Intergenerational Program
The Intergenerational Program at NESCO provides exciting opportunities for senior adults to interact with younger generations, sharing their skills and knowledge, and at the same time enjoying the energy, creativity, and vitality of young minds. Our intergenerational programs are designed to bring youth and senior adults into meaningful discussion. The programs vary from educational to recreational to community service, and are often a blend of all three.
What kind of intergenerational programs are available?
Depending on your interests, there are a number of different intergenerational programs that would be right for you! We are always working to develop exciting new programs. Current programs include:
Intergenerational Bingo -Bingo is always a popular activity here at Warner Park, but every so often we are joined by groups of students who help by collecting the money, calling out the numbers, and playing alongside at our tables. The best part is, if a student at your table wins, everyone at the table wins! Students often stay for lunch which provides a wonderful opportunity for conversation. Intergenerational Bingo occurs on select Fridays.
6th Grade Essay Contest - This contest is an annual event sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers. Statewide, senior centers and senior coalitions work with a middle school in their area to engage students in writing. The theme of the essay contest is "My favorite grandparent or older adult" which is judged by a panel of older adults which represent the senior center. Winners chosen at the regional level go on to compete in the statewide contest. Last year our winners from Black Hawk Middle School were Ian and Emma - great job!
Senior Prom - We partner with Black Hawk Middle School's Spirit Club and East High School's ENJOY Club to plan, fundraise, and present this exciting annual event. The Senior Prom occurs on a Friday evening in the spring and features live music, dancing, performances, themed decorations and tasty treats. Seniors can also nominate themself or another for Prom King or Prom Queen, have their photo taken in a scenic photo corner, or enjoy a wall-sized slide show featuring breathtaking photos. Best of all, they can mingle with the kids who have helped make it all possible, and maybe even share a dance!
Student visits and Kids Kamp - Throughout the year we arrange for visits from area students who join our seniors for an activity or program at our Warner Park location. Whether they are working together on a craft, playing games, or sharing stories about their childhood, the students and seniors have a chance to connect with each other on a personal level. During the summer we partner with MSCR's Kids Kamp who share our facility and bring lots of energy into the mix. Activities include an Intergenerational Talent Show, intergenerational post cards, card games and board games, storytelling, and arts and crafts.
ENJOY Club - The ENJOY Club is an ongoing intergenerational project run by students at East High School. Students are matched with senior adults to assist with house work and yard work, and spend time getting to know their seniors. The club organizes group projects throughout the year which include back-yard cleanup, raking lawns, creating Holiday cards and valentines for the seniors, and participating in intergenerational bingo. This year the ENJOY Club will also be helping organize and fundraise for the Senior Prom.
For more information on the intergenerational program, contact Katie at 243-5252 or Katie Kluesner.
