Fall High Ropes Course

Lesson: Trust & Teamwork

A high ropes course creates a safe and fun environment so that mentors and mentees can creatively solve problems as a team, learn the importance of trust, give support, and learn the value of teamwork. The high ropes course is another opportunity to learn how to take risks in a healthy, supportive environment.

Mural Workday Super Saturday

Lesson: Respect

Youth worked with community artist, Joseph Aponte, on the new community mural for the Oakdale Center.  Youth learned about respect as they turned their hopes for their community into icons and symbols for their mural. They used this opportunity to express themselves in a healthy and safe space.

Our youth worked with mentors to explore how keeping their community center clean and safe generates respect for that space.  Youth explored how keeping their spaces and themselves healthy, they gain respect from those around them, in their community and beyond.

Slide Ranch Super Saturday

Lesson: Contribution

Slide Ranch is an organic farm in Marin County dedicated to educate youth on the origins of their food.  Youth and mentors milked goats, pet chickens, made bread from scratch, and harvested veggies from the garden to make their lunch.  While youth were busy enjoying the picturesque views of the ocean and learning about organic farming, they were also learning and experiencing the importance of contribution.

 

October Dream Big Workshop

Lesson: Hope

Do you believe “Anything is Possible?”  Youth who attended the October Dream Big Workshop know that it all starts with a dream!  Youth and our mentors asked why hope was important to them and for their communities.  The workshop focused on illustrating to our youth how community development can occur through community arts projects.

Our youth also worked with local community artist, Joseph Aponte, to design the content for the new mural at the Oakdale Community Center.  City of Dreams plans to unveil this work of art at the City of Dreams Community Holiday Party in December. Stay tuned for more details.

This fall Workshop was all about getting our youth to hope, dream big, and reach for the stars for themselves and their communities.

 

Arts in the Park Family Day

Lesson: Responsibility

City of Dreams youth and their families joined the community to celebrate Arts in the Park Day at the Crissy Field Center.  Youth, their parents and City of Dreams mentors engaged in this wonderful community arts & culture festival to explore what culture means to our youth and the communities they live in.  Mentors and family members also helped our youth learn the importance of taking responsiblity for sharing and celebrating their culture.

Summer Junior Mentor Leadership Development Retreat

Leadership is a valuable skill that involves setting an example to inspire others. Junior mentors learned the responsibilities that come with effective leadership through kayaking and other activities during their overnight retreat to Angel Island.

Super Saturday: Summer Rock Climbing

Lesson: Trust

Rock climbing presents an opportunity for the kids to take healthy risks in a safe environment.  Physical outings magnify the learning experience because the kids feel the emotion in their mind and bodies.  Trust is an integral component to our work.  Without it we cannot feel safe taking on challenges. Our kids will be working hard to learn to trust the person belaying and we will be working hard to build that same trust in us as mentors outside of the gym.