by Carl McMillen
Excited teenagers from six Panhandle counties kicked off this year’s Youth Encountering Success summer program on June 8. But the monumental task of assembling the ten-week schedule of 
activities continues year-round when dozens of critical details have to be addressed. It is an awesome responsibility.
Youth Coordinator Cynthia Pacheco and Assistant Executive Director Diane Campa spend hours huddled together building the summer program from the ground up. Students in distant schools are visited, and applications are mailed to students’ families. A budget is prepared; a theme for the summer program is developed; guest speakers are engaged; field trips are scheduled and transportation is arranged. Preparations are made with Southwest Church of Christ which donated spacious facilities again this year.
As each element of the program is developed, a great deal of thought is given to everyone involved – primarily the students. Cynthia and Diane take a look at the overall ages and educational levels of the 25 students to decide appropriate activities. Will they all participate? Will they gain useful skills that promote their independence? Will the activities challenge their imaginations and abilities? Everything – field trips, learning activities, transportation – must also be accessible to students with disabilities.
A great deal of time is spent reviewing and ordering study materials and educational videos that promote transition goals and making positive choices. The videos must be interesting enough to stimulate discussions and encourage students to ask questions. Many other supplies are also purchased, including specially designed T-shirts for each student. This year’s budget for supplies was just over $3,000.
Coordinating the activities is also crucial, so Cynthia assembles a master “YES Summer Program” notebook. It includes student attendance records, volunteer time sheets, daily events and program notes, contact phone numbers, and what staff members will be assisting each day. LeFleur Transportation is contacted before each field trip to advise the number of students and accessible requirements for the vans.
Conducting the summer program is truly a team effort involving every PILC staff member who provides technical assistance and supervisory help. While the YES program is going on across town, other activities that require staff support are also happening at the Center. It is a time when everyone pulls together to make this rewarding experience come true for deserving Youth Encountering Success.
