Category: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

KCC Volunteer Spotlight: Peggy Lavin

Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers and staff. Today we’d like to spotlight Peggy Lavin, a Kindergarten Countdown Camp volunteer.

What is your role at the camp?

As a volunteer, I assist two teachers in preparing almost twenty children for kindergarten. The children will be attending kindergarten this school year and many, if not all, have not experienced any prior preschool education. Everything about school is new to these children: buses, lining up, the cafeteria, following teachers’ directions, cutting with scissors, etc.  I help the teachers set up for the educational activities (concentrating on basic reading and math skills) and help the children implement the teachers’ directions.

So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?

Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?

What does education mean to you?

I value education highly and believe that each child needs and has a right to the best educational opportunities a community can provide. Education provides a child with the skills to be successful in life.

To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.

A Reflection of My KCC Volunteer Experience: Candy Carrasco

Here at United Way, we get to work with a variety of people across many different fields in many different ways. This blog was written by one of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) volunteers, Candy Carrasco. Read on to hear from Candy as she reflects on her experience volunteering for KCC.

 Pictured above is Candy during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.

Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been such a wonderful experience. I have the pleasure of taking on the role of a teacher’s assistant where I work with children around the age of 5, teaching them how to learn new abilities that will help them progress in kindergarten.

One of the most memorable moments of KCC is watching a 5-year-old smile after completing a task they didn’t think they could accomplish. I love teaching children the confidence to say “Hey, I can do this!”

One student in particular stood out to me; her name is Sofia. The very first day, Sofia was balling her eyes out, insisting she wanted to go home. She walked out of the cafeteria, heading for the school entrance, when I stopped her and asked her what was wrong. It was clear she didn’t want to be there but I wanted her to understand that she needed to give KCC a try. So, I calmed her down (which was a learning experience for me) and I was able to gain her trust. She didn’t want me to leave her side in class, so I sat next to her until she became more comfortable with her classmates. By the time we hit recess, she was having a blast. The next day of school she was more than happy to be there. She is a bright young girl who I have the pleasure of working with. She taught me how to take control of a situation, something I never expected a child to teach me.

KCC definitely has a positive impact on the children who attend. Every student learns something new every day. Whether it be new material, manners, cooperation, or kindness; every week I get to witness students progressing in their learning. I enjoy working with KCC because I value education highly.

In my view, education sets an individual free. It allows us humans to come to an understanding about the world, which is constantly changing. Education evolves every day just as much as we do. Without education, we would be enslaved within our own minds, stuck in the same mindset without ever progressing.