The SPARK program (Supporting Positive Attitudes and Resilience for Kids) is a unique summer program developed to support refugee youth in enhancing their mental health and building connections within their community. The program is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower young refugees to discover their full potential and achieve their goals.

The SPARK program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on mental health, wellness, and community building. The curriculum is designed to equip young refugees with the knowledge and skills to develop healthy habits, build resilience, and establish meaningful relationships with their peers.

Through a series of interactive workshops, group activities, and community engagement opportunities, the SPARK program helps youth to identify and manage their emotions, cope with stress, and build positive relationships with their peers. The program also provides opportunities for youth to connect with community organizations and leaders, and to explore the resources available to them in their new home.

The SPARK program is led by a team of experienced mental health professionals, teachers, and community leaders who are committed to supporting refugee youth in achieving their full potential. The program is designed to be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Overall, the SPARK program is a powerful and transformative experience for refugee youth, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive in their new community.

Our day was filled with exploration and self-expression as we took the kids to the community zoo, introducing them to fascinating animals. We also crafted unique fingerprint medallions, celebrating the individuality of each child. These were more than just necklaces, they were a testament to the uniqueness and creativity of each young mind. As we headed to the zoo adorned with these medallions, we learned about the importance of respect for animals.

Our mission was to instill a sense of community service and gratitude in our students. We started by reading the book “Thank You, Omu”, a touching story of a woman named Omu who shared her stew with everyone who asked for a portion. When she had nothing left for herself, those she had helped returned her generosity, resulting in an abundance of food for Omu. 

We split into focus groups to discuss the story's underlying message, emphasizing how giving to the community can be rewarding for everyone involved. The students then made sandwiches, contributing around 100 of them to the Hope Fridge, a  free community fridge on Main Street.

Our day of giving continued with a scavenger hunt that took us to various landmarks and businesses on Main Street, acquainting the children with the hub of their community. After a day of hard work and learning, we treated the children to ice cream at Caramel Crisp, a well-deserved reward for their efforts. 

This day was not just about teaching the kids about community service and gratitude, it was about showing them the joy of giving and the importance of being a part of a community.

The aim of this occasion was to offer a fresh avenue for self-expression in the form of art and to encourage the celebration of individuality by painting ceramic articles. This proved particularly beneficial for the older children, as they gained the most from exploring new artistic mediums. Upon our arrival, each participant selected their preferred object to paint, resulting in a collection of entirely distinct pieces. The creative results were truly stunning!

Our mission was to dive into the exciting realm of purposeful play, with an emphasis on sparking early childhood development. We achieved this by creating a fun-filled water oasis aimed at washing away stress and making waves of unforgettable memories.  

At the heart of our day was the Splash Pad, a water wonderland that served as a magnetic attraction for our young participants. They didn't just play; they embarked on an adventure, equipped with an array of toys that fueled their curiosity and creativity. 

But the real game-changer was our unique 'Coping Kits.' These treasure troves were brimming with sensory toys and emotional breathing tools, specially curated to nurture growing minds and foster emotional resilience. 

We also brought in body affirmation activities, turning the pavement into a canvas for chalk outlines. This allowed our little ones to express themselves in vibrant colors, boosting their self-esteem and promoting body positivity. 

At 8 am, on a Wednesday morning, we escorted a group of children, ranging in age from 7 to 14, to Read Elementary School. From there, they were gathered to be picked up by a bus that would transport everyone to Bay Beach, the thrilling amusement park located in Green Bay. In total, there were 24 individuals, and we distributed this group among the leaders, each responsible for guiding them through the park and joining in the rides that captured the children's excitement.

The kids enjoyed a tremendously delightful day filled with camaraderie, delicious food, and an abundance of exhilarating rides. Their excitement was so infectious that, by the time the day came to an end, some of them could barely keep their eyes open during the journey back home.

In a truly exceptional occasion, we invited the West African music virtuoso, Edi, to lead a workshop. With his expert guidance, the children were introduced to an array of extraordinary instruments, many of which were entirely new to them. Each child was given the opportunity to handle one of the numerous West African instruments provided by Edi (and some borrowed from our friend Robin). This exposure to new instruments holds the potential to revolutionize a child's world, unlocking pathways that enhance their creative thinking and approach to music.

Edi also took the time to teach the children a variety of dance moves, fostering a deeper connection to the rhythmic aspect of the music. The children eagerly absorbed these dance techniques, and they had the chance to showcase their newly acquired skills to one another. This interactive exchange added an exciting layer to the experience, allowing the children to not only learn but also to share and perform.

Overall, this extraordinary workshop orchestrated by Edi left an indelible mark on the children's musical journey. The encounter introduced them to new sounds, instruments, and movements, expanding their horizons and encouraging their creative growth.

After picking everyone up, we convened at NAMI to provide lunch for the children and conduct a mental health check-in. Subsequently, we made our way to Pollock Pool in Oshkosh. What started as a delightful late summer day swiftly transformed into a period of rain and thunder. However, we utilized the unexpected storm to treat the girls to ice cream, showcasing how ingenuity can turn setbacks into favorable moments. Once our ice cream escapade concluded, the rain subsided, the sun resumed its warm embrace, and we resumed our pool activities, securing a few more hours of enjoyable aquatic fun.

To wrap up the summer, we organized a cozy gathering for the older kids in groups 4 to 6, at Menominee Park on August 15th. The little ones in groups 1 to 3 had their turn on August 17th. With tummies full of pizza and yummy snacks, the kids plunged into a world of games – from yard games to soccer, there was no shortage of excitement. Amidst the laughter and joy, we added splashes of color -  face painting, pup tents specking the lawn, smiles wide with giveaways, and kites soaring high in the sky. Truly, there was something for everyone. As we reflected on an incredible summer, we united to cherish these shared moments before we all gear up for the school year ahead!