Today was our first day on the reservation and meetings and hanging out with the kids. First thing this morning was a tour of the buildings on site and orientation about being a volunteer at the Cheyenne River Youth Project. We also did some introductions so that the University of Kansas group could get to know the other group here too, Iowa State. We also met and learned more about the full time staff and volunteers here.
Next (after lunch) we divided into four groups to do some deep cleaning of the teen building. Once the cleaning was done it was time to prepare and get ready for the kids to arrive from school. Some people began planning out activities for the kids, some went to the local elementary school to pass out flyers to the kids to let them know about some of the fun and exciting things we have planned, and some people began cooking dinner for the smaller kids.
The smaller kids sent home after dinner and the older kind stayed until about 8:30, them we all pitched in to clean up. After we all cleaned up we all met together as a group (just KU, Iowa State met on their own) and we talked bout some of our observations, thoughts, and experiences from the day.
Generally, the younger kids, aged 4-12, were very enthusiastic and excited that we are here. They were very open to being involved with the different activities we had planned and seemed eager to learn and spend tie with us. The older youth, aged 13-18, really wanted to do their own activities. Generally play basketball, or get on the computer. We found that what the teens really seem to enjoy is individual attention and conversations.
It was a great first day and I look forward to what will come the rest of the week.
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