Well friends. We did it. We made it through our first full month of Hangtime. And since October had a grand total of 5 Wednesdays, it was quite the full month.
It’s been amazing. One of my favorite times of Hangtime is homework time.
We’ve had a total group of 20 leaders that have come to help out through the month, and many of them are beautifully committed to helping the students with their homework.
Ava loves it. Or she’s just a super-awesome and happy girl. Probably a little bit of both.
One of the things that I love to see during homework time, and something that I see quite a lot, is students helping each other with their work. It’s one of the highlights that I share when I invite kids to join us. I tell them that it’s much more fun to do their homework with their friends, and seeing these kids work together makes me think I’m actually right.
Many of the kids at Hangtime have enjoyed playing one of our youth group’s favorite games, Foursquare. They are all getting a head start and will most likely be pros by the time they reach Jr. and Sr. High.
Students also have opportunities to sit down and play actual board games with their friends, and it’s another one of our after homework favorite activities.
Also, Photobomb credit to this amazing girl.
After homework time, we have our lesson time. And I never get any pictures of it, because I get to lead that time, and it’s awesome. It’s time taken each week, to tell the kids that they are special and that God loves them and has great plans in store for them. It’s so important to share truth and encouragement with kids at a young age. And sharing that with a room full of Kindergarten through Sixth grade students is definitely my favorite.
And then the workshops.
We have so many wonderful leaders that have been putting on a variety of workshops for the kids each week.
They are doing an absolutely wonderful job letting the kids have opportunities to be creative.
And again. More kid to kid teaching and interacting going on. And it’s so good, I think. There were definitely parts of me that were a little nervous about bringing K-6 together. But they have been incredible. And it’s been a great mix of kids all interacting and helping each other.
Jeremy led the outdoors activity group again, and introduced the kids to Thunderball. They had a blast, running around under the canopy of fall leaves, enjoying another beautiful afternoon outdoors.
And at the end of the day, we gathered together to share hearts and prayers. And seeing these small groups, spread all around, my heart grew. We absolutely love these kids. It continues to be a joy and a blessing to spend Wednesday afternoons with them.
And so there you have it. We’ve proudly finished up our first month of our after school program, Hangtime. It’s been a beautiful collaboration of a dream, and a desire to love and encourage kids and hang out with them. I’m so thankful for our wonderful leader team and for all the students that have joined us. Also, If you are local and have a child K-6th grade, we would love to have your child join us for this program. It runs throughout the entire school year and it is a lot of fun. Also, it’s free, which is always nice, and we offer after school pick up from Eastport Elementary and Tuttle Avenue School. Please feel free to email me: lauraherr8@gmail.com if you have any questions, or would like to have your child join us.
Laura Herr Photography 