Back to Portfolios
Dan Chmelar, Sara Dolson, Samantha Espinosa, John Houlihan, Angela Kephart, Brian Klinge, Julie Klinge, Jessica Lieb, Joe Longo, Billy Mach, Nicole O'Malley, Amanda Paige, Gina Pemberton, Abby Quint, Stephanie Raulie, Kelly Swisher, Mary Welper
Four Mounds
This summer has been a great experience for me concerning my involvement with the AmeriCorps Program and more specifically the Four Mounds Summer Adventure Day Camp. Through these programs I have developed into a better-rounded person and have had my eyes opened up to parts of society and aspects of life others deal with that I have not previously been accustomed to.
I feel the kids learned many valuable things at Four Mounds Adventure Day Camp. One of the first things we talk with the kids about is respect. We talk with them about how important it is to respect yourself, others, and nature. We tied to stress all of these points.
The kids also learned how to get along with others. Tuesdays we took the kids on the low ropes course. The main point of the low ropes is to develop teamwork skills. In order to complete the challenges, the kids must communicate with each other and work together or the challenge will not be completed. In some cases, the kids resort to yelling at each other to try to get their point across. This is when we as counselors intervened and showed them how yelling and screaming at each other will not help them in completing their tasks
In the end I am very glad I have been apart of the AmeriCorps program. Through the program, I have made many new friends, some other members, and some kids at the camp. I am not sure what my schedule will be next summer but right now another summer with AmeriCorps and Four Mounds seems like a great thing to me.
Top
Sara Dolson
Audubon Playground and Multicultural Family Center
What is AmeriCorps? It’s long hours. It’s sporadic shifts. It tries you patience. It’s work. IT IS WORTH IT! AmeriCorps has been one of the best opportunities of my life. Yes, it was hard, and I often found myself crashing at home after a long day of work. However, the relationships I built with the children and other AmeriCorps members made it all worth it. The feeling of being needed that much by children as they yelled my name and excitedly ran up to me was unbelievable. The joy of becoming a kid again, and playing with the children is something I’ll never forget. The creativity of these children and the potential they have if given the opportunity and support is overwhelming. To know that I’ve made a difference in their lives is such a fulfilling experience and well worth every minute.
Music in the Park at Jackson Park was a great experience that allowed me to jump right in and start interacting with the kids. I had a ton of energy and wanted to input that energy into my coworkers and the children. My energy and excitement started off my summer and was tested throughout as I became busier and more involved.
I provided arts and crafts at Audubon Playground and the Multicultural Family Center. I became close with the kids and developed relationships. I felt that our project were fun and helped develop the children’s creativity and listening skills
During a picnic at Eagle Point park, I got to show off my artistic skills face painting. This event occurred towards the end of the summer. It summarized my whole experience with AmeriCorps: hot and long, but filled with food, music, and great people working towards a common goal resulting in fun, diverse, and safe activities for the children of Dubuque and surrounding areas.
Top
Audubon, Multicultural Center
This summer was one of my most memorable summers. I had an amazing learning experience. I gave back to the community and the community gave back to me. On the first day I was not sure what to expect. My first AmeriCorps placement was at the Multicultural Family Center. The Center was small and the children were loud. The Multicultural Center offered diversity, but lacked order. I went to work and was surprised at how much the children loved to be read to. I would at times read five books in a row to the children. I felt this was something they enjoyed but may be lacking at home. My scariest real moment was when a father came in and yelled at his child to “GET HOME!” This was when I first saw how some families operate.
Some other placements of mine
Run, Giggle, Sip
This picture shows us doing a rain Dance to make the rain go away.
Fishing Derby
My next placement was my favorite! I love my children at Audubon. They tested me in the beginning but soon realized they were not going to get too far with their tactics. The girls talked to me like their friend or sister. The boys loved to play basketball and capture the flag.
This picture shows a child from Audubon and I at the fishing derby, a field trip from Audubon.
Soccer FUNdamentals
Lastly, my experience has taught me a lot about myself and others. I wish I had taken this opportunity earlier in my life. I loved giving to the children and I found myself calling them “my” children. I spent a whole summer with these children and feel I have had a small part in how they turn out. Not all of the families were dysfunctional. There were parents who were very involved and interested in our program. Many families thank us for our hard work. During those days whether good or bad, that appreciation gave that extra push that kept us going.
Top
Epworth, Four Mounds, Audubon
This job has been an amazing experience and has taught me so much. I think it is great how I did not mind working twelve-hour days. Any other job sitting behind a desk or register even eight hours felt like an eternity, but when you feel like you are making a difference, and having fun along the way time passes in a blink of an eye.
