CSLN Painting Project at Dale Brain Injury Services!

 

On Sunday, October 17, five enthusiastic CSLN volunteers journeyed to Dale Brain Injury Services to paint two new office rooms. 

Dale Brain Injury Services is a community-based organization that provides services for adults living with the effects of an acquired brain injury. Dale aims to:

-facilitate the inclusion of people living with the effects of a brain injury within the family, workplace and society

-be flexible in order to be able to meet the demands of a dynamic field and changing consumer needs

-model the philosophy espoused by the agency to the community

Prior to participating in this service-learning opportunity, many of the student volunteers had never painted before so the day was certainly full of new experiences! Together, they taped, primed and painted the rooms, stopping to enjoy a pizza lunch provided by Dale Brain Injury Services while they waited for coats of paint to dry. At the end of the day Dale employees mentioned that the room looked professionally painted and that they were so appreciative for all our hard work. Before packing up, the students participated in a service-learning reflection of their volunteer experience and how the experience had impacted the community partner and themselves. Overall our day with Dale Brain Injury Services was a huge success and we are really looking forward to working with them again soon!

-Chloé Restivo

Day 1 at the Boys and Girls Club

On Thursday Nov 11th, a group of eager volunteers with the Student Success Centre’s CSLN went to the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) in London to begin their Service Learning Experience of 2010/11.

The mission of all BGCs in Canada is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

The facilities at the London club include a 25 meter competitive swimming pool complete with ramp, a spa, large gym offering extensive sports programs and leagues, rock wall climbing, large ball and foam rooms, craft room, three computer labs, small library, games room with air hockey, pool, pop-a-shot basketball, ping pong, small group games room, and Tween zone.
The Teen Zone (for youth 13 - 18) allows teens to come together in their own setting and includes: a computer lab, big screen TV, pool tables, crafts, X-box and other virtual entertainment systems.

After a ½ hour orientation involving an overview of the generally accepted volunteering principles at the BGC, we were split up into different rooms and oversaw the activities taking place there. The main role of volunteers at the BGC is to ensure that youth at the facility get the most out of their experience, while ensuring that a safe environment is maintained.

Student responses to our first volunteering experience at the BGC were overwhelmingly positive. First year student Michael Ding commented:

“… The opportunity to volunteer at the B&G Club has given me the chance to give back to society, and the smiles and laughter from every child in the B&G made me feel that my effort and time were all worth it.”

Reflection periods are increasing in popularity among service learning clubs and organizations as they have been shown to improve participant recognition of the value they have added to their community. At the BGC, particular emphasis was put on recognizing how children's perception of the community would change, and what kind of experiences would replace those they gain at the BGC if the club did not exist.

Overall, the CSLN's first exposure to the BGC was extremely rewarding and I personally cannot wait to get back.

- Robert Freele

A Student's Experience Volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club

The CSLN is currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of London in an after school program. Here is what one student had to say about the experience:

"By taking an active role in volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, I have realized the importance in after-school programs for children. The B&G program helps to entertain kids while educating them on important life values, such as, teamwork, cooperation, and creativity. The opportunity to volunteer at the B&G Club has given me the chance to give back to society, and the smiles and laughters from every child in the B&G made me feel that my effort and time were all worth it." - CSLN Volunteer

Find out how you can get involved in the CSLN by emailing cslnetwork@uwo.ca.

Join Western's Community Service Learning Network!

Western students who are interested in joining the Community Service Learning Network (CSLN) are asked to email cslnetwork@uwo.ca. You will be placed on the CSLN Roster and will be notified of volunteer opportunities as they arise.