Elizabeth Guenther

For my ninth service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, we started with snack time, but because the kids were being very loud, we had a short silent time to help them calm down. Afterward, we headed to the gym where we played ball tag and then tried playing basketball. Once we finished in the gym, the other interns and I helped clean up by wiping down the bleachers, putting away chairs and tables, and organizing the blocks. I left right after we finished cleaning. It was a busy but productive session!

For my eighth service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, I was only able to stay for an hour because I had a meeting scheduled later that afternoon. We started with snack time, during which the kids watched a TV show together. After snacks, we moved to the gym and played a fun game of indoor soccer, where I joined in and ran around with the kids as they kicked the ball and scored goals with lots of excitement and laughter. It was a short but energetic visit, and I was glad I could still spend some quality time playing with them before having to leave.

For my seventh service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, we started with the usual snack time before heading to the gym for a bunch of active games. We played Sharks and Minnows, ball tag, and a fun ocean themed game that had everyone laughing and moving. I sat out for a bit with one of the kids who didn’t feel like running around, and we had a really fun time just talking. Later, I joined everyone in a big volleyball circle, passing the ball around and cheering each other on. After we left the gym, the kids settled down to color and build with Legos while I swept the hallways to pick up any debris and dirt. Once I finished, I joined the kids again to help with their projects until it was time for me to leave. It was a great mix of playing, talking, and helping out.

For my sixth service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, we were finally back after spring break. We started with snack time while watching Zootopia 2 together. Once snacks were finished, we headed outside to the playground, where I played a fun game of ball tag with a couple of the kids, running around and laughing as we tried to avoid getting tagged. After coming back inside, the kids settled in to play with Legos, but I helped with cleanup instead, I swept the hallways of all the leaves and dirt we had tracked in from outside, then vacuumed the rug. Once the chores were done, I spent the rest of the time playing and hanging out with the kids until it was time for me to leave. It felt good to help out and still get to enjoy time with everyone after the break.

For my fifth service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, we began with the usual snack time, chatting with the kids as they ate. Afterward, we headed outside to the playground for the first time since I’d started volunteering, it was super fun and full of energy! I played “family” together with another intern and two of the kids, taking turns acting out silly roles. Once we came back inside, the kids headed to the computer lab to play on the computers and iPads. Meanwhile, I helped out with some chores, I wiped down all the light switches and then assisted at the front desk by organizing paperwork until it was time for me to leave. It felt good to mix playtime with helpful tasks and connect with the kids in a new setting.

For my fourth service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, we started with snack time as usual, chatting with the kids while they ate. Afterward, we all headed to the gym for a lively game of kickball. The interns were split up among the teams so everyone could participate fully, which made it even more fun. I loved playing kickball, it brought back great memories from when I was in grade school and I was happy to discover I was still pretty good at it. The kids had a blast running the bases, cheering each other on, and getting excited every time someone got a big kick. After playing, we moved to the tables for Legos and coloring sheets. I spent the rest of the time helping a couple of the kids with both activities, building creative structures with Legos and coloring detailed pictures together until it was time for me to leave. It was another energetic and rewarding afternoon!

For my third service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center 3/4/26, we kicked things off in the gym with a creative game an employee had invented. Everyone split into two teams on opposite sides of a partition; each side took turns tossing a ball high into the air over the divider, and whichever team caught it on their side earned a point. It was all about timing, teamwork, and keeping the throws fair I took turns patrolling the partition with another intern to make sure no one peeked through or tried to spy on the other team's strategy. After playing that game a few times, we switched to ball tag, a fast-paced game of tagging with a soft ball, and I quickly discovered I’m not exactly a pro at dodging or throwing accurately either. To wind down, we settled into the Lego area, where I sat with two enthusiastic girls and helped them construct impressive double-decker houses, complete with tiny furniture, roofs, and even little staircases. I was very good at building beds for each of their bedrooms. We brainstormed ideas together until it was time for me to head out, leaving me with another rewarding afternoon full of play, connection, and feeling more at home with the group each visit.

For my second service learning session at the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, I was excited to return after missing a week due to RSV. Everyone welcomed me back warmly, and after a quick catch-up, I joined the kids during their snack time, chatting about what they’d been up to and hearing a few excited stories about school and friends. Once snacks were done, we headed outside to the playground for some fresh air and energy-burning fun on the jungle gym. A couple of the kids pulled me into an imaginative game of family where I took turns being a daughter with one of the other interns which was complete with going to the store, and lots of laughs as we ran around together. After a good stretch of outdoor play, we moved back inside to the computer lab, where the kids explored online games and showed off their favorite sites while I helped with questions and even partook in a game of "Imposter" with some of the kids, employees and interns. The session flew by, and by the time I left, I felt even more connected to the group and grateful for the chance to make up for the missed week with such a fun, active day.

For my first service learning session, I visited the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, where Diya, an intern, welcomed me, walked me through a clear orientation where I learned the expectations of me as a service learner and the YRCC's rules. She then gave me a detailed tour of the facility while explaining how the YRCC works and its focus on providing a safe, supportive after-school environment for local kids. I then joined the kids where I chatted with them during snack time, getting to know a few of them and their names along with the other employees and interns at the YRCC. We then we played an energetic game of dodgeball for most of the afternoon in the gym, I participated in a couple of the games although I quickly learned I was not very good! The kids were also joined by a group of fraternity boys which made the game a lot more lively. We then moved to one of the smaller rooms off the gym and played Legos, which was super fun as I got to help build a few structures for some of the kids. It was a fun and rewarding introduction and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the semester brings!