what happens once a month at Kids Club, is a matter of point of view.

I’m curious if any of you are familiar with the song, “Just Fishin”, by Trace Adkins. If not, it is the story of a dad whose daughter thinks her and dad are just out for a day of fishing together, but from the dad’s point of view, it is so much more. She sees a day of catching fish, he sees a day of irreplaceable one on one bonding with his little girl.

Likewise, what happens once a month at Kids Club, is a matter of point of view.

Gathering together first thing in our morning chit chat circle, it appears to be a few minutes of catching up and finding out what is planned for the next couple of hours. That’s not what I see. I see a visual reminder that when we walk thru those GiGi’s Playhouse doors, we come together. That circle time is our team huddle. This is what we are doing today. Each of you are welcomed, valued and accepted here. Each of you will be successful today and the team of friends circling you is here to support, encourage and help you.

As we break off into craft time, the kids see a great opportunity for some creative, and often times messy, fun. I see many things during craft time. I see multiple skills being improved and confidence being built in a fun way that makes our kids excited to continue trying. I see pride for a job well done and the completion of a one of a kind creation! I hear social skills at work and friendships being solidified. Our kids are helping eachother with their projects and offering suggestions, encouragement and praise!

The kids love to hear, “Time to make snack!” Who doesn’t enjoy snack time? I do. But what I enjoy more is seeing our kids use kitchen tools maybe they have never used before and working together with measurements and ingredients to cook up a delicious treat that they are so proud of, they want their parents to enjoy also! I love witnessing that small moment of independence when they realize they can cook!

Group activity time is fun for the kids, but what’s more important than the activity itself, is often the unintended results of the activity. An outdoor scavenger hunt can be exciting, but more exciting is witnessing a child reach into their bag and rip a red leaf in half and hand half to their friend who wasn’t able to find anything red outside. Or watching one of our kids help another child who is struggling to read, without being prompted to.

Our kids have fun at Kids Club. And maybe to them they are “crafting”, “cooking” and “playing”. To myself and the other volunteers, they are doing far more than that. They are learning and creating. Building confidence and friendships. They are sharing their amazing individual abilities and shining personalities in a safe, supportive setting, where there are no “cant’s”. All of us can, all of us will and all of us will help you. Because, well, we all need help once in a while!

As our kids walk out the doors of GiGi’s Playhouse at the end of Kid’s Club every month, with smiles on their faces and pride in their hearts, I have no doubt that month’s skills and experiences are taken with them into their lives at home, at school, on their teams and in their personal relationships. I am also confident that they cannot wait to see what the next month’s Kids Club holds! I know I can’t!