July 21
Summer seems to be starting a little slow. I’m only working twenty hours a week. On Wednesdays, I work in Epworth teaching a photography program called Shutterbug to about twenty-five kids. I think I am doing a good job. The kids really seem to like it.
I have also worked a few nights at Audubon playground that has been a lot of fun too. Both experiences are so different but are both such awesome chances to learn about kids.
July 25
This is my second week at Four Mounds Adventure day camp. I love working at the camp. It is such a cool way of getting to hangout with some kids who really need a positive role model. The games, activities, and adventures that we get to do are amazing. Canoeing, caving, climbing, and hiking are just what these kids need to gain some confidence.
August 5
It is my last two weeks at AmeriCorps. Soon I will be heading back to college and the summer will feel like the distant past. I have been working with Jumpstart Kindergarten, where we help teachers with a large group of kindergarteners get accustomed to going to school for the first time. I have also been teaching a rocket program at NICC. It is a nice change of pace because the kids are in eighth grade and are a lot more relaxed. I end my day at Audubon playing games with the children.
Top
Hoover
I did not know what to expect when I signed up for an AmeriCorps term. I was just looking for something worthwhile to do with my summer, and AmeriCorps was definitely that. I did many different things during this summer. I used my computer and desktop publishing skills to produce brochures, a website, and a database. I helped with a soccer camp, and learned that not all kids are angels. I lead Music in Jackson Park and learned how wonderful kids could be. I lead Wonderful Worms camp and was amazed by the children’s eagerness to learn about SCIENCE. I was a photographer and was able to visit many of the events going. I was able to see all the wonderful things AmeriCorps was doing in the community.
Soccer Camp was fun and a learning experience. I got to share my love for soccer with many kids. It was also my first time dealing with at risk kids. I was not sure how to be authoritative, but the other AmeriCorps members helped. It was a great experience for me.
I spent a little bit of time at the Multicultural Family Center. This is an awesome place where people of all races and ethnic backgrounds can come and hang out, use computer/internet, watch TV, and learn. It is a safe place where the children of downtown Dubuque can come after school and wait for their parents to get off work. This place showed me how the youth of today are becoming more “color blind.” I was happy that I got to be a part of this wonderful place.
Hoover Jump Start was also a great experience for me. I had become accustom to the fast pace intellectual atmosphere of a collegial community. Jump Start threw me back to kindergarten, a place I was no longer familiar with. It made me slow down and remember a simpler world. It was refreshing and exhausting at the same time. I have a newfound respect of kindergarten teachers.
I have changed for the better thanks to AmeriCorps. I have become more accepting of other people, and let go of stereotypes that I had. I have learned that people are people no matter their race, economic level, or educational background. I thoroughly enjoyed my term, and have signed up for another.
Top
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, four mounds, Sageville
I spent about half of my time this summer at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and I had a great time. The museum was not as busy as it was last year but there were still plenty of people to talk to. I spent most of my time telling people about what they saw when they came to my area. Even though I have been there for a while, I am still surprised that some people do not know what a birch bark canoe looks like. I was at Four Mounds Summer Day Camp for a week. During that week, I worked with about thirty children. This was a great part of my summer. The last day of this camp, we did the high elements. This was fun for all of the children, and some of them overcame a great amount of fear to participate. Jump Start at Sageville has been a good experience for me because I am going to be a teacher when I graduate from college. Jump Start is working with Kindergarteners.
At the boat shop in the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. I am demonstrating how to use the shingle bench
At Sageville School. I am pushing a Jump Start student on the suspender roller.
I am glad that I had a wider variety of assignments this summer. I was exposed to many things that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. I know that I learned a lot from the children I worked with this summer. My experiences this summer will benefit me later in my life.
Top
Audubon, Sageville
This is my second summer term with AmeriCorps. I guess I liked it so much last year that I decided to volunteer for another term over the summer. I helped at a few day camps over the summer, but the majority of my hours were at the playground at Audubon School, Jump Start at Sageville School and cashier at the 4-H food-stand. I really enjoyed working at the 4-H food-stand because it brought back many memories from my high school years when I was in 4-H.
This is at the playground at Audubon. We had a bunch of different craft projects the children could do. I am helping with one of the art projects.
Jump Start is a program for children going into kindergarten. This gets them used to going to school and being away from parents. The program is usually two weeks, four days each week for 2.5 hours, in the mornings.
I am glad I decided to join AmeriCorps for another summer term. In a way, it was like last year, but at the same time so completely different because there were different children to work with. It was a very good experience for me and I am glad I had the opportunity to volunteer my time again this summer to make a difference in the children’s lives I worked with and played with over the summer.
