys, proudly displaying their Kindergarten Diplomas, were the highlight of my AmeriCorps experience.  They weren’t “bad” kids, they had just never received the tools to learn. 

Audubon playground is always a blast, especially on craft night!

When I first started on the playground, I didn’t know if the kids would be rough or accepting of us.  Within the first hour I was reassured.  This summer I was able to talk to teenage girls about boy problems, encourage kids to read, and teach them to play as a team.  I loved the fact that we were able to provide many of the children with experiences they might not have gotten to have otherwise, like playing a game of baseball at the Field of Dreams.  My experience volunteering as an AmeriCorps member was very valuable.  I made a lot of new friends, gained hands on experience in my field and had the opportunity to make a difference in my community.

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What is AmeriCorps?  Many people have asked me this question.  Our actions and words not only answer this question, but may plant a seed in another person’s mind about the value of volunteering.  AmeriCorps volunteers services to “at risk” children and families specifically during the summer with programs aimed to educate as well as provide fun, safe activities.  As an Art Educator, I was asked to implement an art program for children ages 3-12.  At Terrace Mobile Home Center we drew, painted, made paper sculptures, did beading projects, and much, much more.  With a background in fine arts, I focused more on the skills and the experience of the process rather than the outcome of everyone having a craft project to take home. 

On the playground the conditions were a little different, but we made just about anything we could with paper, scissors, and glue.  This experience broadened their definition of art.

Smart Start Baseball reminded me of how eager 4 year olds are to please.  They tried so hard, unless they were grumpy that day. 

After completing this summer term with AmeriCorps, I feel more confident starting my teaching career.  The program reinforced my decision to teach because of how much I enjoyed all of the preparation, the implementation, and the outcome.  AmeriCorps is a wonderful experience where older adults can not only lend their experience to the children we work with, but can also lend their maturity and life experience to the young adults we work beside. 

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Audubon Playground & Summer School

Volunteering with AmeriCorps for a second summer has been an incredible experience I could have never imagined.  It was great to see many of the children I worked with in the past at the playground again, and the new faces brought a new light to our fun. 

Audubon created a wonderful atmosphere for the children and AmeriCorps members to learn from each other.

Jump Start Kindergarten at Audubon was an opportunity I will never forget.  They helped me learn to break down ideas and really pay attention to what they needed and how I could be of

I found a sense of belonging in the hearts of so many people this summer.  The look in a child’s eyes when they learn something new or conquer a feat they have been trying so hard for creates a feeling of hope, that somehow you were a part of what they will remember as a great time in their life.

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Hoover Elementary / Terrace Mobile Home Community Center

“What am I getting myself into?”  That was the question I asked myself as I was heading to my first day of AmeriCorps training.  Even though this was my second year serving, I still had my fears and apprehensions.  What happened if things didn’t go as smoothly as my first year?  What if I was getting myself in over my head?  I guessed I would just have to wait and see what happened.

The majority of my hours were spent during the school year at Hoover Elementary, where I was able to work with a variety of classes, students, and teachers.  There students ranged from those that needed help with the very basics to those that simply needed some one-on-one time with someone.

It was here that I felt I had my most positive experience this year.  It was my first time working with truly low-income children.  They provided me with an invaluable experience and showed me the greatest amount of gratitude.  This is an art project one student completed and gave to me.

In retrospect, my second year of service with AmeriCorps was better than my first.  I met many more people and had more interesting and unforgettable experiences this year.  From my many hours at Hoover during the school year and summer, to Terrace Mobile Home Park, all the kids I met had an impact on me.  The various experiences that they provided me with will always be with me and will help to shape the way I serve others in the future.  I wish that I could do it all again.

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Summer Program

Through AmeriCorps, I had one great summer!  I got a chance that not many people get, or rather realize they have.  I got to be a counselor at 2 wonderful camps, and I got to do other various things with kids.  It was wonderful to see how the kids weren’t shy when it came to acting.  I walked away from the camp knowing I had made a difference in some of their lives and had made a lot more friends!

Frogwarts was a great time!  It was so much fun and relaxing just hanging out with the kids.

