It’s been a few weeks since the event, and after a whirlwind of projects, final exams, etc., etc., it’s time to sit down, enjoy a cuppa, and reflect on how our event went.
First off, I think the entire ENI Core Team — as well as our team of awesome volunteers — deserves a pat on the back and a round of applause. We managed to make a day that was at first rainy and dreary, and turn it into another great day to celebrate community! =)
In many respects, this event was one of the best I’ve ever seen in my community. Honestly! I noticed that during this event, there was more interaction going on among kids, teens, and adults – whether it was a grown-up and kid playing hockey together, adults and kids alike getting prizes, and people of all ages playing tug of war, or the lilypad memory game, and more. The community wall we had – which replaced our map of where people are from, and had drawings and messages from so many walks of life – and our multilingual “Welcome” banner, I think symbolized a truly great accomplishment.
The heartwarming memories I have from the event, which I think truly show community engagement, include our UBC intern Jessica with her visiting friends having a great time talking to people from the neighbourhood and beyond at the Info Booth, people enjoying the scrumptious cheesecake brought over by Vancouver Alpen Club, and one of our performers (part of the amazing youth talent we had) playing “how low can you go” with one of the kids. People seemed to really appreciate the versatility of getting tickets at games and crafts stations for small prizes, and going to several games stations to enter our raffle draw. All the instant connections made from the DT Community Schools Team’s programs among Nicole, our CST guest and programmer-on-site, and our volunteers, may of who are in the CST, and our neighbourhood’s parents was a sight to behold, and just reminds me how fantastico our partners really are!
I’d say the turn-out was really good for a long-weekend day that started off dreary and wet, and while our “Plan B” for games, set-up time, and communication channels could have been shaped up better, each event is a chance to learn and get valuable experience, while having a bit of fun on the way, no?
Throughout my time helping to plan the Summer Countdown, I have so many wonderful memories working with hard-working youth, making friends in our ENI team, and building on the skills I’ve learned since I was a games volunteer at the DT event two years ago. Even though sometimes the going gets a tad stressful, it all pays off with the good times that live on past event day.
Can’t wait for the next step in ENI’s mission, coming to a public place near you! =D
Signing off for the summer,
Andrew