Top
Four Mounds, Audubon, Multicultural Center
Working at Four Mounds Summer Day camp this summer was once again the highlight of my summer. Not only do I get to make a positive change in the lives of children in my community, but also I have fun while doing it. Although a hefty portion of our canoeing days were cancelled due to rain and thunderstorms, the children had a good time throughout the week.
My time outside of Four Mounds (such as evenings at Audubon or Saturdays at the Multicultural Center) revealed to me an entirely new side of the community, which I had never seen before. The children who attend these places often have nowhere else to go. They are looking for some sort of safe place. A place their homes tend not to be.
I was glad to see a lot of returning children at Four Mounds. It is wonderful to form and maintain relationships with the children in the community. They even remembered my name, though I may not always recall theirs.
The AmeriCorps experience for me has been extremely rewarding. It gave me opportunities to grow and inspire growth in others. I will miss being part of such a great program next year. I anticipate continuing to do service work in the Dubuque community even though my AmeriCorps service has come to an end.
Top
Multicultural Center, Audubon playground
From classes to camps, from sticky goo to messy paint, and from adults to kindergartners, my time in AmeriCorps was characterized by variety. After training, with the summer stretching before me, I worried that I could not fulfill all of my different roles. The challenge was great, but I learned so much about myself, my community, and my country in the process; I also met children and adults alike that I will never forget.
I spent a great deal of time at the Dubuque Multicultural Family Center. The Center strives to bring together people of diverse backgrounds. It also offers educational opportunities to the public including language classes (English and Spanish), and culture classes for children. I taught Spanish to both children and adults. Teaching is difficult and exhausting, but very rewarding. Language education is so important so we can truly understand and appreciate another culture.
In addition, I spent one-on-one time with at-risk children playing games, doing arts and crafts, assisting with the computers, and reading at the Multicultural Center and Audubon playground. Many kids were missing attention that they needed badly. We as AmeriCorps members spend much of our time encouraging these children, telling them that they were talented, smart or creative-and we certainly meant what we said. We were consistently there and this consistency for them is very important in a world where nothing is for certain.
AmeriCorps has been an opportunity for me to experience different roles and different cultures. I discovered the great services, but also the great problems that exist in our community. Some nights I came home from work so fulfilled because I felt like I connected with one of the children. While other days I felt exhausted and hopeless like nothing could be done. I learned to be a leader, a listener, a team player, and a kid again. In the end, I know that seemingly small things can make a big difference in the lives of children. I know this because these children have made a difference in mine.
Top
Billy Mach
Sageville Elementary School, Audubon Playground
The time spent with AmeriCorps has allowed me to mature into a professional young adult. From the very first interview, we were asked to represent the Dubuque community and schools in a positive way. At Sageville, I was a one-on-one tutor in the areas of math and reading. I also mentored a student. We worked on respect and why it is important to complete all homework. Our time together was very rewarding. I volunteered at Audubon Playground during the summer. I learned how to deal with stressful situations. I enjoyed being there. We provided a positive place for the kids to come and play. The attitudes of the children changed drastically throughout the course of the summer. We taught respect, and I feel we make a difference in their lives. I will never forget the days spent at the Audubon playground.
I was in charge of a math intervention before school started. Every morning students would report to the computer lab to work on their math skills. The students were allowed to play math games from educational websites. This was a great intervention as students enjoyed math problems with the use of technology. The extra fifteen minutes of math a day helped the students succeed.
Times at the playground
Top
Audubon, Hoover Elementary School
After training, I was a little nervous about my placements. There were some nights at the playground that I wished I had a different job but the overall result of my summer program was amazing. I made friends with elementary kids all summer and got to be a role model to kids who just really need someone to be there. This summer really opened up my eyes a part of Dubuque that I did not even know existed.
I was placed at Hoover Summer School for one month in the beginning of the summer. There I assisted Miss Maloney throughout the morning with her second grade class. I really enjoyed being at Hoover because it gave me some experiences working in my future profession.
I was also placed at Audubon Playground for the entire summer during the evening. There I played with the elementary aged kids playing basketball, four square, capture the flag, and much more. I liked being at Audubon because it was nice to be a positive role model and friend for at risk children.
I also liked my placement at the school setting. Working with Second Graders in summer school really helped me see what happens during the school year, and how much I really will enjoy my job as a teacher after college. Also the experience working with two different classroom settings, Kindergarten and Second Grade, helped me see the differences and how much work I have ahead as a teacher. In conclusion, this summer was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed my summer and would not have changed anything. It was a great experience, and I hope to work for AmeriCorps again.
