Black History Month Talent Show

As part of the ending to our Black History Month activities at the Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club, we put on our first talent show highlighting many of our members' varied talents.  Members read information about selected influential African Americans that they studied in the Education Center such as Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Michael Jordan, Martin Luther King, and Harriet Tubman and her efforts with the Underground Railroad.

We also had several members show us their talents in gymnastics, singing, dancing, as well as magic tricks.  I would like to personally thank all of the members for their outstanding efforts in this year's talent show.  It was great to see so many members participate in this event.

Volunteers Teach Us About Internet Safety

Members had the chance to learn about internet safety in the Education Center.  Members learned the importance of creating strong passwords, not accepting friend requests from people they do not know on social media, and explained that the things we do post, even when deleted, can stay on the world wide web for years to come.  It was a great reminder of how important it is to talk to our kids and know what they are doing on these sites.

Black History Month

In the Education Center, in honor of Black History Month, members had the opportunity to research some influential African Americans.  Members read books about Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Michael Jordan, Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall.  Once they read these stories, members wrote down five interesting facts that they learned.  Great job members!

Youth Job Postings

As part of our Career Launch, members 13-18 are learning how to write resumes, cover letters, and complete job applications.  There are many places hiring youth.  Please look at the list below:

Cookie Cart: http://cookiecart.org/
Step Up Summer Jobs ages 14-21: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/metp/STEP-UPIntern
Jobs by Age and Youth Labor Laws: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/metp/STEP-UPIntern
Conservation Corp Jobs ages 15-18: http://www.conservationcorps.org/youth-outdoors/
Hennepin Library Site which has many youth jobs listed: http://www.hclib.org/teens/TeenTopicsAction.cfm?Topic=JobsMoney&ShowAllWebSites=Y
Emerge has jobs for ages 14-21: http://www.emerge-mn.org/workforce.html
Applications due February 21 for Step Up Summer Youth Program: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/metp/STEP-UPIntern
Cool Works ages 14-17: http://www.coolworks.com/teen-jobs
Engineer Girl: http://www.engineergirl.org/
Minnesota Minority Golf Association: http://www.mmjga.org/programs.html
Must have parental permission.  Reach One Teach One ages 13-18: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/mn-nd-sd/reach-one-teach-one-roto-15599.htm
Team Teen Works ages 14-18 and 19-24 :http://www.minneapolisparks.org//default.asp?PageID=780
YMCA Summer Opportunities ages 16+: https://www.ymcatwincities.org/careers/career_opportunities/summer_opportunities/
Job Corp ages 16-24: http://huberthhumphrey.jobcorps.gov/Home.aspx
Tree Trust ages 14-21: http://treetrust.org/jobs-2/
Compas Art Works ages 14-21 (interested in the arts): http://compas.org/programs/youth/artswork
Science Museum Jobs for kids in Grades 10 and older: http://www.smm.org/jobs/youth

Valentine's Day Art

In preparation for Valentine's Day, members spent time using their creative side.  Members created a heart shape person that they could give to a loved one or hang up in the Education Center.  Members were very creative with this, creating bows for their heart heads as well as moustaches and hair.  Below are some pictures of member inspired Valentine's Day art.  Great job members!

Fiction Unit

In the Education Center, as part of our literacy stations, members have been reading leveled books as part of our fiction unit.  These have been graciously donated by the Pearson Publishing Group. Students were able to choose from a variety of books that were differentiated for each members' individual reading level.  Students read these stories and explored some of the elements of a short story which included looking at the setting, characterization, and plot of the books they chose to read.  Below are just a few photos taken with members reading these books.  Great job members!

The Career Launch Program

In the Education Center, we have started our Career Launch Program.  Members aged 13-18 may join this class and learn hands on tips that will help them get a job such as resume writing, cover letter writing, filling out job applications, practice interviewing skills as well as career exploration.  If you are 13-18 years old, please come and see me.  We meet every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-6:30 pm and I would love for you to join the program!