Summer Six -

To build these character traits we centered this summer's activities around the Fruits of the Spirit.
This summer semester was six weeks of fun as we directed activities towards growing in character and treating each other with kindness.

Mercedes and Mylea sharing teamwork in the Faithfulness shirt

Arts and crafting with old CDs and Buttons

Choosing JOY in serving as we made blessing bags for the homeless

Serving others brings out the happiest of times for each KU Kiddo

Mrs. Missy is a pro at helping us create 9-patch squares with our names.

Spelling it out- the trait we best show in our lives.

Josh and Mr. Randy helped their would-be carpenters make the most awesome cutting boards.

Christian's response, "I'm passing this on to my kids some day."  

Spring Semester - In the Books

24 kids and 10 interns and 12 adult facilitators

The picture above shows our awesome interns -- they were God - sent and I don't say that lightly.

It was a rowdier evening --A few things I learned --

 1. Groups - groups -- groups keep the evening saner

 2.  Even the big people like ice cream 

 3.  Kids LOVE Gak!!

 4.  Doing an art type project with 24 at once is crazy but they did love making a coupon book for their mommas

 5. The kids were touched by the letters from their interns.  Watching them open their envelopes with anticipation was touching.  Several of their Intern buddies had written their notes days ahead of time.

6. We're all ready to rest between semesters - to re-group- renew- plan and recycle our energy! LOL

Finishing Strong

As we wrap up our Spring Semester, our theme is "Finishing Strong".  We posed several challenges to our students and with the intern's help were able to help our KU students strive to give their best performance at the various physical contests.  We then discussed who it is that wants us to finish strong as we wrap up our school year.  Their college helpers organized a challenge run with plenty of cheers and bravos along the way.

The students were reminded that the kind of dedication and commitment that they have experienced with their TCC "Buddies" is what it takes to finish strong.

THANK YOU, OFFICER DICKSON!

Last night Officer Steve Dickson, the father of our intern, Justice Dickson came to visit us and share with our KU kids important ideas of personal safety.  A long-time member of the Tulsa Police force, Officer Dickson explained to them how important it is to remember that those people who LOOK the safest may not BE safe people to trust.
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We got to ask all sorts of questions.  We especially liked hearing about his canine partners

We thought the squad car was the neatest!!!

We left knowing that we were well protected by our Tulsa Police Force!

Welcome 2017 - A Shout Out to BeSew Inn

Kids University began its 6th year with our Spring Session on Jan. 11, welcoming a full house of 18-24 students each week. Twelve TCC Interns joined our ranks on Jan 18th and were met eagerly by our KU Kids!  Each semester the students look forward to the new friendships that form between them and these dedicated college students. 

Students start the evening checking in with Mr. John and shirting up with Mrs. Janet.

They then move to Round-up and Academics with Mrs. Jan and Mr. Terry.  Not all our children arrive on time but we gladly enlarge our circles to include them!

 This year we have four centers to choose from:  STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Activities, Carpentry, Sewing & Foods Lab.  It's a hard choice!

Our college students assist in all of the activities and carry out the games with loads of energy. The one -on-one mentoring in the academic tutoring, STEM challenges and the various group sessions are such tremendous confidence builders for these children.

The tower challenge captivated our students interest for a long period of time.

Boat building and buoyancy with Mrs. Janet (our retired Jenks Science & English Teacher -- we ALL learn from her)
We paired up interns and students to build the best boats!

Austin and Mr. John (a retired engineer & winning soccer coach) test the weight of the bridge students built in a STEM activity.

Not all our STEM projects perform as anticipated.  Watching the children's eyes as they wait for the outcome and test the strength of their project, competing with the other students is priceless.  Winning brings no other reward than just knowing you and a TCC "Buddy" used your creative skills to master a plan!

Mr. T and the PVC

BSew Inn responding to a grant request, supplied 6 GREAT sewing machines - fully serviced and ready to use.  Our students are enjoying the experience of learning to sew and are eager to start their pillow projects.  We are forever grateful and overwhelmed at their generosity!!

Missy Torres graciously gave us three wonderful machines from her collection! 

 Mrs. Janet and Missy are experts at helping these young girls learn to manipulate their machine, practice stitching while staying safe at the same time. Our young men are asking when THEIR turn will be at the machines.

With carpentry skills they have learned, these youngsters are more confident with a saw and nail gun.  They are extremely proud of their bird houses as a young artist comes in and helps them stencil and paint them.  

All our KU Kids enjoy Foods Lab where they prepare the snack for all the students and Interns.

Terry and Andrew, one of our interns, have been building a Wikiup to help our KU Kids learn about early Native American housing.  We share property on 28 wooded acres and this enables these children a safe and beautiful place to explore and enjoy God's wonderful creation.

We now have our own classroom space- what we call our KU Klub House -- where all our teaching supplies can be placed and our activities are housed.  





So much fun, so much one-on-one mentoring and teaching. Students and Helpers leave each evening eager for the next session.

Special thanks to Keith and Lora Ober-Thorn, Kennedy & Lucas, Paula Miller, John and Janet Main, Randy and Josh McGlothlin, Brian Krick, Missy and Evers Torres!  We can't wait for Mrs. Mary Lou to return in mid-March.  We wouldn't have KU without all of you!!!  Justice Dickson (pictured making PBJ's in foods lab) has returned to fulfill a 2nd internship! YOU ALL ARE ROCK STARS!!!