I helped out at a reading workshop where we read to the kids and then acted out the stories.  The kids really got to express themselves when they were acting out the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

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Four Mounds Adventure Day Camps

Volunteering for AmeriCorps at Four Mounds was a very enjoyable experience.  I learned a lot about working with children.  It was one of my most enjoyable summers and I will use much of what I learned for the rest of my life.  The goal of the Four Mounds Adventure Summer Camp program is to teach children skills such as respecting others and working together, teaching them about nature, and letting them get out and play. 

Having fun while teaching teamwork skills on the low ropes course was a great way to spend a Tuesday.

Sometimes, you just have to get wet and cool off while learning about nature and teamwork.  Good thing we were canoeing down Catfish Creek.

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Four Mounds Adventure

Each week brought new and exciting faces and personalities to Four Mounds.  I was amazed how close you could get to kids in a week.  I found myself very empathetic to the timid, scared kids and delighted by the outgoing adventuresome ones.  It seemed like each week I had gotten a whole new family to interact with.

I was part of what was probably a highlight for many of these kids’ summers

Exploring the Maquoketa caves with campers was a new experience for many youth.

AmeriCorps was a  new experience for me.  I realized it was more than a job.  It was trying to teach me something about being a good citizen and community member.  A job?  No way. This was too much fun!

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Summer Program

I was placed at the Great Midwestern Educational Theatre Company.  We put together several performances with the kids over the summer.  We also had informative story time. It was a new take on learning, socializing, imagination, and tying it all together.  There was a two week long theatre camp that was a lot of fun.  It was interesting to see the kids open up to each other and become closer friends as time went on.  I was amazed by the dedication of even some of the youngest kids.

These Wild Rumpus were actors in  “Where the Wild Things Are.”

Of all the activities I did this summer, Frogwarts was definitely the most rewarding.  This is the Dragonwing House at lunch.

Presenting:  The Cast of Veggietales!

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The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Dubuque

Learning is the one word that comes to mind when I think of my AmeriCorps experience.  Working one-on-one with the children and all the training hours have taught me so much more about what it is really like to serve the community.  Experiencing what AmeriCorps teaches did not just benefit me, but also helped to benefit the people, young and old, around me. 

Making paper wind chimes and other art projects helps children to concentrate better, have more patience, share effectively, and work in groups or around others with less difficulty.  

AmeriCorps has taught me that in order to help other people, you first need to help yourself.  You need to be able to understand what you are going to teach the children.  Many children need caring adults in their lives to help them learn what is a good decision and what is not a good decision.  My goal this summer was to be one of those caring adulsts.  The children taught me how to be patient, to understand the challenges that they face at a young age and help them learn from those challenges. 

Sometimes these lessons were taught in the gym while playing sports, and sometimes they were taught playing pool or board games in the Games Room.   

Patience is key when working with children. Working this summer has helped better that quality within me.  AmeriCorps not only helps the community, but it also makes you feel better about yourself.

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Audubon Playground & Lincoln School

There are a million words I could use to describe my experience this summer, and it is hard to choose the perfect ones.  Likewise, there are a million moments from this summer that have made this summer unforgettable.  In the beginning, this job seemed out of place for a pre-law student.  From the first day I was thrown into AmeriCorps, I knew that people were amazing. 

As the lead member on the playground, it was up to me to ensure that we had all the play equipment

I also helped with Summer Kindergarten Jump Start Program at Lincoln Elementary School.  I assisted the teachers and helped the students.  The efforts were to make these new students feel successful in their first weeks at school.

The easiest question I asked myself this summer was, “Would I do it again?”  Yes, in a heartbeat.  AmeriCorps was the most rewarding and fun “job” I have ever had.  The summer was wonderful, the kids were fantastic, and my fellow members were amazing friends ‘til the end. 

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I enjoyed working with the children at our summer program at Audubon Park. We had a lot of fun with reading, board games, arts and crafts, basketball, kickball, and four squares. I had a lot of fun organizing Robot Camp, Bug Camp, and Rocket camp, which allowed children to explore and experiment with science. I learned so much working with children in the summer program that I was able to apply assistance in the general classroom. I recognize the great impact I had as a member of this program. I was inspired by words of encouragement from children and people who benefited from my service. AmeriCorps was a wonderful experience.

There was no end to four squares at Audubon Park. We played everyday. I proved myself to be the King of Four Squares.

It wasn’t all fun and games...at Fulton I provided assistance for students who struggle

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