Walton - Release the Fear - Discover U After School / Discover U Summer Camp Final Report

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DISCOVER

SUMMER 2017

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .

Thanks to Rob and Melani Walton Foundation 92 more of the Valley's youth, not only understand their Can-Do Spirit. They have a better sense of understanding of others and they have control of their future. Anything is possible if they put their mind to it ! The biggest reasonability is in your hands, just choose.

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Summer of 2017 we expanded our camps to include additional self-awareness exercises, designed to help avoid the perils of succumbing to peer pressure. They are a holistic approach to wellness through nutrition and fitness, a true mind, body, and spirit experience. . .

The Discover U Summer Camp and Discover U Afterschool exceeded our expectations by giving a unique experience 4 day, 4 plus hour a day of non-stop exciting activities through a combination of Yoga, Nutrition, Primal Fitness, and the Release the Fear’s Bridging Possibilities Workshops. Each of these segments had a common core design of self-reflection, self-confidence, ambition, respect of self and others, and believing in one’s self. Most effective were the segments on self-empowerment and knowing that each individual has the power of choice. This message was a common theme that was weaved through the entire Discover U Camps. Students were able to “Discover their TRUE U” and learn to make choices that promote the power of healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Each day before camp started kids had time to reflect from their journals and recap in the group by sharing what they learned the day before, what tools they learned, and how this discovery is going to help them achieve their future goals and dreams. Yoga breathing techniques offered helped kids learn to calm themselves, oxygenate blood flow, and maximize their brain potential. The ideas of what is their Authentic Self, Being Present, True Happiness, how to Concentration and Creating Peace in their life.

Participants reflected in their journals and created their own mantra and mantra symbol (affirmation or mission statement for their life) that they could reflect on to re-inspire them after each of the camps in. In the Nutrition segment they learned about sources of carbs, proteins, fiber, and the role they play in success at school, sports and their future; showing visuals of healthy food choices designing healthy snacks. We did this through visual and kinesthetic games. Each group of five was given a series of flashcards each having a vegetable or body part, they got to work as a team and match up what vegetable benefits what body part. In example, if you cut open a carrot it looks like an eye, etc. In a different game, they played as a team and got to figure how long you had to walk to work off various items like a bag of Cheetos or a slice of pizza or a large Coke. After each one of these games, the teams were given beads and points as prizes and incentives. Kids learned how to read labels by holding up a finger for healthy items on a label, like vitamins and protein and taking away fingers for items that exceed healthy fat and carbohydrate levels. Participants learned about portion size through visual recognition, such as pasta portion size is half a baseball, a pancake should be the size of the compact disc, and meat, fish, and poultry portion should be the size of a deck of cards.

In Discover U Afterschool, each day the participants are introduce to nutritious healthy snacks. Each day in Discover U summer camp the group received a tray full of ingredients for that day's lunch and measured proportions for each person and they learned to make their own lunch. They also were given menus in Spanish and English saying what the recipe contains and the list of carbs, protein, fat, and calories of each lunch serving and snack. They recorded this information in their journals to take home and share with family members.

As part of the camps participate in Release the Fear's Bridging Possibilities (BP) program, they consist of many creative interactive hands-on activities exploring whole brain thinking, exploring healthy life choices to see possibilities and purpose. Instruction happens through various interactive creative process activities that utilize inquiry-based learning experiences, an educational practice where the director/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students toward new understandings through each individual’s expression through stories, activities and artwork.

BP workshops activities include:

1. Who Am I? Objective to understand cultural diversity, how much we all have in common; yet often “judge a book by its cover”.

2. Creative Storytelling. Objective to learn to express yourself through drawing and learning to use various skills to build your memory through visual content while developing understanding and respect for one another.

3. Seeing Beyond: Objective to have students use senses to describe and identify an object, stimulating the sense of touch, smell, and intuition using new descriptive words: translucent, opaque, sphere, and cylinder shape, developing better creative communication, a keener sense of understanding, and a new way to explore the world around them.

4. Through the Hoops. Objective to learn to work as a team and identify the skills of self and others, asking for help when needed, so if you see others who have a skill you want to have to achieve your dreams, ask for help. 5. Drawing Our Memories, Fears, Hopes, and Dreams. Objective to discuss the concept that drawing is a means to communicate feelings and ideas, utilizing their favorite and least favorite color. Overcome doubts and recognize fears, then achieve your dreams by listening to yourself rather than others.

6. Yes, No. Objective is to focus clearly and become passionate about your dream, grasp what is necessary to get past the “no’s” in life and be supportive of others.

7. Group Painting. Objective is to promote the concept and skills of using teamwork and the power of community. They start out by the understanding the concept of foundation with the blank canvas symbolizing foundation. We interject a review of what primary and secondary colors are and when you mix two secondary colors together you get tertiary. They learn the difference between accentuate and desecrate, accentuating power and movement simultaneously, and learn to respect the expression of others.

They step back from the canvas and discover the use of perspective and how that tool can be used in their lives as a key to problem solving. The finished piece is titled by the group and put on display as a symbol of what they have achieved together.

Each day ended by putting the core messages into motion, with the Primal fitness team reinforcing the message of choice and the importance of physical fitness, using tires to increase strength, endurance and balance. Nutrition lessons in portioning food correctly. Self-esteem enlightenment referencing the importance of choosing friends, self empowering each of them, and they responded by saying they are able to have the confidence within themselves to know when to say no, to follow their own path not someone else's and no when they need to go.

Day 1, Students participated in a back-to-basics approach at physical fitness that not only built their physical strength, but their mental strength as well. As students engaged in fitness exercises, they chanted “ambitious” and were motivated by to be ambitious about… Life.

Day 2, Kids began to be genuinely motivated after Day 1 and were excited to start moving forward. The students participated in team building physical exercises in which encouraging their teammates was applauded by staff. The message at the end of class focused on being motivated about… Life.

Day 3, the students became engaged in knowing they were equipped with the physical and mental strength that would get them through the challenging fitness exercises. The message at the end of class focused on being energized recognizing their strengths and how to overcome fear by keeping a positive outlook on… Life.

