Hands For Change 2006

On August 28, Club 17 went to Nokomis Child Care Center.

Nokomis is a non-profit child care center that provides a safe learning atmosphere. They not only teach the children right from wrong, but also--in a loving and caring environment--how to socialize with others. Nokomis supports families and children from all social statuses, focusing on families with financial problems and children with physical and emotional disabilities.

At Nokomis, we taught children life skills through joining in their daily activities, such as fingerpainting and building forts. We were given the opportunity to nurture children in a different way than their family and teachers.
Sometimes it just takes a big kid.

	"The kids seemed to be having a really good time and warmed up to us quickly."

	"I hung out with a couple of boys and showed them how to build a fort of cardboard bricks. They had never heard of a fort before. While we were playing and building, many more boys came and played with us."

After going to Nokomis, we realize that any major can successfully help any childcare facility, even one as special as this. There are many obvious majors that can contribute and even some majors that you wouldn't expect. It takes all different kinds of talents and abilities to make any organization successful, from financial knowledge to being able to communicate with others.

Students' reflections on their service project at Nokomis Child Care Center through metaphors...

You have to take small steps before you can climb mountains.		Playing dress up was like bungee jumping. I've only done it once, but would love to do it more.
	Playing with a child is like rediscovering how the small things in life are truly what make us happy.

This page was created based on the words and experiences of Club 17 at Concordia College -- Laura Auer, Sarah Breen, Marissa Carlson, Michelle Conklyn, Steven Freund, Kaitlynn Gottenborg, Alyssa Graber, Rebecca Grotluschen, Molly Gustafson, Kayla Holverson, Rachel Hurner, Jade Kilen, Brittney Madsen, Chelsea Otsuki, Katelyn Rollins, Chantell Sampson, Theresa Schaefers, Amanda Schlundt, Jessica Stinson, Allison Tamm, and Abby Tisdale.
Oh yes, and their communicators Ashley Cummings, Cassandra Lamb, and Grant Vanderford.

Go to Concordia College's Home Page

Back to Aileen's Home Page

This page is maintained by Aileen Buslig, buslig@cord.edu
Updated 8/28/06