For three days each week, Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) fills with the boundless energy only a teenager can have.
“You can feel their energy coming as they walk down the hall,” said Lynn Noble of the St. Timothy School students who crowded into the facility’s foyer on Dec. 12.
Noble, program coordinator with the Seniors For Kids Society, is at SOTB to take in the seniors’ organizations latest project: an Intergenerational program that sees Grade 11 and 12 students from St. Timothy School working with Cochrane and area seniors.
“This program is an opportunity to connect our youth to our senior demographic,” said Noble. “Both groups gain so much from establishing these relationships and getting to know each other.”
The program, which began in November, has steadily become a popular one at both the students and the seniors’ facility, she added.
On Tuesdays, six students head into the SOTB kitchen, working alongside program participants to cook up a variety of treats. So far, the menu has included quesadillas, spaghetti, Ukrainian meat pies and cream puffs.
Wednesdays are technology days, a session where the students teach seniors the art of texting, Facebook, and even set up Skype accounts.
The students return on Thursdays for a day of special activities. Noble said these activities range from Christmas baking, to games of pool and cribbage.
“All of the activities really focus on students connecting with the seniors,” said Lynn Ponting, on-site facilitator with Seniors For Kids.
The connection didn’t come easy. Noble said that some of the program’s participants — from both age demographics — were apprehensive to interact with each other. But Noble said the apprehension didn’t last long.
“Some of the youth were nervous, and even the seniors were a little leery — just because they didn’t know what to expect,” she explained. “But both groups gained a different view and respect for each other. They have so much to offer.
“Overall, it makes for a stronger community.”
On Dec. 12, the students and seniors were whipping up some holiday treats. Each of the participants wasted no time getting down to work, chatting happily to each other as they mixed and stirred.
“This is really about the experience, a lot of people don’t get this opportunity,” said Emma Bruch, a Grade 11 student. “Not only do we get to meet people, but we get to hear their stories and learn about history.”
Noble said the intergenerational pilot project has been a success, thanks in part to the support from the organization’s sponsors and funding partners. Her goal is to see the program continue in the New Year, with even more students, schools and seniors signing on.
Any seniors who wish to take part in the program are encouraged to contact Seniors For Kids Society at [email protected].