Day 4, as students participated in fitness activities they were able to recognize the culmination of the week’s lessons and focused on their choice in building physical and mental strength using their own resources readily available to them, their families, and their communities. The message at the end of class focused on using your natural resources to lead a healthy… Life, by realizing the power of mind, body and spirit within each of them and the choice is theirs to bring forth positive results. What these students gained from this experience will carry on throughout their lives and even in to their communities. It truly turned out to be camps unlike any other…

Participants in the 2017 Discover U Afterschool and Discover U Summer Camp Yoga Program were encouraged to move toward more sustainable means of communication, self-confidence, social competence, and spatial awareness through the practice of yoga. The 2017 Discover U Camps Yoga curriculum was designed specifically to introduce children to the concepts of awareness, sustainability, and effective thinking; and to give them the tools to positively navigate an ever-shifting society.

By allowing them a safe space for self-expression and epistemological exploration, the children had an opportunity to define their personal goals and dreams. Then, working with themes like “teamwork”, “selfrespect”, and “breathing to focus”, the children were exposed to new ideas that opened up their concepts of self. And by identifying and addressing their physical, mental, and emotional needs, the children were able to establish personal values as well as the human values that inspire them to reach their goals, both short term and life-long.

At the very least, participants gained a deeper understanding of their bodies and minds. At best, the children took away a set of skills that will give them a distinct advantage in their journeys toward the bright future.

Heather Promise LLC HeatherPromise.com Many of the children we worked with this year had never had an experience of yoga. It takes a great deal of courage to try something new. As the course progressed, these brave children began to find their voices, discover their passions, and see themselves in the light of endless possibilities. Their spirits soared as their perception of themselves shifted. A number of the children described their participation in the yoga classes as, “empowering”, “interesting”, “fun”, and “relaxing”.

Our yoga curriculum introduced the children to the concepts of awareness, sustainability, and effective thinking.

By helping them to learn good communication skills, we gave them the tools to positively navigate an everchanging society. Their increased self-confidence, social competence, and spatial awareness will motivate them to reach for their personal goals, long after the yoga classes are over.

Thank you for this opportunity,

Rachelle Phillips Discover U Camp 2017 Nutritionist Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions My name is Rachelle Phillips and I graduated in spring 2017 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, a minor in Global Health, and a certificate in Food System Sustainability too (Nutrition) at Arizona State University. My ultimate dream is to provide nutrition education to serve as preventative knowledge so others can avoid sickness and to also work in addressing food security issues. In the middle of summer of 2016, I got back from an ASU study abroad trip that consisted of 6 credits studying culture, health, and environment for 4 weeks in New Zealand. I was chosen for this trip to receive credits towards my Global Health minor. In New Zealand I had the opportunity to collaborate on transdisciplinary, multi-year, multi-sited, team-based research in order to examine local ecological knowledge of environmental justice issues around rivers in New Zealand—having completed CITI ethics training and certification to work with human subjects beforehand. I also had the opportunity to collect and reflect on data of how the environment affects obesogenic. After returning from this study abroad excursion, I had the opportunity to become involved as an intern for Release the Fear. Release the Fear ties into my future goals of providing preventative care through nutrition education, and through this camp internship I can help inform the participants firsthand with what can positively impact their future health. While in New Zealand, a meaningful lesson that I have kept close to my heart was that the environment truly does impact an individual’s eating habits and overall well-being.

This is why it is so important to reach out in any way possible and inform anyone and everyone of the importance of mindful dietary choices. Release the Fear is a wonderful project that I am so thrilled to be a part of. Thank you for this opportunity We taught some basic components of nutrition that are important to implement for overall health. The kids seemed to be very interested in learning how to make a healthy lunch and what it included. They tried new foods, learned how much water to drink daily, learned how much fiber they needed to consume daily, and how often they should eat for their bodies to feel and function the best! It was also an eye opener for them to see that the unhealthy, small Oreo bar I brought in had the same amount of calories as their entire lunch! On day three and four we went into further detail about dietary fiber. We taught about the two different types of fiber, their sources and functions, and how much fiber the students should consume daily. We also discussed the health benefits of consuming enough fiber and illustrated examples of high fiber food choices. The kids were interested in how fiber helps the body and were excited to discover which foods were high fiber choices. They seemed proud to now know why the label on a container of oatmeal states it helps reduce cholesterol, and they were also able to determine which food in their lunch that day was a good source of fiber.

We taught about how many carbohydrates should be in one serving of fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains and the concepts of gluconeogenesis and ketosis. This day the kids grasped the idea of carbohydrates being the primary fuel source for the brain and body, and what foods are good carbohydrate choices. I also felt they understood what can happen to the body if they consume too little or too many carbohydrates, along with the importance of eating carbohydrates with a protein/fat/fiber source to slow the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. This day was very fun as I taught the kids about appropriate portion sizes and how to read a food label. I brought in a food item for each student to practice looking for key items to determine if the food was a good choice. I also used visuals to demonstrate portion sizes and distributed handouts with the information for them to keep with them and utilize when making food choices. I observed that many of these kids had no idea how to read a food label or where it even was on the package. The information they learned this day was so valuable and important for them to understand if they are to start making healthier food choices. The students were also very surprised to see the visuals of appropriate serving sizes and many realized that they eat more than the amounts their bodies need. This week the girls took in a lot of great information and were very interested in learning about healthy food choices. They were also very interested in exercise and expressed wanting to know how to exercise and what to eat to help with exercise. The fourth day of food label reading and portion sizes initiated a lot of questions about what foods are healthy and best for them to eat. It was evident that they were interested and excited about being able to make healthier choices for their bodies.

MATCH GAME: A visual game of nutrition, that participants match the food item that benefits what body part?

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Thursday, August 10, 2017

JuanLeeStewart101@hotmail.com Juan Lee Stewart

To Whom It May Concern: Hello, my name is Juan Lee Stewart, and I want to express in this letter the experience that I had working with Release The Fear, “Summer U Camp�, the kids and the role I played for the program. Working for Summer U Camp, was very fun, delightful and mind blowing. The experience on working with kids at Pendergast Elementary School, was so fun, they were full of energy, excitement, and opinion that made every day that I thought very exited and filled me up with great positivism. I believed the kids enjoyed the classes, the sessions were challenging with the exercises and new movements that kept them breaking a sweat. The session consisted of 50 minutes of different type of exercises that would included; push ups, squats, crunches, in place jugging, and others. Some of the equipment I used to implement the workout session was elastic bands.

