There's a KidSport club at the University I'm in, and if you don't know about KidSport, its an organization that aims to let children of whatever background have access to sports resources. My University club recently established a trial run for an after school sports program to be held at an elementary school every Friday. The first session was two weeks ago on the 14th, and I was part of that group. We had about 8 volunteers, which fit perfectly to a 1:1 ratio of children who showed up. It had been a half school week that week and presumably the other children just forgot to show (20+ kids had signed up). We did some warm up exercises and some basketball drills (dribbling, passing) before going into a game (the sessions are only an hour long). Though I want to work with children when I graduate I had forgotten how much energy kids have, and it's really refreshing.
Because of the amount of volunteers who signed up, we had to be split into two groups with each group alternating going on Fridays. Another group went last week and I was supposed to go today, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to road conditions (it's beginning to snow pretty bad). Since this was a trial run, there is only one session left next week, which the other group will be doing, and I was disappointed.
However, I have just gotten news that this program will be continued next year and I'm so excited for it! Kids need the opportunity to expend their energy and playing sports as well as interacting with older kids (like myself) who can act as other role models for them is, I feel, very important. I'm so glad this opportunity came along and I can't wait for next year!
