On Monday, March 21, the YMCA had the opportunity to host the student ambassadors from the Waukee Middle School and South Middle School for a day of leadership development, community building, and educating kids on their fitness levels. About 60 6th and 7th graders participated in the program in 2 large groups. Mike Havlik from the Des Moines Y-Camp taught kids components of his “communities” program focusing on team work, self confidence, and leadership. YMCA Wellness Director Ami Bolles, spent time helping kids measure and record information on their fitness levels including stretching, sit ups, push ups, body fat composition, and heart rate. There was also time for open play with open swim, wallyball, and basketball.
Chris Bergman, Waukee Extended Learning Teacher, said, “The kids (and teachers) had a wonderful experience. I am sure that the leadership lessons learned today will serve the kids well in the future.”
Here are some comments from the students who participated in the event.
Bryce Hingst: “The leadership games taught me that we need to learn from our mistakes because they will impact our daily life.”
Maddie Green- “The experience made me think hard about the simple things in life.”
Hailey Buzynski- “Teamwork was emphasized all day long.”
Taylor Luther- “Doing the little things right can make life simpler.”
Char Halley- “Learning these leadership skills makes a big impact on the community.”
Maddie Pals- “One thing I took away was that you can learn from others' mistakes; life is too short to make them all yourself.”