The second week I worked at District and Florence Crittenton. The students of this school had a good time working out, for some of them many of the exercises we did were new to them. They also answered questions about health, nutrition and other topics. On this part they all have many questions and were very participated, I would say that they did like more the learning part, than the exercises. On this school I also used the same techniques, exercises, and equipment as the first school I participated as a fitness and health coach. I believe that Release The Fear and Summer U Camp are doing something some special for these kids and their families. More programs like this should be out there bringing a reason to shine, to have hope for a good future.

If you need any more information please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Juan Lee Stewart

June 2017 RELEASE THE FEAR Discover U Summer Camps & Discover U Afterschool RTF Pre/Post Survey Results OVERALL PERCENTAGES 92 Students ( 3 Summer Camps) Male 32.6% Female

67.4% – Youth Ages 11-17

82% discovered something new about themselves Pre 76.7% compared to Post 89.7% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 88.0% compared to Post 91.3% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

91.3% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

96.7% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Pre 44.0% compared to Post 37.3% feel that they can Relax and Breathe All the Time.

Pre 38.3% compared to Post 52.3% think making healthy food choices helps them achieve dreams.

Pre 90.0% compared to Post 81.3% think about Nutrition and think it can help them feel good.

Pre 77.3% compared to Post 92.3% like how they feel after exercise.

Florence Crittenton Discover U – 28 Students Pendergast Discover U – 28 Students Pendergast Discover U After School – 36 Students

June 12-June 15 2017 Florence Crittenton Discover U Results 28 Students (1 Summer Camp) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 12-17 75% discovered something new about themselves Pre 75% compared to Post 89% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 92% compared to Post 93% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

89% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Pre 42% compared to Post 30% feel that they can Relax and Breathe All the Time.

Pre 29% compared to Post 40% think making healthy food choices helps them achieve dreams.

Pre 29% compared to Post 54% think about Nutrition and think it can help them feel good.

Pre 100% compared to Post 86% like how they feel after exercise.

June 5-June 8 2017 Pendergast Discover U Results 28 Students (1 Summer Camp) Male 46% Female 54% – Youth Ages 11-13 92% discovered something new about themselves 100% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

95% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Pre 82% compared to Post 96% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 86% compared to Post 92% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

Pre 50% compared to Post 40% feel that they can Relax and Breathe All the Time.

Pre 43% compared to Post 56% think making healthy food choices helps them achieve dreams.

Pre 86% compared to Post 76% like how they feel after exercise.

Pendergast Discover U Afterschool (Desert Horizons - Host School)- Results 36 Students (1 Discover U Workshop) Male 46% Female 54% – Youth Ages 13-14 79% discovered something new about themselves 85% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

95% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Pre 73% compared to Post 84% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 86% compared to Post 89% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

Pre 40% compared to Post 42% feel that they can Relax and Breathe All the Time.

Pre 43% compared to Post 47% think making healthy food choices helps them achieve dreams.

Pre 84% compared to Post 82% like how they feel after exercise.

Discover U After-School Actuals Coordinator/ Lead Facilitator (8) Graduate Student Nutritional Intern (5) Nutritionist (2) Fitness Specialist (4) Yoga Instructor (5) Co-Facilitator (8) Travel Mileage Lunch & Healthy snacks & supplies Pre Prep work for Food Administrative Support PRE AND POST Evaluations Design/ Assembly and Delivery Final Report Certificates and Camp Recognitions Documentation Testing supplies ) Journals T-Shirts Water Bottles Art Supplies Visual Nutritionist game and general supplies

Total program budget:

DUAS Budget

Actual DUAS Budget

$700.00 $250.00 $200.00 $400.00 $500.00 $400.00 $80.00 $250.00 $150.00 $375.00 $150.00 $100.00 $60.00 $45.00 $185.00 $350.00 $200.00 $80.00 $60.00

$700.00 $250.00 $200.00 $400.00 $500.00 $400.00 $80.00 $250.00 $150.00 $375.00 $150.00 $100.00 $60.00 $45.00 $212.35 $374.50 $200.00 $80.00 $60.00

$4,535.00

$4,586.85

Discover U Summer Camp - Actuals Camp Budget

Actual Flo Crit

Actual Pendergast

Camp Coordinator Graduate Student Research Intern Nutritionist Fitness Specialist Yoga Instructor Camp Facilitator/Arts Specialist/Instructor Co-Facilitator Travel Mileage Lunch & Healthy snacks & supplies Pre Prep work for Food Administrative Support PRE AND POST Evaluations Preparation Work & Design 2 Nutrition games Design/ Assembly and Delivery Final Report Certificates and Camp Recognitions Documentation Testing supplies Camp Journals Camp T-Shirts Camp Water Bottles Sunglasses- Character Ed. Bracelets Art Supplies Camp Visual Nutritionist game and general supplies

540.00 160.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 1,200.00 160.00 60.00 400.00 200.00 375.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 45.00 185.00 315.00 200.00 60.00 80.00 60.00

550.00 160.00 200.00 400.00 400.00 1,200.00 200.00 80.00 500.00 200.00 400.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 45.00 128.00 352.00 200.00 89.00 80.00 60.00

550.00 160.00 200.00 400.00 400.00 1,200.00 200.00 80.00 500.00 200.00 400.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 45.00 128.00 352.00 200.00 89.00 80.00 60.00

Total program budget:

5,650.00

5,654.00

5,654.00

Thanks to Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, 28 young lives from Florence Crittenton experienced their Possibilities. The Discover U Summer Camp took place on June 12 – 16th 2017.

Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:       

Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise.

Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-17.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Differences, similarities, insight, don’t judge. Don’t discriminate, be respectful, be understanding. Build more positive relationships with peers. All of the above, learn how to better support others. / We aren’t alone. There’s always someone. We can stick up for each other. We can be there for others. / Be insightful, tough, and sensitive, no judging. Understanding, bettering relationships with peers.

Open-minded. Help grow, better understanding. / Being respectful to yourself and others. You can treat everyone the same. Standing up for yourself or others. Being positive, respectful to all that come your way, taking responsibility in class.

Creative Storytelling: Nothing is wrong with standing up for people. Stopping a bully or mean people. You can stand up for yourself and others. You can always be a strong person by standing up for what you believe in. / Follow the character counts can lead to success. Having a good character can improve grades, relationships, and opportunities. It can not only help victims of bullying, but decrease the chance of you being bullied. Being able to have a good character will benefit your future and relationships. / We need to treat everyone equal. Treat our classmates the same, we aren't the same. It’ll help us not make the bully a bigger person. Treat others the way you want to be treated. / No matter how useless helping out seems, always try to care as best as you can. Stand up for everyone no matter how weak they seem. Get the message across such as it’s okay to help people.

