One beautiful July morning, Crossroads for Women staff, volunteers, moms, kids and caregivers arrive at the two story adobe house that serves as the non-profit’s office space for a hearty, hot breakfast. As Family Services Specialist, Patty Pesantez, and several volunteers prepare eggs, tortillas, orange juice and piles of bacon, children excitedly anticipate a summer outing to Albuquerque’s Ninja Park–just one of the fantastic daytrips planned as part of the Crossroads for Women Summer Family Camp experience. In full swing since June 15th, the 6 week program, provides numerous and valuable opportunities for moms and kids to maintain structure and expand experiences gained throughout the school year. Made possible by Larry H. Miller Foundation, the Summer Family Camp supports 15 women and 30 children ranging in ages from a few months to mid-teens. Families gather 3 days a week for activities like story time, art and music therapy, yoga and other fitness activities and special outings each week. Other unique, educational opportunities include career day, cooking with mom and an art show for parents and extended family members.
Often exacerbated by social isolation, summer can be a vulnerable time for kids and families. The Crossroads for Women Summer Family Camp provides economically disadvantaged families to participate in activities they may not otherwise have access to. Additionally, kids and moms are given the opportunity to practice new skills and connect within a safe and nurturing environment. Practice is followed up with conversation and feedback, enhancing the transfer of new behavior into the greater world.
It is powerful to know you are not alone and that others have experienced similar challenges. The Crossroads for Women Summer Family Camp experience reduces feelings of isolation by providing opportunities for participants to make connections and deepen friendships.
On this day, as breakfast winds down and excited kids gather in the parking lot for the outing to Ninja Park, one parent put it this way: “Watching my kids play, laugh and be a part of something, makes me happy. We get to do things this summer we couldn’t do otherwise. I am learning new things and challenging myself too. We are making it work”.
At Albuquerque Ninja Park, the kids meet and succeed at challenges of strength and agility. What seemed scary and impossible just moments before, becomes do-able and even easy with practice. Moms watch, participate, cheer their kids on, find proud photo opportunities and perhaps rnost importantly, are a part of something that supports positive change in their lives.
The definition of a Ninja is: “A PERSON WHO EXCELS.” The families at Crossroads for Women are doing just that. With the support and leadership of dedicated staff and volunteers, new opportunities and experiences are gained, challenges met and lives are changed.
–Written by Lisa Carlsen, Crossroads for Women volunteer