"The volunteers and families all seem more like a family
working together rather than the volunteers helping the families.".— Volunteer

What are we teaching?

Our programs are carefully designed to build the following strengths and abilities in children:

1. Positive interaction with others: respect, good manners, cooperation, responsibility, satisfaction in contributing.

2. Improved self-image: belief they can succeed, self-confidence, healthy outlook on life.

3. Increased academic and practical life skills: money management, language skills, math, science, nutrition.

How does the program work?

Our program space is divided into stations. Each station offers an art project, a cooking project, a writing project or something else. You will very likely be stationed at a single station. Children — and, to a lesser extent, parents — move freely among the stations.

When a child comes to your station, be sure to engage him/her in the activity right away. Hand the child a paintbrush or potato peeler or other tool. Give him/her a choice: "What color do you want to start with?"

Your job is to assist children in contributing to the project, even if it means that the progress is slowed or the quality lessened. You are there to help the children be successful. You are also there to share fun and laughter.

When children decide they are ready to leave a particular station, they will receive tickets for their contributions from the station's Paymaster. Every station will have one (and only one) trained, clearly identified Paymaster.

What's most important?

At all times, please remember that the quality of your interactions and the behaviors and attitudes you model are more important than anything we might produce. While we love to create delicious food and dazzling art, we are there primarily to teach.

And this is mandatory

At Sunday Friends, ALL of your participation with children MUST take place within our organized projects. Never take or join a child away from Sunday Friends activities. This includes the playground and the bathrooms. Stick with the program and have fun with us.