KIDS FIRST!

WHAT IS KIDS FIRST?
Kid’s First is a recreational program for youth (ages 6-11) provided by the City of Vancouver or Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation at three schools during after school hours. Supervised activities include games, crafts, sports, storytelling, music, science, monthly themes, and special events. Free, nutritious snacks are provided through a grant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Also, one important thing to mention is that Kids First embraces Inclusion, meaning that every child is included in every activity, whether or not they have a disability."

WHO BENEFITS?
Everyone! Children play and learn in a safe and fun environment, while improving their ability to interact with other children. Parents know their kids are safe and involved in healthy, constructive activities after school.

SHOULD I MENTOR?
Peer Mentors must be at least 15. This role requires a lot of maturity, responsibility, and reliability. Volunteers would be able to acquire more experience working one-on-one with children with disabilities, while the child would receive that one-on-one attention they need. If you aspire to one day have a career with Vancouver Clark Parks and Recreation, this would be a good opportunity to get started.

SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers must be reliable, mature, understanding, responsible, and able to commit their time. Sometimes, when a child with a severe disability has a one-on-one, it is very hard on them if the person watching over them is there one day and gone the next. The child might not be there every day, but in the case that they are, it would be good for their one-on-one to be there. Therefore, someone who can be there for a consecutive amount of time - at least once a week - would be the ideal candidate.

WHERE AND WHEN?
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10/1 - 5/29 (2:50-5:30pm)
54933 Fruit Valley Elementary, 3410 NW Fruit Valley Rd.
54935 Washington Elementary, 2908 S. St.

Tuesday & Friday, 10/3 - 5/29 (3:35-5:05pm)
54936 Image Elementary, 4400 NE 122nd Ave.

For more information and registration, please call (360) 487-7059 for K. Brét Kertz, Recreation Specialist for the Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation.