2017-10-3_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Marketing/Communications: Expand marketing/promotional efforts into the Nepali and other groups living in the o area- Karen culture makes up only about 25% of the population residing at the apartment complex Make extra effort to connect with the Nepali families; form new relationships with key o community contacts, utilize the HS Nepali group, etc. Communication with parents/families was difficult at times- utilizing staff that spoke o Karen and familiar with families/apartment was essential- continue to find staff members that already have those connections with families and speak their language was very helpful Do not market to families too early- easily forgotten; continue to offer “registration o nights/days” a few weeks prior to the program Curriculum/Activities Set expectations and format of the program/daily agenda early on o Difficult to round kids up at times and/or participate in certain activities, especially o when it was hot; continue to find new innovative and creative ways to keep all age groups engaged Utilize staff numbers- split groups up based upon what activities youth were interested o in (some were just wanting to play on the playground, while other wanted to participate in arts & crafts and group games) Continue to offer a field trip at the end of the program - possibility of multiple field trips- o youth who attended final field trip expressed their excitement as it was their first time ever doing something like that Evaluation: Program evaluation was an ongoing process based on participant satisfaction and staff observations throughout the program. Based on interactions with participants and staff feedback, we view the first year of the Rec Connect program as a success. We had nearly 200 interactions, with an average of 21 youth attending each day- often with repeated attendance. For many youth in attendance, this was their first experience with “organized recreation.” Each day, staff viewed participant’s joy and excitement, as they participated in new games, arts and crafts and other activities; created new relationships with staff and their peers. Based on the first year, we hope to continue to utilize staff feedback and program observations in order to make improvements and continue to expand the Rec Connect program. Submitted by: Lake Johnson – Recreation Program Supervisor Lauren Deal – Recreation Superintendent