School readiness program is big help for younger students

If you think MY Club is just for big kids, think again.

The local program serving multiple school districts recently chalked up the first Teddy Bear Camp for its newest, youngest members.

Teddy Bear Camp is a school-readiness program designed to help incoming TK and kindergarten club members feel comfortable, confident and prepared for their first day of school. Nine youngsters aged four and five years attended.

“The camp was created to help our newest members practice important skills and feel confident and prepared to begin TK and kindergarten in just a few weeks,” said Darhinka Medina, MY Club community relations director.

Through hands-on activities, play and structured routines, members practiced following directions, building independence, interacting with others and becoming familiar with a classroom environment.

Among the attendees this inaugural season was Medina’s own son, Eric Jr., age four.

“He absolutely loved it!” she said.

“He woke up and got ready every morning excited to attend and learn something new. As both a parent and a member of the MY Club team it was special to experience the camp from both perspectives and it was wonderful to see firsthand how the camp helped him feel excited and ready to begin this next chapter.”

Program coordinator Lindsey Ruiz said the MY Club team responded to each camper’s level of school readiness, which differed from child to child.

“Some already knew how to use scissors or spell their names while others were still developing those skills,” Ruiz noted.

“The staff worked to meet each member where they were and help them feel supported.”

Ruiz shared the best part was seeing how much the members developed during the camp. She said it was especially rewarding to watch those who were shy during the first few days begin to break out of their shells, participate and have fun.

And while they’re having fun, they’re learning and growing.

“Our goal is to provide consistent support and meaningful opportunities for mountain-area youth from their first school experience through high school,” Medina added.

MY Club currently provides free after-school programming for TK through eighth-grade club members at Oakhurst Elementary, Oak Creek Intermediate, Wasuma Elementary, Coarsegold Elementary and Rivergold Elementary. The clubs remain open after school until 6 p.m.

“Our programs include Focus 40 homework assistance, Keeping Fit physical activities, Taste Makers cooking, Amplify music, Curtain Call theatre, arts and crafts, STEM activities and SPARKS and Sprouts leadership development.”

MY Club also operates the Teen Center across from Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, providing students with a safe place to spend time after school, receive tutoring, participate in workshops and activities and connect with peers.

From little kids to tweens and teens, MY Club sets a foundation on which local kids can build a future.

“It feels incredibly rewarding to know that MY Club provides resources and support for children at so many different stages of their lives,” said Medina.

“We welcome members as they begin school and continue supporting them through elementary school, middle school and high school. Knowing that families throughout our mountain communities have a safe and welcoming place for their children means so much to us.”

For more information, visit www.mountainyouthclubs.org