Remembering Camp

Last summer we hosted our first ASB Dazzling Day Camp. There were 20 attendees throughout the week at our Evergreen Ranch in Bend. We learned about becoming everlasting encouragers while experiencing the great outdoors in Bend. From creating cool crafts, to a visit to the Caves and a field trip to Crystal Peak Youth Ranch in Tumalo, to our great games day and campfire, camp was a dream come true for many.

Here are some memories from Markayla, a 6th grader at Cascade Middle School... "At camp I remember all the activities that I did with games and making stuff. The end was very fun when we played Capture the Flag and when we all went around the camp fire. We made tie-dye shirts and cool binders and also cool crosses. It was fun to get to go in the water!"

Why Do You Serve as a Big Buddy?

This is my second year being a Big Buddy for the ASB program and I have LOVED every minute of it! It has definately taught me to open up and be more of a kid at heart, yet still be responsible with younger girls. I love meeting new people and the interaction that comes with it. I am so blessed to be in this amazing program and I encourage all girls who want to be in this growing experience to do it!!!

Kelli - Summit High School

First Meeting for 2007 - Buckingham

Today was our first ASB meeting for Buckingham Elementary school. Besides snack time, sharing and the homework session we discussed character virtues chosen by our teens to focus on this year... humility, patience, gentleness, passion, faith, and love.

We had just three Little Buddies attend this week but I am sure that next week the numbers will double! Four out of the six teen volunteers were able to make it today so we were well beyond our 1-to-1 ratio for the first get together. We started making our new name badge necklaces out of macrame yarn and beads - each bead symbolizing the virtues listed above as well as those we serve in ASB - God, youth, families, community and the world! Can't wait until next week! I love these girls!!!

Introducing After School Buddies

amazing student believers... serving God... youth... families...our community... and the world!

Participation in ASB helps young women and girls to

• Experience unconditional love and acceptance
• Learn to form healthy relationships with teens, with each other, and with adults
• Understand that they can make a difference in the happiness of others – both here in Bend and even around the world.
• Acquire and/or reinforce good study habits
• Learn to communicate with confidence and respect
• Develop coping skills to learn to deal with difficult situations
• Learn to value healthy lives – making good choices that affect mind, body and soul
• Understand the importance of personal gifts and talents
• Learn to live with an attitude of gratitude
• Learn to live as an everlasting encourager
• Empower them to become all that God wants them to be.

2007 Elementary School Mentoring Program

Starting: Tuesday January 16th
Where: Buckingham School Library
Time: 3:30-5:15
Who: Fourth & Fifth Grade Girls
What: Students – Studying, Sharing, Serving!

Pairing up local high school girls with elementary students, this once-a-week program includes after-school tutoring, exercise/playtime, snacks, and craft/art/drama projects. Community outreach is also emphasized to share our love for others.

Students are paired up in 1-to-1 ratio of teen mentor to elementary student under the direction of 2 adult facilitators. The program is funded by local churches and other charitable sources. Participation in ASB is free of charge however donations are always welcome to offset costs of snacks and supplies.

We accept a maximum of 12 elementary students so contact us right away at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com if you are interested in having your daughter participate in our program.

2007 Middle School Program - ASB/MS!

Our middle school program provides a fun and inspirational solution for the "early release Wednesday blues". Female students are paired up with female high school graduates and adult facilitators to encourage inter-generational support and communication. This three hour program includes a homework session, sharing & caring time, exercise/games and most importantly - cooking lessons - for a total mind, body & soul-stimulating afternoon retreat! Plus, students reap the rewards of blessing others as we share the food we prepare with less fortunate families!

Cooking time at ASB/MS! includes discussions about proper food handling and nutrition. We provide food to the Ronald McDonald House, Bend’s Bethlehem Inn, Family Kitchen and to others in need. It is our hope that students will learn important life skills while having fun in groups and at the same time serving others!

The suggested donation for the middle school program is $20 per month but studnets are welcome regardless of ability to pay.

Plans for 2007 are for this program to start January 24 at the Christian Life Center. Additional information regarding transportation of students from local middle schools will be available early in 2007. Twelve middle school students will be accepted into the program so early registration is suggested.

For further information, contact Charlene Schulz, Director of After School Buddies, at
afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com or call 541 385-5050.