News

Campers Find Art in the Outdoors

Art is everywhere and last week art was outdoors at the Eden Area YMCA Summer Camp.

It all started with a scavenger hunt, Campers searched out leaves, pieces of bark and pine needles. Then, they used their found treasures as paintbrushes and palette knives to create unique pieces of art. Already familiar with making handprints in clay, the campers graduated to making impressions of the seed pods, sticks and rocks found around the Eden Area Y. They even made photos by laying their leaves and flowers on photo-sensitive paper, then exposing it to the sun.

"I was excited to get my hands on new art projects. It was fun and I was happy with my art work,” said Lia Rosa, age 10

“This is a great way to teach kids that art isn’t about making the perfect picture. It’s about finding art in the world around you,” said Suzanne Gayle, muralist and owner of Star Arts in Hayward. Suzanne designed the inventive Art in the Outdoors activities at the request of Jessica Mendoza, Eden’s associate program director.

“Last year, one of the campers’ favorite activities was painting a long mural on butcher paper, using their feet as paintbrushes,” Jessica explained. “This year, we wanted to see how we could build on that and incorporate a few lessons about the natural world around us as well.”

What did the young artists enjoy painting most? “It was fun being able to paint on rocks!” said Lizbhet Garica, age 11, a sentiment echoed by Estres Simmons, age 6. The campers transformed rocks into landscapes, bugs, even an ice cream cone.

According to Suzanne, “it was great to see the campers let their creativity run free.” Or, as nine-year-old Jun Young Lee said, “It was cool, fun and awesome!”

See a sampling of Eden’s natural artists at work.

EDEN IS A “PREMIERE” DELEGATION AT MODEL UN

The Eden Area YMCA delegation at the California Model United Nations achieved “premiere delegation” status at the final conclave earlier this month. Given that this was the first year Eden sent a delegation that is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations to Connor Bunnell, Jessica Domingo, Derek Tan und Tom Yuan, and thanks to Greg and Jeff Maier, who advised the delegation.

“Just as the real United Nations hosts Summit conferences to discuss and debate world issues, our California YMCA Youth & Government Model UN meets in Burbank, California to discuss different world issues and come up with real life resolutions to real life situations that affect our planet,” Jeff explained. The Eden delegation represented Sweden.

“It was an awe-inspiring trip I will never forget,” Derek said. “I recommend it because you will have a blast.” Tom agrees, noting that the trips to both Camp Roberts and Burbank were a lot of fun.

Along with fun, “the Model UN helps with public speaking and debate. You really have to think in the sessions, but you have plenty of downtime,” Connor said. And Jessica not only applied her leadership skills, she made many friends, including Model UN luminaries like the Secretary General, the Vice President of the Security Council, and the President and Vice President of the General Assembly.

Advisors Jeff and Greg Maier focus equally on learning and socializing to develop students’ skills in areas of teamwork, team play, public speaking, critical thinking and leadership. “If you enjoy socializing, eating good food, debating your point of view, traveling, staying in a hotel, and making new friends, then the YMCA Model United Nations program is a great fit,” said Jeff.

The 2011 Model UN program will start up in January.

EDEN YMCA PROMOTES HEALTHY KIDS

Everyone from tots to teen and their parents found something fun to do at Healthy Kids Day at the Eden Area YMCA on April 17.

In addition to performing, Ayala Cal and Pomai Neil of the Tahiti Nui dance troupe got kids up and moving in the poi ball dance. “Even my three-year-old was out there following the movements,” said Jessica Mendoza, associate program director.

Elsewhere, parents and teens followed a boot camp fitness routine led by Castro Valley’s Joy Poulsen of Inspire Fitness. Once they had worked up an appetite, people snacked on samples of organic cereals and snacks offered by Happy Family. Trainees from the Eden Area Regional Occupation Program painted faces and led activities, while YMCA staff led basketball and sports clinics.

The Silverback Wilderneers, Hayward Area Recreation & Parks Department, Community Resources for Independent Living, East Bay Aviators and the U.S. Census also staffed booths explaining their services.

Everyone who attended had a chance of winning in a free raffle. Prizes included a Big Jump gift certificate, YMCA clothing and bags, and an array of toys and sports gear.

See the slide show volunteer Chris Naraval put together of Healthy Kids Day activities. And thanks to all of our wonderful partners and volunteers. See you again next year!

Eden Area YMCA Teens Succeed in Youth & Government Program

 The seven-member delegation from the Eden Area YMCA joined 2,500 students from around California in Sacramento for the 62nd annual Model Legislature and Court Program. They took over the actual chambers of the State Supreme Court, Assembly and Senate to do the work of state government, and published a daily newspaper to cover all the developments.

Delegation member Jose Garcia, in his first year with the program, was selected to be one of 16 students in the Judicial Review Section. He took on the role of attorney, a career he wants to pursue in his real-life future. Kaila Molzen, who served as the Eden delegation president, received an award for her article, Words of Wisdom, published in the February 14 issue of the Y&G magazine. Other team members included Sophia Chahal, Lois Doan, Tim Gann, Brenda Zarala, and Kris Killian, all students at Tennyson High School in Hayward.

Eden’s Associate Program Director Jessica Mendoza and volunteer Heather Duperroir guided the team through its six-month preparation, which included training sessions at YMCA Camp Roberts in Central California. “We are particularly proud that the team achieved ‘premier delegation’ status this year,” Jessica said. “That is given to teams that meet all of the deadlines and standards for preparation and behavior.” If you would like to learn more about this truly life-changing experience, please read the program description or contact us.

Eden Area YMCA Celebrates Dr. King

by Eden Celebrates Dr. King

The Eden Area YMCA's Martin Luther King, Jr. Great Community Event, "The World House: Making Room for All," was held Wednesday, January 20th at the California State University East Bay. Welcoming all to our world house, the Eden Area YMCA presented a program full of the life and equality Dr. King brought to all. Keynote speakers Michael P. Mahoney of St. Rose Hospital and Celia Barberena, President of Chabot College, gave us an idea of how Dr. King's message rings true in their lives and through their work. "My grand-nephew asked for three things for Christmas: An iPhone, a nintendo type thing, and tickets to South Korea," said Ms. Barberena. "Because of Dr. King, my grand-nephew lives in this world house and is interested in other places, other cultures."

Patrons were also treated to a dance interpretation of Dr. King's work by Sarah Crowell, artistic director for Destiny Arts, and music by the jazz ensemble UpSurge!

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with us. We hope you were as inspired as we are to continue to lead lives full of peace and equality.

New Year Resolutions for 2010

10 TIPS FOR 2010

Looking to get 2010 off to a healthy and happy start? The Eden YMCA offers 10 ideas for 2010:

1. Make fitness a healthy habit. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car a short walk away from your destination or leave the car keys at home and walk to the store.

2. Step away from the doughnuts. Limiting the amount of sugar you eat helps you shed pounds and avoid the mood swings that come with a sugar rush. Reach for an apple instead.

3. Focus on fiber. Eating fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains is good for your heart and your digestion. It can also help you lose weight because you feel full sooner.

4. Get your zzzzs. Even adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night to feel their best.

5. Head outdoors. Sure, the Bay Area can be damp in the winter, but you can always plan ahead for summer by registering your child for summer camp.

6. Make time for family time. By being a part of your child’s life, you are creating a lifetime of memories. No kids or local family? A phone call or visit with an elderly relative can do you both a lot of good.

7. Feed your brain. Reading books, doing crossword or Sudoku puzzles keeps the mind working. Or find a new hobby that will stretch your skills.

8. Get involved with your community. Whether you pick up trash in the park, read to a sick child or pet cats at a local shelter, you can make a difference. Contact us to learn about volunteering here at the Eden YMCA.

9. Mentor a teen. It’s not easy being a teen. A stable relationship with a caring adult can make a big difference. Contact us to learn about teen programs you can help out with here at the Eden YMCA.

10. Focus on the present. You can’t do anything about the past, and fretting about the future won’t do much good. Take time to focus on where and who you are today.

Honors and Cheers for Outstanding Volunteers

Honors and Cheers for Outstanding Volunteers

Heartfelt applause and cheers welcomed Adam Brown and Jose Montoya to the stage at the YMCA of the East Bay’s 2009 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Adam was honored as the Urban Services Volunteer of the Year, and Jose was named the branch’s 2009 Youth of Character.

Adam Brown didn’t know what he was getting into when he agreed to recruit students at Mt. Eden High School in Hayward for the Eden Area YMCA’s Youth and Government Program. Before long, Adam found himself advising the program. As advisor, he does everything from book hotel rooms to raise the money to pay for them. He is dedicated to seeing students, and the Youth and Government program, succeed.

Jose Montoya, a senior at Tennyson High School, not only participated in the 2009 Eden Area Youth and Government delegation, he documented the entire process—from the first meeting to the final legislative session held in Sacramento. The slide show he created will be a valuable asset for recruiting future delegations. Even more, it is invaluable evidence of what a difference the program made in Jose’s life.

The dinner also celebrated the YMCA’s 130th anniversary in Oakland. The evening’s theme, “come home to the Y,” gave speakers like Board Chairman Richard Leweke and CEO Robert Wilkins the opportunity to reflect on the role the YMCA played in their youth and how the YMCA of the East Bay is positioned for the next century of building stronger kids, families and communities throughout Alameda and West Contra Costa counties.

Sting Rays and Starfish Fascinate Campers

Sting Rays and Starfish Fascinate Campers

Campers at Eden Area YMCA took a "sea voyage” to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco this summer. What made this trip so exciting was that the children could see the marine life, and touch and feel it as well.

One of the water habitats showed what pollution looks like. The counselors explained what would happen to marine life if people were not careful and threw trash into the water. A golf club, bowling ball, sippy cup and toys in the tank showed the campers how the fish had to live in garbage every day. It was a wonderful educational piece to have the campers look at and really understand pollution.

One highlight was walking through two underwater tunnels. The campers were able to look up, left and right at fish, sharks, sting rays and starfish stuck along the glass. The guides provided facts about particular animals. And then it got even better! The campers were able to touch baby sting rays in a pool with their fingers. They listened to the guide explain where the sting rays live and what kind food they eat.

The next pool contained sea slugs, clams and starfish. Campers felt the roughness of the starfish and the slimy sea slugs under water.

The entire bus ride home you could hear all the campers talking about the day’s events. This trip offered so many things to the campers: education, hands-on experiences and most importantly FUN!

A Special-Event Summer for Eden Area Campers

A Special-Event Summer for Eden Area Campers

The summer got off to a “swimmingly” good start with a trip to the Aquarium of the Bay. Next, our special guest, “Mad Science” taught the kids about polymers and everyone got to make their own slime!

The following week campers got a behind-the-scenes look at how a Lucky’s supermarket runs. During our week of “Exploring the Arts” the children made up dances, songs and skits for a Talent Show. A special guest from Color Me Mine in Fremont brought tiles for the campers to paint. The following week we had a blast with a jump house, pop corn machine and bubble machine.

During Sports week, all of the campers participated in our yearly “Y Games” event. Every camper walked away a winner with a medal around his or her neck!

Tracy, “the animal guy,” came to visit with 15 different animals. He had a roster, snake, turtle, hamster, tarantula, hairless rat and a rabbit to name a few. The kids loved being able to touch each animal and see things they have never laid eyes on before till his visit.

We also visited the local library every week. They have a wonderful children’s area complete with computers, puzzles, bean bag chairs, games and of course, books. There’s even an area dedicated to teens.

All in all, it was an amazing, fun-filled summer.

The Eden Area YMCA Second Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship Breakfast

The Eden Area YMCA held its second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Wednesday January 14 at the scenic location of Cal State East Bay.

We were honored to have as our co-chairs for the second year Dr. Mohammed Quayoumi, President of Cal State East Bay and Michael P. Mahoney, President and CEO of St. Rose Hospital.

This special event offered a time for fun, food and fellowship as we celebrated the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our guests were entertained by the uplifting and inspirational music and dance performances from Cal State East Bay's Gospel Choir and Theater of Dance.

We concluded the program with motivating words from Mike Sweeney, Mayor of the city of Hayward and Bishop Jerry Macklin of Glad Tidings Church on the Dr. King scripture “Where do we go from here Community or Chaos”

The Eden Area YMCA breakfast offered a time for the community to come together and share in the wonderful work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you to all of our guests, speakers and performers for your continuous support to the Eden Area YMCA.

Special appreciation goes to the following sponsors for their support:

Premier Sponsors
St. Rose Hospital
Pioneer Healthier Communities Committee

Presenting Sponsors
Hayward Chamber of Commerce
Hayward Youth Academy