Top
Amanda Paige
Four Mounds, Audubon Playground
AmeriCorps has given me great experiences that have molded me into a better rounded individual. I have worked with many children who have come from various backgrounds and different ethnicities. It made me realize that I can help guide others into a brighter future. In the beginning of this program, I was very scared and unsure if I would do a good job. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and whether it was worth it or not. I was worried about how the kids would treat me and how much they would challenge me. Soon I realized this was a great opportunity for me to give extra attention to those kids in need.
Four Mounds was a challenging and great learning experience. Kids came every week. For most of them, this was their summer vacation. At the camp we built their team building skills by doing the low rope course. This activity was a struggle for them because they had never experienced working on as team. I kept encouraging campers not to give up, to compromise, and to work as a team. Seeing the campers overcome their fears was a great accomplishment.
I enjoyed working at Audubon playground, but it was exhausting. I enjoyed participating in activities with the kids. It was challenging work because a lot of the times the kids would not work together. Throughout the summer kids became more cooperative and built friendships with one another. Giving kids the attention they need and a role model helped them improve in these skills.
Being an AmeriCorps member has challenged me. At times it can be a very difficult, but rewarding experience. Being part of this program I’ve helped children and adults reach goals. This make me feel great that I can help someone get on their way. My goal in the AmeriCorps program was to at least touch one person’s life. I believe I have done that for many, and they have touched me forever. Being in the AmeriCorps program has made me appreciate what I have. This was a great opportunity for me and an experience that I’ll never forget.
Top
Gina Pemberton
Epworth Community Youth Center
I became an AmeriCorps member expecting to “help out” in my community by giving a hand when it was needed, and to use my gifts and talents to help others who were in need of them. I expected to work with children and hopefully be a role model for them; give them someone to look up to and a positive direction for their future. I really expected to give them more than I would end up taking from the program, but I was mistaken.
Working at the Epworth Community Youth Center, I learned that children had big ideas that were not being heard. For on month, I worked closely with a group of young children, and I learned that children needed my help physically as well as emotionally. I learned that I could be an ambassador for a child, as well as a mentor and a friend. I learned that my problems are minute in comparison to what some children are faced with every day of their lives.
The Youth Center taught me a great deal about children and their needs, but the experience taught me a great deal about myself. I went into this program thinking that I had it all figured out, but I really didn’t. I learned how to work closely with personalities very different from my own. I learned communication skills, the true meaning of team work and responsibility, and other necessary skills that will help me throughout my life.
This summer, I was made aware of the different locations in my community that are in need of help. Not only was I able to help in my community, but I was able to gain the personal satisfaction of taking on challenges and seeing the results. One of the things I learned from my work with AmeriCorps, was that the big things you do in life are greatly appreciated, but it is the little things like playing a game, reading a story, or coloring with a child that makes a difference.
I will end with a quote that was said to me by one of my AmeriCorps trainers and supervisors. I actually carried this quote with me all summer, and will keep it with me for the rest of my life.
“AmeriCorps is a chance to do things that really matter, just how much you get out of it is up to you.”
Top
Epworth, Hoover, Audubon
When I first heard about the AmeriCorps program, I was more than interested; it sounded like the perfect opportunity to try new things, meet new people, work with kids, and ultimately serve my community. After doing some research, I decided it was right for me and for what I wanted to do after college—become a school Psychologist.
My first assignment was at the Epworth Community Center. The first day was overwhelming; there were 40-some kids, but I quickly adapted and learned about the kids I would be helping in the upcoming weeks. In my few weeks at Epworth, I encountered many different situations that had to be dealt with quickly and with care, but overall I had a wonderful time teaching the kids about different games and being a kid myself
At Hoover Elementary, I assisted Mrs. Kallback with her 2nd grade summer school class. I helped the student with DOL and journals. The kids were all very respectful and nice, with the exception of two boys. I worked one on one with these boys and by the end of the two weeks, they were making great progress. I loved my time at Hoover Elementary.
I was not stationed at the Audubon playground until mid-July and looking back, I feel sad about that—it was a great place to be! The month I had there, however, was a lot of fun. My first experience was a field trip to Swiss Valley. I had never been on the trolley or had met any of the kids, so I was a bit nervous. Nevertheless, I quickly made friends with a few of the kids, had tons of fun on the trolley, and enjoyed the scavenger hunt at Swiss Valley.
Now that my service is ending, I can look back and smile at what I have experienced. Not only was this the most fun summer “job” I have ever had, it was the most rewarding. Before this experience, I thought I wanted to work with high-risk kids with behavioral problems for my career, and now I am sure I do. I have realized I possess the patience, compassion, and knowledge to successfully work with and mold these kids. I had not really ever worked with kids from difficult backgrounds before, so this was a wonderful first taste of what I will be getting into in the future. I would highly recommend serving with the AmeriCorps, and I look forward to doing another term of service.
