Volunteer Oppurtunity

Volunteers are wanted

for the

Friday Knights Recreation and Family Support Program.

We provide recreational activities for over 200 children and adolescents (ages 4-19) with autism spectrum disorders and related challenges. It is a wonderful community service or service learning experience for students from all disciplines.  We have tied the experience to learning outcomes for several courses.

You can also read more about the program in the Winter 2010 Alumni Magazine at 

http://strose.edu/officesandresources/public_relations_marketing/magazine

 The dates for the Spring semester 2012 are 2/3, 2/17, 3/16, 3/30, and 5/4. We have a possible TBD April date of 4/20.  The program meets from 5:30-8:00 p.m. We are interested in having volunteers not only from our student population (undergraduates and graduates) but faculty and staff are always welcome. There is a training for all new volunteers on 1/27 in the Lally Forum from 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Volunteers can commit to 2-6 sessions, depending on their assigned role.

Volunteer Application Form-Spring 2012

 Friday Knights Recreation Program

Mark these dates in your calendar now! 

1/27 (mandatory training for new applicants) 5:30-7:00 p.m.-Lally Forum

Mark the dates in your calendar now:  2/3, 2/17, 3/16, 3/30, 5/4 plus one TBA in April (probably the 20^th)

Please submit to Susan DeLuke, Box 20 in Lally or email to delukes@strose.edu

Applications due by Monday, January 23 @ noon

Please print clearly (especially your email address)

Name:                                                 Year in school:

Major at CSR:                                     Email Address:

Land Phone:                                        Cell Phone:

Have you participated in Friday Knights previously?                          

If yes, when?                                           What was your role?

Are you doing this experience for a course requirement?  ____ Yes       ____ No

Course: 

Requirement:

Describe your experience working with children (camp, babysitting, parenting, teaching) & specify if it was with children with disabilities:

Have you worked with a child or adult with intensive behavior or significant communication challenges in the past? 

If so, please describe your role and the needs of the individual.  Indicate if you are trained to do physical restraints and the type of training you have.

Age preferences (rank order (1,2,3,4- all you are willing to do):

___(Primary=K-Grade 2) (Note: these children typically have the most challenging       behavior)

___(Elementary=Grade 2-5)

___(Middle School=Grades 6-8)

___(High School=Grades 9-12) (Note: these adolescents typically have the least challenging behavior)

                                               

Position preferences (rank order only those you are willing to do):

___1:1 counselor-You are responsible for supporting a specific child who may have more challenges or limitations in behavior, communication, or attention.  You work with the same child each week so you are expected to attend all 5 sessions.  This can be the most challenging and committed position since you are dealing with behaviors or difficulties with attention and communication!

___General counselor-You are the “home-base teacher” who is responsible for leading and supporting a group of children for the entire evening.  You take them to different activities and make sure they participate successfully. You also lead an opening activity each night.  You are responsible for supporting and addressing behaviors if they occur. You maintain the safety and involvement of the group.  You share this role with another person but you are expected to attend at least 4 sessions.

___Activity counselor-You are the “activity teacher” who is responsible for planning fun social activities in a special area of interest for different groups of children. You share this role with someone so you can alternate planning responsibilities but you are expected to attend at least 3 sessions.  Check any activity you are willing and able to lead:

___Wii games

___Board games

___ Dramatic activities

___Gross motor activities

___Yoga

___Art

___Music

___Science

       ___History

       ___Videography

       ___TV Game Shows (eg. Are you smarter than a 5^th grader?)

       ___Dance (any style you know)

       ___Theater program (cross age groups)

       ___Other (you can suggest an activity)________________________________

___Floater-You will be assigned to fill-in one of the above roles.  This works best for those who are not able to commit to most of the evenings but who will attend at least 3 sessions. You must be flexible and willing to jump in and learn quickly.

Please comment on why you want to be part of the program and why you believe you could successfully fulfill the role or roles you have signed up for?

Is there a person(s) you prefer to work with as your co-counselor? (no guarantees)

Circle any evenings you cannot attend the program.  It is important that you notify us of these initially when you sign up (or as soon as you are aware of the situation) so we can provide adequate program coverage.

2/3,      2/17,   3/16,  3/30,  5/4    plus TBA 4/20

Important things to consider if you wish to be part of this program:

You must attend the mandatory training on January 27 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

This is a professional commitment.  Think about whether you can and will attend on a regular basis before you sign up.  We can work to accommodate your dates of availability at the start of the program but calling last minute to cancel is problematic.  Not showing up at all will result in immediate removal from the program. You should be prepared, alert, energetic, always involved and “tuned-in” to the kids.  If you agreed to plan an activity, you must be prepared.

All hours sheets will be signed at the conclusion of your participation in the program.