“I love journaling about everything we do. We write about our lives: what’s fun and what’s funny,” Adrian enthuses at the last Afterschool Adventure gathering of the semester.
When programming begins again, students will find a place of learning, encouragement and imagination in which to play and write together.
Over the past year, students read their writing aloud to an appreciative audience at the Wealthy Theatre, met local authors like Matthew Baker, published their writing in "The Book of Explosions IV," had fun inventing new games like Hula-ball in between writing, saw their work performed by professional actors, and learned new ways to write, such as blackout style poetry. Each of the students takes pride in his or her work.
“I even got my own poster!” Adrian says, referring to his poem that was quoted in one of 12 posters designed by artist and Kendall College of Art and Design student Jenny Hearns. Posters are for sale and all proceeds go back into programming.
At the Creative Youth Center, students write encouraging words to one another, and are able to take their time unfolding their own stories. While her thoughts percolate, Anala playfully places a beanbag on her back and pretends to be a turtle. Fellow student Lillian writes a story based on eleven peculiar sisters, while Cheyenne brings home pages and pages of writing so that she can teach her grandma blackout poetry, too. Sanaa, who likes to learn and use big words, offers her listeners facts about quills used for writing.
Volunteer Kyle Flak says with a smile, “It’s been fun, I’ve enjoyed every minute. And I’ll see you when it starts again in January.”
To add to the anticipation of the new session, this semester’s writings will be published in "The Book of Explosions V." To find out more or to get your child involved in free Creative Youth Center programs like Afterschool Adventure, Writing Workshops or Thrive homework help, call us at (616) 458-5505 or visit our website. You can also check us out on Facebook.
Written by Calvin College student Lydia Goorman
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