Through the Hoops: Teamwork is more efficient then working alone. Sports, school projects, getting a number of people to stand against the bullying. If you have a number of people it will stop it faster. In work, with family and friends. / Balancing with one another. Getting to be balanced with classmates. Trust unlikely people. Getting through obstacles with people. / Being challenged. Trust your heart not your homies. The people you hang out with can get you into bullying so refraining from negative people could prevent it.

Learning to trust yourself can build confidence. / Trust and patience. Having trust and patience with people.

Trusting people to tell what’s going on. Being calm and always having trust.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Self-reflection, self-care, self-esteem. It’s a way to bring yourself up in public. It can be used to ignore bullies. Pushing through self-esteem issues in life. / Self-esteem, self-love, self-reflection, defining heroes. Increase your confidence when it comes to people and schoolwork. Stick to values because of your self-respect. Decrease social anxiety because your self-esteem will create better social situations. / Self-love. Confident. Confident in your decisions. You aren’t self-conscious and it shows the real you. / Be more positive about self and others and always look on different perspectives. Realize you can be anyone’s hero. So make good choices. Makes you a good influence. No matter what you go through if you get through it, others will look up to you.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are: Proud, happy, lovely, beautiful. / It makes me feel calm and brings up my self-esteem. / It makes me feel worse than before I did it. / It makes me feel great. / Happy. / Awkward and uncomfortable. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel like I’m lying. / It makes me feel good and amazing about myself. / I didn’t believe it. / Smart, funny, kind, optimistic, open-minded, accepting, pretty, supportive, wise, overcomes obstacles, perseveres. / Weird. I don’t like looking at myself and telling lies. / Uncomfortable. / It makes me feel good that I love myself. / It makes me feel good and great. / Pretty good about myself and others. / It makes me feel more positive about myself. / It makes me feel awkward and weird. / I don’t believe. / Weird. / I don’t like myself. / Curious and confused. / Different, somewhat happy, but mainly a liar. / I know that I love who I am and that no matter what happens to me in everyday life, I will be true to who I am. / It makes me feel awkward because I usually don’t associate myself in the mirror, plus I don’t have that great self-esteem.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? My boyfriend. He is important to me because he has been there for me when everybody else left. Loyalty, honesty, trust, compassion, love, forgiveness, and hope. / Kelly because she thinks I’m important. Artist, helpful, caring. / Wonder Woman and sister Rebecca. Because they protect me and make me feel happy. / My hero is Talia Joy. / Because she brought me to this world. Be positive and be myself. /My momma because she gives me important things I need like love and she’s my mother. Respect, caring, helpful. / The Joker Man because they your people. / Good. / Gherbo because he talked about things he had been through that I’ve been through. / My sister. She helps me. Helpful, nice, chill. / Mom because she is my world. / Because I love them and want to marry her. / My sister Tesia. They are important because she means so much to me. I would look for respect and loving and caring for everyone. / They support me and make my life better. A genuinely non-judgmental person that is supportive and honest. / My mom is my hero because she’s helped me all my life. / My mom. They take care of me no matter what. Trustworthy and caring. / My mom and grandparents. They never give up on me.

Honesty, caring. / Because she’s in my life. Loyalty. / My mom. My mom is important because she never gave up on me even when I was doing bad things. Protected, kind, super strength, being who they are. / Because I know I can trust her not to lie to me, and to try to understand things that people tend to overlook. A good heart that means well, even if they’re not ever going to be perfect. / Nana she is always there for me. Caring, helpful, truthful, respectful. /

Grandma, case aid (Leah) they help me think positive about myself. Kind, caring, nice, intelligent. /My mom is someone who I look up to, mostly because she is beyond strong and she influences me to do better every day. They’re important because well, she’s my mom and she’s one of the only people who I can actually look up to. A leader, someone who puts others before themselves. / My dad, he is always there for me and is hardworking. He teaches me to do better. He is important because he shows people how to do better. He is kind to others. Compassion, care, love, straight up. / My older brother. He loves me no matter what. Owns a home. Is a 911 operator. He is responsible and trustworthy, and someone I look up to. He is respectful towards the family, in college. He was in the Marine Corps, graduated high school, no legal trouble, married, no divorces, smart, owns a business in the Air Force Rn. Trustworthy, caring, responsible, honest, loyal, kind./ Gherbo is because he talked about real things that I have been through.

Seeing Beyond: To ask the right questions. Math, science, social studies, English. Choose the right friends.

To help you make the right decisions. / Using senses and imagination. English, math, science. Imagination and creativity. / Imagination. Third eye. All subjects because they all require thinking beyond what we know.

Help figure out non-confusion education. / Teamwork makes the dream work. All subjects because it expands your mind past just main subjects. You can use teamwork in classes all through life.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: What you think about you brings about. Motivate yourself instead of bringing yourself down with negativity. Focus on positive. Look on the bright side, but don’t turn your back on the dark side. / Bounce back. Keep moving forward. If you get a bad grade, look forward, see what you can improve on and bounce back. If you have a hard time in life, don’t let the past bring you down just keep moving forward. / Optimism and positivity. Push by negative people and thoughts. It can make frustrating situations more bearable and help with rational thinking. / Learn more about yourself. Bounce back. Keep looking forward. Keep looking forward helps you work through things. It’s important to know yourself.

