by: Leah Schoonover
About three years ago I started volunteering at Wednesday night Homework Club. Back then, on a full night we might see 12 kids. This year…we average around 55 kids on Wednesdays. What a blessing it has been to watch regulars bring friends, who then become regulars and bring more friends. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to either volunteer or work in multiple youth-serving organizations. However, never have I seen a group of kids as devoted and happy to be a part of something as the kids at Homework Club. Kids and leaders alike set aside time each week to be a part of this Casino Road family and the joy it brings is encouraging.
I have the privilege of providing a craft project for the kids each week before dinner. In all honesty, it can be a challenge. Trying to figure out a craft that will appeal to a wide range of ages and to both boys and girls isn’t always easy. However, it has been interesting to watch the kids over the years and how they approach craft time. I can think of a few particular kids that are quickly approaching the teenage years and are less interested in doing the craft and more interested in helping set up or helping younger kids. There are often nights that I simply get everyone started and then step back as they all help one another. Watching them laugh together and take pride in finishing a craft project is just one of the reasons I can’t wait to get to club each week.