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