Give an example of when you did listen to your Intuition or Inner Voice. What was the result of listening and following that Intuition? What can you learn from this situation? My dad passed away and now I realize it was for the best I think. / I thought coming here was going to be a bad thing but it wasn’t. It actually helped me. / I used to be mad at everyone for telling me I’m crazy, but then I realized I am, and now I’m changing and advocating for myself. / When I lost everyone important to me but then I realized it’s best so I don’t hurt them. / The things my peer shared about being the hero of someone made me feel good. / So when I was on drugs was negative and a mess then when I became sober I became happy. / Walking away when I got asked to do something negative. It helped me be not throwing a fit. Positive. / When I got a million lectures from different people and now I look back at it was something I needed. / The time I took the pills but now I’m getting help. / Before getting arrested I was going to go on the run but then didn’t. then realized this is better. / I thought someone was a brat but when I got to know them they were even more of a brat. This group I thought it would be annoying because we couldn’t sit by our friends but it turned out to be fun., it still really sucks, but it’s not so sucky.I want to stab everyone. This is much better now. / When I came to Arizona from Atlanta. / When I got into CPS, I was scared and I felt hopeless. But, I saw that as time went on it was more of a blessing and became determined to be a better than the person I was the day before. When I first started Release The Fear at Florence C. it beneficial. / When I went to Disneyland with my friends I was negative than positive. / When I had to move schools I was upset because I was leaving an amazing school that I didn’t want to leave, but then I met amazing people that make me feel better and I ended up loving my new school. / Yesterday I thought family therapy was going to go horrible but it actually went great and I’m glad that I actually connected with my mother. / I was not programing then I programed. / When I moved schools and I was nervous about it because I loved my old school and I didn’t want to go to another school but I ended up loving my new school and meeting amazing people on the way. / When I came out as a lesbian it was negative because my family kicked me out and they didn’t accept who I was. Then later on it turned to be a positive because I came to be who I was and didn’t care what others thought of me be my true self. / There are hard time’s my family is getting through right now. My mom has been stressed and our phone calls aren’t the most pleasant right now. But this is only going to make our relationship stronger. Quote : “ It’s not the fighting that makes them stronger, it’s what comes after the fighting; the making up, and realizing your relationship is more important than your differences.”

Funded By: Rob and Melani Walton Foundation Location: Florence Crittenton %Male 0

%Female 100

Dates: June 12-16 2017

Ages 12-17

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 75 %NO 20 %Maybe 5 Post %YES 89 %NO 21 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 20 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 39 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 29 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 5 % Equal 67 % Leader 28 Post% Follower 0 % Equal 54 % Leader 46

Rate this statement: I feel like I can Relax and Breathe.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 42 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 30 Rate this statement: I eat fruits and vegetables and drink water daily.

Pre % Not at a ll 16 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 21 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 54 Rate this statement: Do you think making healthy food choices can help you achieve your dreams?

Pre % Not at all 21 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 29 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 40 Do you like how you feel after you exercise?

Pre % Yes 100 % No 0 Post % Yes 86 % No 14 Will you use your new knowledge about healthy food to make better food choices?

Post % Yes 86 % No 14 Have you ever been bullied?

Post % Yes 86 % No 14

Have you ever seen someone being bullied?

Post % Yes 95 % No 5 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything?

Post % Yes 54 % No 17 % No Answer 29 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 89 % No 11 Thoughts Shared: To believe I am strong. / Stand up for others. / I am already confident. / Don’t be a follower. / I’m not alone. / Follow my heart. / Step up. / We have more in common than we believe. / How to resolve. / Stand up. / Yes, I would. / Of course I did. / We are all equal.

After attending the character education workshop, and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 Thoughts Shared: I would stand up. / It is not right. /Golden Rule. / Yes I would. / Of course I would. / Stand up for that person. / I would try to stop it. / Bullying is wrong. / Stand up for them. / I don’t care how close someone is, if they bully others I will say something. / I wouldn’t let they get bullied. / Help that person out by being there. / It’s not right./ Same answer. I don’t let it happen. / I would stop it.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 5 %Responsibility Pre 12 %Citizenship Pre 21 Post: 18 Post: 29 Post: 32 %Respect Pre 29 %Caring Pre 24 %Trustworthiness Pre 21 Post: 50 Post: 32 Post: 32

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 92% Post 68% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Yes. / I think about favorite color. / Color the moon. / I think a lot about color and emotions. / I think about hair color. / I love color. / No, it’s important. / Purple is my favorite. / Glitter. / Makes things more pleasant. Just not neon or yellow and orange. / That it’s pretty. / I like dark stuff. / I like every color in the world. / White. / Race. / I love it. / Black, red, blue, green. / Bright. / I mean when it comes to race no but when it comes to color yes. / Color is a beautiful thing, matters to the world. / We are all equal my family is full of different race and I don’t see anyone lower or higher than me due to color.

Post: We are all equal and that we balance with one another. / Rainbow. / Color is what you use to express yourself. / Grey. / It’s different for everyone. / It can express you. / It’s the same as before. / It’s colorful. / Brings you up. / It’s awesome. / Rainbow. / It’s beautiful. / The same thing. / I love color. / I think of glitter. / Certain feelings equal certain colors. / Everybody can help everybody. / It’s observing new things. / It’s more than I thought.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 92% Post 93% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be with my family and be normal. / Is to go with Jobs Corp. / Going to college. / To simply be happy. / To live. / Graduate college. / To succeed in life. / To become a social worker. / To be happy at the end of the day. / Stay sober. / To be loved. / To be happy and have a place. / Get a job. / To be a pediatric nurse. / My most important hope is to get out of here. / To get a foster home. / Have a great life. / To take care of my family. / To be successful. / To create a family and be happy. / Is to finish high school.

Post: Is to be an ob/gyn doctor. / Follow my heart. / To be successful. / To simply be happy. / To be successful. / Success. / To be a success. / My dream is to be successful. / To become skinny and athletic. / Cadaver lab. / My family. / Stay sober. / Getting skinny. / To go back and see my dad. / To have a family. / To have nirvana. / Go to college. / To give. / To be happy. / Work out. Hope. / To just be completely happy with myself. / Being sober. / To go to college. / Be successful. / Go to Jobs Corp.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 82% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Ask for help. / I can do it. / We’re all equal in one way or another and loving who you are is important. / To not give up. / Try my best. / I am worth it. / To love myself. / To memorize. / No bullying. / Stay positive and never give up. / Teamwork. / Respect. / Everything is alright. / I got to know people better. / Yoga. / Exercise. / Don’t let others get in your way of success. / Trust your heart, not your homies. / Working hard. / Teamwork is important. / Yoga. / Believe and you will exceed. / I get to decide my dream.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 75% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I’m different. / Everyone has a third eye. / That yoga works very well for me. / I can work well with others. / That I’m in control of mind. / Respecting. / I am not alone. / About foods. / That I could do anything. / Everything. / Everything they taught. / Stop bullying. / I like other people. / I’m smart. / I met more people here. / I’m not the only one. / I have the power in my hands. / I am really caring. / I’m cool. / I struggle with being honest about what I’ve been through. / That I can have the empathy with others. .

Thanks to Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, 28 young lives from Pendergast Elementary School experienced their Possibilities. The Discover U Summer Camp took place on June 5 – 8th 2017.

Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:       

Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Respect. Respect the teachers. The Golden Rule is to think about the person’s feelings. Respect others. / Communication. Problem solving. Communicating with an adult. Getting a career. / We all have things in common.

Helps make friends. Helps figure out why the bully is bullying someone. Find a job that suits you best. / Trust, honesty, respect, fairness, responsibility. Affect behavior. How everyone sees you. Everyone will have more respect for others.

Affects social skill by improving.

Creative Storytelling: To think of others. You can make more friends. To help out with the situation. To help get a job or a life. / Responsibility. Keep it appropriate. Tell a teacher or parent for help. Make sure you’re always on time. / Confidence. This will apply in school presenting. Stepping up with the bully. Tell a teacher. Meetings, expressive feelings. / Respect, caring, citizenship. Care about the other students. Stand up for the person. Get a good job.

Through the Hoops: Teamwork. Different points of view. Having support. Helps make it easy to work together. / Teamwork and trust and obstacles. Working in groups. Trust your friends to help you. It will help you with your career and make friends. / Have to work together. It can help you with projects. Your friends can help you stand up to a bully.

When you get a job you will have meetings. / Teamwork and trust. Projects. You’ll have others to stop the bully.

Improves your work with others.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: You’re more confident, more respect. Respect yourself and others. Stand up for yourself. Improve social skills. / Gives you self-confidence. You don’t have to be shy about yourself. To stand up for yourself. It can give you more power. / Setting examples. Teaching younger students. People looking up to you. At your job and in meetings. / Self-confidence. Need confidence for tests. For peer pressure and helps you believe in your dreams. Don’t doubt yourself in decisions.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. / One thing I learned was that it’s really good for you to look in the mirror and say something positive not negative . It made me feel weird and just odd. / I felt pretty good about it but awkward. It made me happy though. / It makes me feel empowered and makes me feel like I can do anything. / The same. / When I look at myself in the mirror I feel confident, bold, strong, beautiful, and courageous. / I feel beautiful because I think I am. / Good, weird. / It makes me feel like I’m different which I think is good. / Makes me feel like why I am doing this. / Awkward. Wakes me up. I tell me you can do it. / It makes me feel more confident. / Like I can do anything good. / It makes me feel happy. / Neutral. / Fine. / It made me feel good about myself. / Cherished, cared for, happy, capable to do anything. / Happy, hint of sadness, joyful, full of life, caring, loving, friendly.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? My hero is Albert Einstein. He likes science and was one of the greatest. He impacted the whole world and made groundbreaking discoveries. I look for respectful honest, and brave in a hero. / Gave me a roof. / My mom. Brave, smart, amazing, provides for me with what I need. Smart, brave, amazing personality. / I help myself. Like me. / My hero is my mom because she is always there, and caring and fun and responsible. Because they help you with anything and that they take care of you. Someone that understands when you have problems. Someone that takes care of you. / My hero is important because she taught me many things. My hero is my mom. Helping me, respectful. / They are important because she encourages everyone. She always does her best. I look for a leader and a person that encourages others. / Isaiah Thomas. He is a professional basketball player. Someone that reminds me of me, and inspires me. / Pink Sheep.

Because their talented prankster gangster and cool and funny. Bravery they are also very athletic and swift. / Abraham Lincoln he believed that all men are created equal and deserve the same privileges as us. Fair, honest, persistence, responsible. Somewhat same mindset. / Brothers they pushed me. Someone that pushes me. / Dad he takes care of me and shows that he cares about me. Someone that cares and appreciates things. / Sharkboy. Because he is a good caring person. / My mom pushed me to do better in school. Helpful, nice, respectful, and responsible. / I think they are important because they give me shelter, feed me, give me clothes, a bed, care, and a roof over my head, and love. Kind, respectful, smart, and helpful. / JK Rowling. She inspired me, at first she had nothing and now she is one of the best authors and she pushed herself up when everyone else was taking her down.

Bravery, confident, respectful, faith, curiosity. / I think my mom is important because my mom is amazing. She is really hard working and she’s been through a lot and yet she is able to take care of me and our family. Confident, strong, amazing. / My mom.

A young single mother loving care of five kids even after my dad left she didn’t give up on us like he did. She loved us and did everything for us. Caring, responsibility, citizenship, loving, perseverance. / My mom is important because she brought me into this world and raised both me and my brother with support of my grandfather and she always managed to keep a smile on my face even when she was down. Intelligent, funny, independent, kind-hearted, loving, caring, thoughtful, knows how to take of themselves, friendly, and responsible. / Jared Padalecki is my hero. He is an actor who played in shows and movies. He is very kind and he has leadership. He is important because he helps people throughout tough situations and he’s a very strong person.

He has comforted people with depression .I would like for them to care of others even if they’re strangers and to be a good person. / Martin Luther King, Jr. He changed how life went on. Everyone had freedom. Everyone is happy. Everyone says is you follow your dreams then you can achieve your dreams. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that changed the world. He made a speech, and ended racism in the United States. If he can achieve his dreams, I can too. He left a good message when he left. I want to be remembered,have a good impact in the world like Martin Luther King Jr.

Seeing Beyond: Communication. You need communication when presenting. / Imagination. Reading, writing, and art. You have to use creative thinking. If you are an engineer or scientist you will be creative to make things and to have fun. / You can have imagination. Trying your best in school to get there. Seeing yourself doing it in the future so you can achieve it. / Visualization. Reading because if you go blind, you visualize yourself in life doing your better opportunities.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Keep opinion to self. Don’t judge. Get more options. / Don’t be a follower. Not following bad people, bullies, troublemakers. Making your own decisions. / To always stay calm. If you get mad at a teacher stay calm. When you have a job just stay calm if you’re stressed. / Think twice before doing anything. Help you be more responsible.

To help control your feelings.

