Three in One

It's the 4th day of our awesome trip, and probably the most busy day (which means I have a lot to say about it). After a really quick breakfast at 8, we headed for the first station: OTC. I've heard about OTC for a thousand times since I came here but I never know what they do. So I was really impressive when they introduce the middle collage program. They are helping students to find their career preferences.  I think they are doing a wonderful thing because for me, the biggest insecure in life is totally unsure about the future plan. We also had a nice talk with their ESL students. As a international student, I totally understand their struggle and I am ready to help them when I finish the trip. At noon, we went to the Salvation Army where hungry people can get free food monthly. We packed food from government, organizations and personal donation. The fulfillment is incredible when watched them take the food away.

We finish our work in Rare Breed( shelter for homeless teenager). By saying that we didn't actually have much work. We just eat with them and chat with them, but you'll never know what the accompany means for them.

Before I took this trip, I was doubted whether what I do will make a difference or will I really helped anyone. But after these days, I realize that it's just the beginning. Knowing their existence is the very first step of being helpful. It was excited to tell myself that there are awesome people out there doing awesome things! (yes, It took me 4 days to figure out what we've been told at the first day)

-Lee, Trip Participant

A day at the zoo...

I woke up this morning knowing it would be the last morning at Camp Arrowhead. After breakfast, we completed our last service project for Josh and Jared. We then said our goodbyes and piled into the van where we headed back to Springfield. It was such a lovely day today and the weather was perfect for a picnic which we had at a park right outside of the zoo.  While trying to stick closely to the schedule, we arrived at the zoo right on time for our "Behind the Scenes" tour. Talking to the zookeepers of different units was such a great experience. Just being able to see what a regular day at the zoo was like for both the animals and the zookeepers gave me a greater sense of appreciation for the animals and the people that take care of them. I was extremely impressed with the medical facility for the animals and was excited to know that the caretakers go through great lengths to make sure the animals are well. As the day came to an end, we finally arrived at Arc of the Ozarks, our new home for the rest of the week.

Participant Daisia Baker 

Camp Arrowhead, Day 2

I woke up because of an alarm clock on my phone. 7:30 am - too early for me. Please, I need one more hour...  My friend, Jordan Upchurch, whom I got to know better throughout the first day of activities, woke me up to remind that our group breakfast will be ready in thirty minutes. He was a Boy Scout.  

8:00 am - I am walking to the dining cabin (or as it is spelled at the camp, “dinning hall”)... Pancakes that were carefully made by our group leaders Katie Brady and Jordan, helped us successfully finish the first task of service. Making targets from the Styrofoam was pretty monotonous at the beginning, but after adding some nice music playing on the radio, the process became more energized. 24 targets in total - good teamwork! 

The most enjoyable part of the day was ATVing through the camp. I have never done it before, but challenging myself - is what I like to do. Jared Alexander, who is the head of the hosting Arrowhead camp (by the way, the nicest person), gave us very detailed instructions on how to ride ATV's, so I felt more confident and informed on how to use those awesome and loud four-wheelers. Another loud activity that we did today was shooting clay pigeons with rifles.  

The end of the day we celebrated around the fire making s'mores, singing Boy Scout songs and talking about how nice the time at Arrowhead camp is. 

Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible!

Samat Mambetshaev, Trip Participant

Deep Sea Leprechauns

In the past 48 hours my group has changed dramatically.  We have gone from complete strangers to best friends that trust and know each other.  I am proud to say that my group is very enthusiastic and ready to try anything new that comes their way.  This group has become so close, and is so spirited, that we now call ourselves the Deep Sea Leprechauns.  This comes from a story that the Camp Director told us.  One of the patrols from the previous summer had this unique name and we decided that it fit us perfectly.  The Boy Scouts really impressed everyone in the group today.  You could tell by the reflection at the end of the day that everyone was interested in the program and had learned so much.  The program is designed to make well rounded individuals who can be successful in society.  This program reminded me of what we are hoping to achieve by the end of the week.

Jordan Upchurch, Trip Leader

Camp Arrowhead

Katie, one of our trip leaders, cooking pancakes this morning.

 The service project that we did today consisted of making targets for the cub scout day camps.

A group photo after our ATV ride at Camp Arrowhead!

This was the amazing view that we got to end the day!  What an awesome day!

Trust Fall'n With My New Team

 

Today was the first day of our trip.  I was really excited for this day to arrive so that I could learn about possible volunteer opportunities.  Today we came to Camp Arrowhead, and I was really nervous because I didn't know exactly what we were doing today.  Once I learned that we were practicing team building activities I immediately was excited;  attending a summer camp myself, I wasn't a stranger to these activities.  Even being familiar with these activities, they were still a challenge for me because they were with a group of people that I didn't know.  As we progressed through the different courses we became closer as a team and got to know each other and we are no longer strangers.  From the fun we had with team building activities, I can see that I will not only enjoy myself, but will make friends along the way.  I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for us!
Brandi Higgins, Trip Participant
#springspringbreak

Ready, Set, Serve!

Hello all,

My name is Katie and I am one of the team leaders for the United Way Springfield Alternative Spring Break trip! I am so excited to take this adventure and can't wait to serve the Springfield community while making new friends.

I am most excited to head out to Camp Arrowhead and work outside while the weather is nice (fingers crossed)! While staying at the camp we have some service planned, but we will also be having some fun! ATVs, camp fires, and shooting clay pigeons are among some of the activities on the agenda. 

Photo Credit: http://www.ozarktrailsbsa.org/Camping/Facilities/Camp%20Arrowhead

I look forward to sharing our adventures with all of you and letting our participants share their experiences.