Build 2 Lead's fun and innovative program for middle and high school students, in collaboration with Metro Parks Tacoma, the Eastside Community Center, and Tacoma Public Schools.
GameChangers experience field trips, career site visits, and fun workshops. Our students explore topics like leadership development, academic success, college options, career paths, financial literacy, community advocacy, and physical fitness.
Below are some highlights from the last few weeks of the program:
Historical Significance of Buffalo Soldiers
Gamechangers learned about the Buffalo Soldiers and Black history in Washington. Students visited Fort Vancouver and the Buffalo Soldier Museum, connecting with local history and engaging with artifacts, documents, and historic sites occupied by Black soldiers. Physical activities, such as exploring Sequalitchew Creek, also tied into this week, with an emphasis on building community and relationships among the students.
Throughout these weeks, the GSLA program saw significant engagement and growth, with students bonding over shared experiences and learning valuable life skills.
Environmentalism and the Green Job Industry
Gamechangers engaged in learning about environmentalism and climate change. Students explored ways to reduce pollution, repurposed materials, and learn about sustainable practices. Workshops discussed pollution’s impact on health, and environmental racism, highlighting issues like food deserts. The week culminated with a hike at Rattlesnake Ledge, where students applied their environmental knowledge. For many students, the hike was a new and challenging experience, but they were encouraged by their peers and staff, building strong bonds through the accomplishment.
Financial Literacy and Budgeting
B2L believes in the importance of financial literacy, and students learned about “Wants vs. Needs,” overspending, and budgeting using real-life scenarios. Workshops used activities like life simulations with random scenarios (mortgages, daycare, unexpected expenses) to teach students about managing income and expenses. They also toured Evergreen Community College to understand the costs of education.
Social Emotional Learning
The final weeks of programming were focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Key learning outcomes included reflecting on their experiences, understanding the importance of self-esteem, and coping with stress. Students engaged in workshops discussing self-esteem versus arrogance and were encouraged to write appreciation letters to the program’s staff. Healthy coping mechanisms were also explored through group meditation. The week concluded with exciting events like a trip to Wild Waves Waterpark, where many students experienced roller coasters for the first time, and a celebratory event with families that included games and a barbecue.
Graduation
Through this work we had 20 rising middle and high school students complete our Game Changers Summer Leadership Academy. It was a fun and exciting summer and we are excited about the launch of our fall 2024 B2L Direct programs!
Check our photos of our graduates and fun activities!
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