- I learned about risk management. I feel that it is very important to make sure you look at the risks of your program so that you can minimize the risks and maximize the fun. Learning about the ACE model when looking at the risks has helped me with the planning of these programs. When we were selecting the activities we really wanted to make sure the programs would be catered to the right audience since we wanted to do kid program and a family program the activities needed to reflect those groups. I feel that I did a lot to contribute ideas to the programs when selecting the activities. Supervision was an easier one for me to think about because for YES day program, there was already staff available to supervise the kids and for the other program we had enough people on our team to supervise the board games. The environment conditions were the most important to me because I feel that you want to make sure you are in a safe location where there would be minimal accidents. I really focused on that aspect of risk management because if you think something will happen it will happen. I learned this through when we put on our first program at the farm, there were a lot of fire ant hills and if we would’ve known that prior to the program that problem could’ve been addressed and less kids would’ve been terrified to be near the hills. This learning is important because you don’t want anything to bad to happen to your participants. It is important to look over all the potential dangers and minimize those so you can have a fun and safe program. In light of this learning, in the future I will be conscientious when planning a program and look at all the aspects of the potential risks associated with the programs. I feel that I have the potential to put on some fun, safe programs that many can enjoy! (Amanda)
- I learned that Run Sheets are one of the most important documents when planning an event. They help plan the minute by minute details of the day of the program, or the day before of the program if needed. The run sheet helps put things that need to be done onto paper that way they don’t slip anyone’s mind and ensures that all aspects of the program are covered. I learned this when planning the events of the Adventures in Agroecology program. The schedule of events for this program had to be planned out minute by minute because we only had a certain amount of time with the children. In years past, when planning events or programs (on a much smaller scale) I would just kind of put things that needed to be done in the back of my mind and just remember to do them myself because I would tell myself I could handle everything on my own. However, when planning a program on a larger scale and along with other staff members, you can’t afford to keep things to yourself or in your own head. If you don’t put everything on the run sheet, it is almost guaranteed something will be forgotten and will contribute to the demise of your program. This learning is important because if you want your program to run well, you will have some sort of a minute by minute plan of your program. It also helps in the case of emergencies when a certain staff member can’t be there anymore, and someone else can easily step in and be able to run the event because of the information that is on the run sheet. The run sheet is simply a good form of accountability and preparedness for a program. In light of this learning I will continue to make run sheets for future programs. No matter how big or small the event, I can make a run sheet to ensure the the event will have a minute by minute plan and that the event will be able to go on, even if I am not there. I can also tell others about run sheets and how they are a vital document for any event they are running. Since the run sheet has played such an important role in my delivery or programs, any chance I get to help others in their planning of programs, I will tell them about the beauty of a run sheet. (Emily)
- I learned about the role of a community center and the opportunities it offers. Providing a place where people can recreate and engage with others, Jaycee is a valuable asset to Raleigh. They provide programs to all including children, families, and adults. These opportunities can be physically, spiritually, educationally, emotionally, and even a combination of them all together. I learned this when/by/through visiting the center on many occasions and witnessing with my own eyes or getting to talk about it with the staff there. When my group members were trying to come up with ideas for our programs, we didn’t really have too many guidelines because of how it is a provider of so many. I experienced the opportunities first hand by participating as program facilitator. Getting to witness the effects that our programs had on the participants showed me more about the importance of our prospective roles.This learning exemplifies what kinds of opportunities will be available or are available to me. Understanding the roles of entities in the community provides a better appreciation for all working parts that make a successful government and recreational atmosphere. These opportunities could be for me when trying to create programs or if I were trying to utilize my local community center. This also shows me how important parks and recreation is and how it is built into the operating of society. In light of this learning, in the future, I will be more aware of how to prepare a program and the effects it has on society. I also understand more what kind of resources are available as program providers. This helps me educationally and as a user who wants to play a role in the community. (Trey)
- I learned that providing a program and for it to be a success was having at least one person show up. It isn’t about the numbers of people that show up but just that someone did. I learned this by my experience working with Jaycee because not always will your programs bring in 50 people but sometimes only a few. This learning tells me that as long as one person shows up and you engage them and do your best to give them the best experience then it will be a successful program. In light of this learning, in the future, I will relate this to all my lifes endeavors. It isn’t about the numbers at a program but about quality and having one person show up means you’re serving your role as a community center. Enhancing someone’s life by giving them something to engage in or to better himself is what really matters. This really is a good way to stay positive because after a program that doesn’t have the numbers, you can reflect on what to do next time to get more interest. One of the most valuable things I could have learned from this experience was something that translated to all aspects of life. You should learn from experiences and make yourself better. (Colin)
- I learned that sometimes you have to be willing to let go of original plans and just go with the flow when things happen that you don’t expect. It has always been hard for me to change up programming once things are originally planned and rolling. This semester I have had to learned how to let go and let creativity take over and how to balance that with a structured plan. I learned this during the semester when our program Popcorn and Pajamas went through several different changes with the structure, games being played, food served, and other things. These changes often left me feeling stressed because they were not originally what I was prepared for. I had to learn how to adjust and be okay with the changes. This learning is important because it has taught me how changes can end up leading to a better program overall. While change can be stressful at first, it definitely often leads to a better experience for the participants and that is really what matters. In the future I will be more prepared for when changes occur and will be ready to adjust and come up with bigger and better ideas to replace these changes. I will feel more comfortable and excited by change because I now have had experience with changes that lead to a better experience. (Cashie)
- I learned that it is very important to delegate responsibilities to the entire team. Planning two programs and doing all of the required documentation would be almost impossible for one person to plan. Also with more than one person we were able to consult each other on ideas to plan an excellent program. I learned this through previous group projects and really worked on implementing it for this program. I needed our programs to be great and that would not have happened if I didn't allow others to assist and consult on ideas. This is important because I need to be able to trust group members to complete tasks and complete them well. In light of this learning, in the future, I will delegate evenly and trust group members to complete work fully. (Jordan)