Give an example of when you did listen to your Intuition or Inner Voice. What was the result of listening and following that Intuition? What can you learn from this situation? No one really told me I should do acting. Acting just got my attention. Before acting I was just a smart kid but now I am a talented smart kid. My intuition made me find my own talents. I didn’t know and my intuition can take me farther. / When my friends told me to do something bad and my inner voice told me not to do it. To always listen to your inner voice to make the right decision. / I followed my intuition and something good happened. To always listen to your inner voice. / One time I had a test that I got 100% because I didn’t listen to my opposite guess. I can learn that doing the opposite of my gut is right. / When my friends were making fun of someone I didn’t know if I should laugh or stand up so I told them to leave because I knew it was the right thing to do. To go with what I think is best even though my friends would make fun of me. / My teacher told us to go to the other classroom and then come back but I didn’t go back I went home. My intuition told me to go back to the classroom but I didn’t listen to my intuition. I followed my friends. / One time I was taking a math test and got an answer correct for listening to my inner voice. You should always listen to your intuition and to trust yourself. / I listened to my intuition when I was doing a test and got the correct answers. I can learn from it because then I will follow it more often. / Something told me to be careful. To listen to my intuition. / Someone dared me to steal something and my stomach started to hurt and I said no. I was happy because the teacher needed that for the next day. Always go with your inner voice even if you think it may be wrong. / When I almost got ISS. Try to listen more. / I didn’t want to go to a party because I just wanted to stay home. But I decided to follow my intuition and go. I ended up having a fun time. Sometimes I should follow my intuition. / One of my friends wanted to go and do something bad but I said no because it didn’t feel right. To not do wrong and trust your gut sometimes. / Well the last time I did it was when a student was yelling at a teacher so I stayed out of it and didn’t get involved. That it’s not easy to yell out of anything because it’s disrespectful.

Drawing one’s Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Everyone has dreams and fears even if it means taking a risk.

You work hard to succeed. Face your fears and confront the bully. Accomplish your dreams. / Everyone has fears. Able to tell someone and they could help you. Find out if you have any common fears with the bully. Knowing everyone has the same feeling. / Everyone has fears and dreams. Dreams help us focus on subjects. Won’t have fear to stand up to the bully.

The bully has fears too. You have confidence in yourself. / Not alone. You can relate with others. Support from others. If you don’t understand something ask someone.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

.. .

Funded By: Rob and Melani Walton Foundation Location: Pendergast Elementary %Male 46

%Female 54

Dates: June 5 – 8, 2017

Ages 11-13

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 82 %NO 18 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 96 %NO 4 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 48 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 36 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 39 % Leader 61 Post% Follower 4 % Equal 36 % Leader 60 Rate this statement: I feel like I can Relax and Breathe.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 40 Rate this statement: I eat fruits and vegetables and drink water daily.

Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 36 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 36 Rate this statement: Do you think making healthy food choices can help you achieve your dreams?

Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 43 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Do you like how you feel after you exercise?

Pre % Yes 86 % No 14 Post % Yes 76 % No 24 Will you use your new knowledge about healthy food to make better food choices?

Post % Yes 95 % No 5 Have you ever been bullied?

Pre % Yes 50

% No 50

Have you ever seen someone being bullied?

Pre % Yes 68 % No 32 Did you do anything?

Pre

% Yes 57

% No 43

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 Thoughts Shared: Tell an adult. / Because they explained it in so many ways. / Stand up speak up. / That you need help. / Yes because they gave us strategies to use. / We work together. / Teamwork. / Stand up for the other person. / Because I know that I have to stand up for people. / Sometimes all you have to do is be nice and be a friend. / Stand up to them knowing they have fears and reach out to them.

After attending the character education workshop, and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 95 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help them through do something about it instead of just standing and watching. / I would. / I would sit down and have a conversation with the bully. / Because I don’t want them to deal with peer pressure. / I would ask the bully why are you doing that? / It’s the right thing. / I will stand up for them. / Yes because nobody should go through these kind of things. / To get them help. / I would report and stand up. / Because they showed us how to control it. / I would defend them.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 18 %Responsibility Pre 46 %Citizenship Pre 10 Post: 12 Post: 32 Post: 12 %Respect Pre 14 %Caring Pre 2 %Trustworthiness Pre 3 Post: 20 Post: 8 Post: 16

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 86% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: It’s good. / Good. / Color shows who you are. / I like color because I draw so I think very often. / Color expresses feeling and can help make people happy. / It makes movies a better experience. / It’s bright. / A person’s color doesn’t matter. / I think it can help people express themselves. My favorite is orange. / Color expresses how someone or something feels. Color shows feeling. / I think that color is what you’re like. No I’ve never thought about color. / I think colors are pretty. / It is very colorful. / I believe that we are all equally the same. / I don’t know what you mean “color”. / No what I think about color is it doesn’t matter. / No because it will make them feel bad. / What I think about color is that it shows how someone or something feels. / Bright life. / I think color brings out the beauty in everything. / I think it’s cool. / It is everywhere. Yes, I have thought about color. / I think color is a beautiful way to express how you feel. / Yes the color purple makes me feel bold, brave, and strong.

Post: That we are all equally the same. / Color doesn’t matter that is what I learned. / Color shows who you are. / Color is cool. / I learned that people should be treated the same way. / It expresses your feelings. / That color is everywhere. / It’s colorful. / Good. / Color is that you don’t judge people by their color or race. / Color can express how you feel. / It expresses emotions. / Goes with my thoughts. / I still think that color brings the beauty in everything and the workshop is colorful. / I still believe it is amazing and I learned it’s a third eye. / Same thing. / Bright lights. / That color is different to everyone. / We are all the same no matter what color. / Color tells feelings and colors are beautiful. / Color doesn’t matter we are the same. / Color can help with seeing how different something will be. / Color shows feeling and represents who you are.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 86% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To succeed in life and be able to become what I want to become a singer. / Having a great future for me, being a singer. / My most important dream is becoming a professional basketball player. / My hope or dream is to be in the NBA. / My most important dream is to be an artist. / Good job. / To become a social worker and work with kids. / My most important dream is to be a teacher. / Is that I will become a scientist or designer or soccer player and having a better memory. / To break a record. / Is to be able to get a scholarship. / Is to achieve most of my dreams. / To become a teacher. / I don’t have one right now. / My most important hope or dream is to finish college to make something of my life. / To get my doctorate degree. / I hope I do good in school. / To become successful. / To be a scientist working for NASA. / To have a great future. / I want to be an artist or illustrator for comics. / Make a lot of money to start my own business. / Is to become famous. / To help my grandmother get a proper burial. / To get my doctorate degree.

