Day 3 - Nehemiah Center / Boys and Girls Club

Today our group was split up, with half going to the Nehemiah Center and the other half going to the Boys and Girls Club. 

The Nehemiah Center, a faith based youth organization in Sandusky, is in the midst of preparing for their summer programming. Utilizing an old school building which was purchased for $5 in 2007, they offer a multitude of incredible opportunities for youth both during the school year and throughout the summer. 

The group working at the Nehemiah Center spent the day helping to prepare a variety of spaces within the building to ensure that they are ready for their summer program to begin. There was also a surprise delivery of English Muffins that needed unloading and stocking. They also spent time making sure that various games and activities were updated and had all of the necessary items needed. 

Similar to the Nehemiah Center, the Boys and Girls Club's target audience is youth, aiming to provide a wide variety of programmatic opportunities for youth in the Sandusky area. 

The group working with the Boys and Girls Club spent the day with the youth enrolled in their summer program. They spent time outside playing games (kickball was the favorite!) and they spent time inside engaging in a multitude of activies ranging from video games to drawing to board games. 

After our time at the two sites we were invited to help serve ice cream at the local ice cream social/concert series that is hosted by First Presbyterian Church for the entire community. This meant free ice cream at the end of the evening! 

Please take some time and enjoy looking at pictures from our day! 

SQUAD OUT. 

Day 2 - Ohio Veterans Home

Today we spent the day at the Ohio Veterans Home. Thanks to our incredible host, Dwayne, we had an opportunity to explore the entire facility! During our tour we made a variety of stops along the way. 

First, we had an opportunity to pick tomatoes (to make fried green tomatoes with!) from their greenhouse. We then moved further through the facility, having the opportunity to see where the veterans spend their time, learning about the various activities that take place day-to-day. 

A fun aside - They have peacocks at the facility!

Our next stop was the cafeteria where we were invited to sit and eat with the veterans. Following our meal we helped with the overall clean up of the cafeteria as well as with bussing tables. We all had the opportunity to speak further with the veterans after lunch and clean up, spending approximately two hours with numerous veterans. 

It was an incredibly memorable and impacftful experience as the veterans took time out of their lives to share their stories with us. It was truly an honor to spend the day with them. 

We then moved onto the library to help with sorting and categorizing the books. 

Our final stop of the day was at the military museum where we were able to learn more about the various battles and conflicts in America's history, dating from the Civil War to present time. 

After departing the Ohio Veterans Home we made our way back to the church for some fun and relaxation! Tonight's menu was a delicious taco bar and our evening devotions were led by Hannah, Josh, Zach, and Claire. 

We would now invite you to look at some pictures from our day together. 

SQUAD OUT. 

Day 1 - Arrival in Sandusky!

Following services this morning, the JKPC Youth departed for Sandusky, Ohio this afternoon to spend the week at First Presbyterian Church working at the Sandusky Mission Outreach Center. 

After a brief detour to make sure ALL bags had in fact been loaded into the vans (that was a close one!), an annual stop at Arby's, and a quick restroom break, we finally arrived in Sandusky at First Presbyterian Church!

It has been a great first evening, filled with fun, laughter, church exploring, cards, Sardines (the game!) and local pizza! We've gotten our rooms all set up and we're looking forward to our first day of work at the local Veteran's Home tomorrow.

Be sure to check out some pictures from today! More details (and pictures) to come tomorrow!

SQUAD OUT.