Welcome to the 2009 Youth Exchange Trip Site!
Today, we tried something we’ve never done before. We chose a service project that involves a great deal of direct contact between our students and local resident. Our group sat down with 38 residents of Belwood Nursing Home in Peoria County, and we painted ceiling tiles for residents to display in their rooms! The residents had been anxiously awaiting our arrival (some were at the painting tables 30 minutes prior to our arrival), so we sat down and painted away! The range of artwork was extensive, from simple finger painting to real works of art and everything in between. Our students engaged with the residents, learned about their lives, and helped bring a bit of sunshine to their lives. The smiles, hugs and looks of warm appreciation told us that this was a day well spent. And the students enjoyed it much more than they thought they would!
Video Clips (Windows WMV Format): Peoria Journal Star, WMBD/FOX43, WEEK/HOI
Article from Peoria Journal Star
On the absolutely hottest day of the summer, we asked our guests to don long-sleeved shirts and long pants, then to run around in the boiling sun. But they did so gladly since it was for paintball! You see, paintball is not allowed in Germany, so our guests may only have played when visiting another country. But by and large, it was a new game for them. Nearly 30 students showed up, some for several hours, some for just a few to give it a try. But everyone seemed to have a good time darting around obstacles, hiding in ambush in the brush, and blasting away at nearly anything that moved! While they may have sweated out a few pounds, everyone who took part enjoyed the experience, one they can take back home and brag about. They may still have the bruises to prove their stories!
Continue to Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7
Copyright 2011 © Friends of Friedrichshafen - Peoria, Illinois, USA