What do a Billion Mile Walking Club, Roblox computer programming, Veteran?Äôs Service Project and Goop all have in common? That is what the after school 5-8 grade kids have been up to in Community Education, and if you ask Julie Libby their supervisor, they are an amazing group of kids.
Each day in 5-8 Club is a new adventure in fun, service learning and getting to know each other. The Billion Mile Walking Club is a joint project with 7,156 other schools in the country and nearly 2 million students who have been challenged to collectively walk
1 billion miles in the school year. The Kimball 5-8 Club has contributed over 50 miles to that total. It is rewarding for them to take part in this nationwide event.
Veterans from Eagles Healing Nest visit Community Education After School Program Thursday, Dec. 8. Submitted photo.
One of the favorite after school activities has been hanging out with Tyler Johnson to learn the computer program Roblox. This program allows participants to develop worlds to move their characters around. Instead of playing someone else?Äôs game, they create a game board and others can interact with it. This is a first step to computer programming skills. The kids really enjoy their time with Roblox and Tyler has done an excellent job teaching.
Most recently the group has been sewing lap blankets for veterans who live at the Eagle?Äôs Healing Nest, a refuge in Sauk Centre for vets seeking purpose and peace. Julie linked up with the group through personal connections and decided this was a great way for the 5-8 Club students to make a difference for these vets. They sewed several lap blankets and invited vets to come visit Kimball. On Thursday, Dec. 8, Tom Hagood United State Coast Guard, Aaron Traynor United States Army, Mark Carlson United States Airforce along with special guest Josie (Mark?Äôs service dog) visited nearly 50 students in 5-8 Club and Cubs Club after school programs. The kids greeted the vets and listened well as the vets shared their stories of saving lives and protecting our country. Everyone was treated to pizza and pop donated by Michael Libby, and the kids presented the visiting vets with a banner they made for them and the lap blankets. Although the visit was short, it made an impact on the students, adults and the vets. Telling their stories and sharing with others is a step in the healing process they are working on.
The 5-8 Club is run through Community Education as an afterschool homework help and adventure club for grades 5-8. There is a registration fee and students can attend on a schedule or drop in basis.
This and many other programs, projects, activities and recreational opportunities are available through Community Education all year long. We have seasonal advisory meetings to gather ideas, meet new people and have some fun in the process. Anyone is welcome to the Community Education advisory meetings. Our group has people from all stages and interests of life.
If you would like more information on the 5-8 Club or in being a voice in Community Education give Cathy a call at Community Education (320) 398-7700 x 1112, or email cathy.phillips@kimball.12k.mn.us.
Happy Holidays from Kimball Community Education