Emma Gardner

The activity this week for the X-Factor Program was disco golf at Walker Park but due to rain we met at the YRCC and played dodgeball! The kids really enjoyed this game and it was fun to watch them be all in with dodgeball. I talked with a few girls on the bleachers who didn't want to play. It was fun getting to hear about their summer plans and see how excited they were about all the fun things they will be doing. I also played a few rounds of dodgeball and at the end I played the "P-i-g" basketball game with a few of the students!

On April 26th, the kids were divided into two groups to learn the basics of pickleball and then play pickleball against other pairs. I helped lead the older kids and stayed with them for most of the time. I picked up pickleballs and paddles and helped where needed. Towards the end I played on the playground with some of the younger kids and got to hear about how much they enjoyed the activity!

Today the X-Factor program met at Walker Park for pickleball! I was really excited for this sport because it's something I enjoy playing even though I am not the best at it. The kids were split into two groups based off age. One group went and played at the playground while the older kids learned the basics of the sport. Then they played a few rounds while the additional pickleball nets were set up on the basketball court. Then the younger kids learned the basics and played some pickleball too! Also, I enjoyed meeting new kids because I usually came on Thursdays.

For the X-FACTOR program the activity for the homeschool kids was archery. There were two instructors that came to lead this class. They set up targets outside in the field behind the YRCC. The instructors went over how to properly use a bow and then the kids went in groups to shoot. Everyone got to go multiple times and then with the remaining time we played games in the gym. I enjoyed getting to hear about the kids weeks and see them have fun learning how to do archery.

Today's activity for the X-Factor program was kickball at the YRCC. The kids were divided into two groups and we played several rounds of kickball. The kids had some free time to play knockout, play basketball, or any other activity as long as they were in the gym. I enjoyed getting to continue building friendships with the kids and hearing about their spring breaks.

On March 14th the X-Factor activity was Nerf Wars. It was led by a guy who runs a nerf wars business and there new location is opening by the Lisa Academy in Fayetteville soon. There were obstacles set up and the children played different variations of nerf wars. The children were divided into two teams (red vs. blue) and played several rounds of nerf battles. It was fun to meet even more kids because this day there were also kids from the Tuesday X-Factor class.

This week's activity for the X-Factor homeschool program was boxing. A trained boxer from the North West Arkansas area came to teach the children the basic motions. Then the kids practiced boxing sequences with the instructor and everyone had a fun time. After the lesson was over we helped clean up the facility and hung out with the children until their rides came. I enjoyed getting to start building friendships with the kids that I will see weekly!

I went to the YRCC before the X-Factor program started to meet the staff and interns. We went over what the program would entail, the different activities we would be helping with, and expectations. Some of the activities include nerf wars, kickball, archery, and soccer. I learned that we will help check kids in and give them a name tag. Then once everyone arrives the activity will start. Some kids get picked up by family or will wait for the bus to pick them up.

I enjoyed getting to meet the staff at the YRCC and prepare for the X Factor program that is starting next week. Some of the activities that we will be helping with is rock climbing, kickball, soccer, and dodgeball. I am excited to help weekly and get to know the kids in the homeschool program.