CAP’s S.P.A.R.K. (Scholastic Preparation, Arts, and Recreation for Kids) initiative serves children ages 5-18. The Youth Worker designs presentations and activities to engage students in academics, the arts, and recreational activities, and assists children and teens with homework in all subject areas. In the summer, the Youth Worker leads activities such as field trips or day camps.
Service Activities
--Provides leadership, supervision, and positive role modeling to youth.
--Responsible for implementing presentations.
--Assumes responsibility for on-going program components and home visits as well as organizes
and leads various social/recreational/educational activities that will achieve the program’s goals
and objectives.
--Provides academic tutoring within school and through the after-school program.
--Leads summer day camp program.
--Assists with the Summer Food Program.
--Develops realistic personal goals with participants to include objectives and tasks that will assist in
meeting these goals.
--Networks with other agencies in the area for presentation and referral purposes.
--Serves in other CAP and AmeriCorps programs when doing so does not interfere with the above
duties.
--Participates in additional training and enrichment opportunities as assigned.
Community Need Addressed
Corps members will address low academic and social (conflict resolution, consumer awareness) skills among elementary and high school students in rural Appalachian counties, as well as lack of after-school programming for youth.
Position Outcomes
Corps members will increase the academic and social skills of elementary and middle school students through in-school character education, tutoring, and after-school programming.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
In addition to the benefits described above, members also receive access to free mental health counseling.
All food and housing is provided for members who choose to live in a CAP volunteer community house. Members who choose to live on their own receive an increased living allowance in lieu of room and board.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid
Skills you will gain
public speaking, teaching, communication, conflict resolution
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment