HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-24Dryden Youth Commission
July 24, 2007
® Minutes
Present: JoEllen Bailey, Stephanie McConnell. Tom Quinn, Cynthia Watennan, InShik Lee,
Kris Bennett. Guests: Chloe Scuti, Jen Dube (T. Dryden youth jobs at skateboard park); Nick
Dunlop (Brooktondale Camp), Deb Marrotte (V. Dryden Youth Jobs) .
JoEllen called the meeting to order at 6:35. Introductions were made.
Program Presentations: Brooktondale Day Camp Nick Dunlop, this year's director, is an alum
of the camp. He reported that camp is going well this year, each week approximately 25 -30
campers attend. This includes approximately 10 CIT's who receive a stipend and some pre -CIT
who are unpaid but will receive a small "thank you" for their participation. Camp is mornings
only, cost is $25/week, very affordable; some campers are sponsored by donations from
community members since even that fee is too much for them. The camp starts and ends each
day with a circle meeting when the day's options are discussed, they get feedback about
activities, do attendance and sing songs. Campers then have choices of indoor craft activities
and outdoor sports activities; camp is fairly unstructured to give kids choices. Interested
campers participate in baking for the weekly bake sale which raises money for an end -of- season
party. Camp staff includes 3 junior counselors, 2 senior counselors, an assistant director and
Nick. All staff participated in a 2 -day pre -camp training, Nick and the asst. director also
completed first and and CPR. Six campers enrolled are from Dryden. Nick shared an article
about the camp in the current Tompkins Weekly newspaper.
® V. Dryden Youth Jobs Deb Marrotte reported on the 3 youth employees working in the Village,
funded by DYC. (handout) One is a junior counselor at the summer camp (which ends 8/3),'
another works for the DPW, the third works in Deb's office. For 2 of the 3, this is a first job
experience. The kids are enjoying their jobs. Deb did not report on the youth job funded for the
Police Dept. since this funding was routed through the Police Dept.
T. Dryden Skate Park Youth .lobs Chloe Scutt, recent DHS graduate, is supervising youth
employees at skate park and also in charge of Wed. concerts in the park. Skate park is not going
well, few kids are turning out to use it. Not sure whether schedule (M — 1 -5, T & Th — 12 -5)
contributes to lack of "customers" since many kids go to camp or other daytime activities. Hours
have been posted widely. Youth employees leave if no one shows up after 3 hours. Only the
ramp is left out, all other heavy equipment must be taken out of storage shed for use. They tend
not to take it out unless someone wants to use it an only if they have sufficient muscle power.
They are expecting a handcart donation soon from Lowe's that will help with moving equipment.
There have been a few episodes of vandalism at the storage shed, plus trash and evidence of
marijuana use. Chloe has reported these to the police. DYC members made a few suggestions
on how to promote use of the park (demonstration, change hours, put equipment out daily) but
ultimately these decisions are under the purview of the rec. director. Jeri Dube reported that
interviews have taken place for a new rec. director and she thinks one will be in place soon.
V. Freeville Cam v Stephanie McConnell handles administrative details for camp which ahs the
same director and asst. director as last year. Camp is 7 weeks long this year, they added a week
in June. 72 campers are registered; a typical week has 23 -41 attending. Camp has a 9 -3 or full
day option. Camp puts out a weekly newsletter to inform parents of activities planned. Many
campers are taking advantage of the free summer meal program hosted this year at Freeville
Elementary School (open for anyone under 18 years). Camp has 5 counselors (4 are funded by
DYC) and 3 CIT's (all funded by DYC). CIT's work M -Th, 9 -12:30 and are paired with an
older counselor to help with activities. All staff participated in 2 days of pre -camp training.
They also received a grant from Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund to provide CPR and First Aid
training.
DYC members thanked all programs for attending and sharing their reports.
Minutes Minutes from May and June were approved unanimously.
Police and Community Kris distributed notes from the meeting on 7120 held between JoEllen,
Stephanie, Kris, and DPD's Margaret Ryan and (for part of the meeting) Makenzie Covert.
DYC members reported that DPD were defensive and protective of the program. DYC saw
program inefficiencies such as communication problems that need attention. DYC members,
wonder whether Makenzie. has sufficient classroom management skills to stick to her
presentation plan and not feel the need to get off track to respond to kids' comments and
questions. DYC members agreed that they will want more accountability from DPD in 2008,
including: additional and more frequent reporting (written updates in late fall and spring and in-
person presentation in Jan/Feb.) to DYC, feedback from teachers after each classroom
presentation, schedule of presentations. DYC will develop a brief feedback from for DPD to
present to each teacher after each presentation. Teacher will be asked to complete and return
directly to DYC to assure ability to answer honestly. It was agreed that we should talk with
principals about the program and the proposed steps. Cynthia will talk with FES principal
Audrey Ryan, Stephanie will talk with DES principal Sandy Sherwood. DYC asked Kris to
follow up with Margaret Ryan for details on how summer youth employment at DPD is going.
2008 Funding Applications Kris distributed copies of cover letter and application used for 2007.
DYC members agreed that they want to continue to use the needs assessment done in 2006. Kris
asked whether only to currently funded programs or new programs should be eligible to apply.
It's unlikely any new funding will be available. YC members want applications to be accepted
from both old and new programs. Kris will send to existing programs, Dan Schmoe for a
possible YCC (though she has had no response from him to several emails), and advertise in
Dryden Courier, ithaca Journal and other places to solicit new requests.
Focal incentives Grant Kris shared a copy of a youth employment guide created in 2000 by
Lansing Youth Comnnission. All on DYC agreed that this is just what they want. Kris reported
that she had spoken with Linda SchotTel from CCE about this being a program for fall and that
Tom was interested in working with kids to create this. Stephanie will create a draft application
and 'share with DYC members so it can be submitted. Funding would be to pay for printing of
guide. Guide could also be made available on -line.
Next meeting will be Sept. 18 at Town Hall when we will review 2008 funding applications.
DYC Minutes Page 2 June 24, 2007