I went to the pumpkin patch in Auburn, AL with my Project Uplift "little sister." We went on a hayride and even got to pet a goat! She loved it. I was given permission to use this photo.
Took a field trip to Auburn Fisheries with the Auburn University Early Learning Center! We got to touch and feed fish. We also got to practice fishing! This picture was taken when we were waiting our turn for the fishing poles! I was given permission to use this photo.
Took a field trip to Auburn Fisheries with the Auburn University Early Learning Center! We got to touch and feed fish. We also got to practice fishing! This picture was taken on the way to feed the fish in the pond on the right. I was given permission to use this photo.
I went to the pumpkin patch in Auburn, AL with my Project Uplift "little sister." We went on a hayride and even got to pet a goat! She loved it. I was given permission to use this photo.
Lauren Klipsch
My Volunteer Work
I have loved working with children throughout my college life! Here is just a few examples of my volunteer work. I have included all the links to these organizations websites!
Auburn University Early Learning Center
The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a preschool on Auburn University's Campus. I had the privilege of getting to volunteer here for two semesters. During my 122 hours spent at the ELC, I was fully engaged in a classroom setting with children ages 3-4. I began setting up at noon before the children arrived. There was a dramatic play (dress up) area, an arts and crafts table, a sensory table, a blocks or building area, a language table, a snack-making table, and a reading area. I loved learning new activities for each area and have taken part in hundreds of different activities, dress up, and art and science activities. The kids would arrive and play in center time for an hour and a half. Then clean up time followed by group time! We would then go outside for 30 minutes. Then followed group time again, and then journal before the parents returned. I loved getting to take part in a full preschool day and loved seeing the children grow and develop. They taught me so much.
Project Uplift
Project Uplift is a program within the Lee County Youth Development. It mirrors the "Big Brother, Big Sister" program. I mentor an underprivlidged girl once a week. I have spent almost 150 hours with my "little sister" who is ten years old and loves being active. She is smart and loves to work on her science homework and try different experiments with me. Our favorite game to play is pictionary! This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career!
Center for Courageous Kids
I spent a week volunteering at a camp called the Center for Courageous Kids. This camp is a little different from the typical children's summer camp because it is specialized for children with illnesses and disabilities. Each week, a group of children with a specific illness or disability come to the camp to enjoy a week full of "normal" camp experiences such as swimming, fishing, boating, archery, dining hall meals, and campfire songs and skits. There are nurses on staff who take care of the medical aspect of the child's life for the week. I took part in the asthma week and was responsible for five girls ranging from ages 5-8. I took part in day time activities, meals, and evening activities with the girls and really felt the joy they experienced being there.
Youth Resources of Southern Indiana
While in high school, I spent many years participating in Youth Resources. It offers many different programs for the youth of Evansville, Indiana. I was a camp counselor for the TeenPower camp they host every summer. I helped plan and operate a week long substance-free and leadership camp for over 300 high school students. I lead a group of ten high school students through speakers, activities, and discussions about how to stay away from peer pressure and gain more leadership skills. I also helped in the middle school camp as well.
Another program they offer is the Teen Advisoy Council, a service organization for high school students all across the city that meets on Friday's at 6AM before school. I was chosen to be a lead member of this group.