Top
Audubon, Comiskey, Arboretum
My AmeriCorps experience has benefited and enhanced my knowledge about children while also preparing me better for my career. My summer placement as a workshop facilitator and mentor has stretched my limits and reaffirmed that Elementary Education is the perfect career path for me.
My first experience as an AmeriCorps workshop facilitator/mentor was during the babysitting how-to course. This interactive class gave tips on child safety, how to approach different situations, and how to be a successful babysitter.
Growing in the Garden was a weekly class that allowed us to teach children about growing plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits through hands-on experience. We discussed the benefits of growing your own food and how to plant and care for their own garden at home. In addition to planting, growing and weeding our garden at the Arboretum, the children learned about making healthy eating choices through books we read together. One of the highlights was watching the children develop a greater appreciation for new foods through taste tests.
I worked at Audubon Playground on a daily basis and it became the most satisfying part of my work for AmeriCorps because I was able to build child/mentor relationships and witness positive changes in the children over the course of the summer. In addition to working three-hour shifts at the playground in the morning or evening, we were able to take the kids on weekly field trips around Dubuque such as: the Water Carnival at the public pools, the local zoo, and Swiss Valley Nature Center. At Swiss Valley, we enjoyed a nature walk, scavenger hunt and searched for various birds, plant and animal prints. Another fun activity was the Fishing Derby down at the river. For many of the kids it was their first experience fishing and it was fun to watch them learn how to bait the hook.
As I reflect on my experiences over the course of the summer, I feel I contributed to making a difference in the lives of young children. In turn, the children made a life changing difference in mine.
Top
Kelly Swisher
Four Mounds
This summer I was looking for something to do that was worthwhile, challenging and fun. I definitely found that through AmeriCorps. Prior to this past spring I was aware of AmeriCorps but not anything about it. I just wasn’t aware of the profound impact members have on the youth. I was placed at Four Mounds Summer Adventure Day Camp. It is a retreat center that features nature trails along with low and high rope courses. The summer camp is free to low income families which provide these children with experiences that will last a lifetime.
Every Tuesday we took the campers on the low ropes course. We explained each obstacle to them and then they had to figure out how to get past it. Throughout the day on the course we saw leaders come forward with great ideas. This picture shows the kids with their thinking caps on. They all worked together to figure out how to get to the next platform.
Thursdays are always FUN and MUDDY. Every Thursday we went out to Maquoketa Caves. There were so many cool caves that we got to adventure through. The campers got to wear helmets and lights in order to be real cavers. One of my favorite caves was Steel Gate. This cave was long and muddy and involved a lot of climbing. This picture shows the campers being patient and waiting for their turn to go inside the cave.
On Fridays we got to play in the trees (sort of). We went on the high ropes course. In order to get through the course we had to be really brave. Sometimes the campers needed a little extra encouragement in order to get through it. This is a picture of a camper on the zip line. It was really fun to glide through the air.
Throughout my AmeriCorps experience I was able to see the effect people can have on the youth. This summer I met some awesome kids every week. It was great to see the excitement of the campers everyday. Many of the campers may not have been able to go to a camp if it was not for this opportunity.
Top
Mary Welper
Comiskey, Arboretum
When I first started my AmeriCorps term this past May, I can honestly say it was nothing like I expected. I have had previous jobs working with youth and figured it would be just another job. Little did I know it would be much more.
“Baby Sitting Basics at Comiskey Park”
This is the first program of the summer where I taught teens the basics of babysitting.
In this photo, the boys and girls are learning how to diaper a baby.
“Growing in the Garden at the Arboretum”
In this photo, I am teaching the boys and girls how to weed, water, and about the different flowers and vegetables.
In each session, the boys and girls had the chance to try a new fruit or vegetable. We also had a tea party that they brought family members to show off the garden.
This summer was by far the greatest and most beneficial experience I have gained thus far in my life. I learned so much about handling youth, work ethic, and most of all that this really is what I love doing and want to continue doing. I had doubts about what I wanted to do in my future. However, now, I am positive that this really is for me, and I should continue working towards my goals. I love that I can be a positive role model for the boys and girls I meet. I was fortunate enough to have great role models in my life as a child; however, as I have found out many youth are not as fortunate to have this in their lives and really need adults like me to help them out.
This has truly been a wonderful learning experience and I look forward to doing another AmeriCorps term, gaining even more experience in working with youth, and continuing to be a role model in the lives of youth.
Top