Post: To be successful and become a social worker working with kids. / Taking care of my family. / My hope or dream is to become a doctor. / Achieving in life. / Is to leave my mark on the world. / To achieve my doctorate degree. / To be an engineer. / Car. / Business. / I want to be an illustrator for comics. / My most important dream is to be an artist. / Basketball player. / To be in soccer. / Become a basketball player or singer. / My dream is to become a teacher. / An engineer. / To become a video game designer. / To be in the NBA. / NBA player. / I don’t know yet. / Is helping the homeless and becoming an artist. / To be rich. / To become famous. / Become a soccer player or a scientist. / To get a scholarship.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 92% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: To respect others. / The thing I learned was how to control when I’m mad. / Making friends. / Anything is possible. / One thing I learned is always believe. / Teamwork. / To believe in myself. / Take responsibility and respect. / Is to be trustworthy. / Believe in yourself. / To be responsible. / Trustworthy. / To be respectful and work hard. / You don’t get to it easily, but if you try, you’ll achieve it. / Stay calm. / Trustworthiness. / Focus. / Never quit trying. / Be respectful and responsible. / Is to always get there every day. / It’s okay to be yourself. / Is to use your third eye to see your dreams.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 92% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I have a lot in common with other kids. / I can make a big difference in the world. / I searched for years for things. / I could talk and make new friends. / I like yoga. / A lot of people share my fear. / That I can believe in myself. / Others have the same fear. / I can love myself better now. / Yoga. / That it’s fun to work with new people. / That I can have different dreams. / That I can accomplish my dream. / I’m bold and confident and ready to try new things. / I can do a lot of things. / That I have some fears. / I work with others. / I learned that people have the same thing I have like fears. / I can do pushups. / That I don’t get sore easily. / That I’m responsible. / To have courage, confidence, and self-respect would help me in life.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Release the Fear invited 5 Discover U Afterschool participants were identified as leaders and selected to join us for additional leadership training at Discover U Summer Camp. Below are quotes from 3 of those participants:

“We had a great experience here at the Discover U program, we learned about leadership and how to take care of ourselves and others.”

“We had an amazing experience actually, we had good food, we were having fun, we met new friends and we have a great experience that we can never forget.”

“My experience at Discover U Release the Fear was one of the best experiences of my life, or 4 days of my life.

The food was great, the training and exercise and yoga, it was all great. It was relaxing and it felt really great. I’m going to be sore for the next couple days but it’s going to be worth it.”

Thanks to Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, 36 young lives from Pendergast Discover U Afterschool experienced their Possibilities. Summer 2017.

Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:       

Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

...

Funded By: Rob and Melani Walton Foundation Date:Summer.2017 Location: Discover U After school Pendergast (Desert Horizon- Host School) %Male 37

%Female 63

Ages 13-14

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 73 %NO 27 Post %YES 84 %NO 16 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 59 % All the Time 19 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 66 % All the Time 11 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 19 % Sometimes 62 % All the Time 19 Post % Not at all 2 % Sometimes 47 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 49 % All the Time 46 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 54 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 14 % Equal 43 % Leader 43 Post % Follower 5 % Equal 50 % Leader 45 Rate this statement: I feel like I can Relax and Breathe.

Pre % Not at all 14 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 40 Post % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 47 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: I eat fruits and vegetables and drink water daily Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 55 % All the Time 39 Rate this statement: Have you ever thought about nutrition. Can it make you feel good and help you in your future?

Pre % Not at all 27 % Sometimes 40 % All the Time 33 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: Do you think making healthy food choices can help you achieve your dreams?

Pre % Not at all 19 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 38 Post % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 47 % All the Time 47 Do you like how you feel after you exercise?

Pre % Yes 84 % No 16 Post % Yes 82 % No 18

Will you use your new knowledge about healthy food to make better food choices?

Post % Yes 97 % No 3 Have you ever been bullied?

Pre % Yes 62

% No 38

Have you ever seen someone being bullied?

Pre % Yes 78 % No 22 Did you do anything?

Pre % Yes 54

% No 46

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 85 % No 15 Thoughts Shared: Friendly. / Tell the teacher and never keep it to yourself. / Have a motive of why. / Don’t let it happen. / Know myself. / To stand up and tell someone. / To stand up to it. / Stand up for what is right. / Standing up for myself. / Tell someone. / It tells me to step up no matter what. / To speak up no matter what. / How people feel so you could help them. / Stand up for yourself and others. / Tell the teacher and never keep it to yourself. / Always be yourself. / Stand up for others, don’t let them be alone.

After attending the character education workshop, and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 95 % No 5 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would stand up for them so they know someone is there for them. / Because it is not fair. / Tell someone. / I would ask why they are doing it. / I would tell the bully to stop. / Tell a teacher. / I will help stop it by helping. / I’d feel bad. / Say something. / I would help. / I would help them. / It can help the person that is getting bullied. / Talk to the person that is being bullied. / I know how they feel and it is not nice. / Straight to the counselor and fill out a report. / I would tell an older person. / Tell someone to stop it.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre : 14 %Responsibility Pre: 27 %Citizenship Pre: 19 Post: 8 Post: 26 Post: 24 %Respect Pre: 27 %Caring Pre: 14 %Trustworthiness Pre 19 Post: 11 Post: 16 Post: 13 Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post %Yes 89 %No 11 %No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Tell them to stop. / Yes by trusting only myself. / Don’t always feel like the problem in life. / I feel comfortable with what I say. / To never give up. / It taught me to not let peer pressure get to me. / Respect myself more than before. / Believe in myself. / If you can’t make a decision that you can’t finish anything. / Respect and caring. / How to be head strong. / Yes by trusting in myself. / Keep my word. / Don’t tell people bring you down. Surround yourself with a good person.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 62% Post 87%

Thoughts Shared: Pre: Colors are cool. / Color is the mood to anything. / Color is beautiful and emotional. / Color is the mood of anything. / My favorite is red. / Color always changes. / It's cool. / I think colors are nice. / All colors cool. / It changes. / Colors are pretty. / It is nice. / Everyone is different. / Red. / Colors are great. / My favorite color is blue. / People are all the same. / I like all colors. / Colorful. / It shows emotions. / I think it is cool. / I think that my color is ok I guess. / Colors are cool. Yes, my color is green.

Post: Color shows emotions. / Color changes. / Crayons. / Color is the mood of things and life. / We are equal. / They are awesome things. / I think color is nice and helpful. / All colors are cool. / Color can change. / Red and Black. / Rainbow. / I think of a rainbow “splash”. / Color is everywhere. / Color expresses yourself. / Creative and what makes the world. / That your mood changes. / How it feels. / Having a way of thinking. / Color is expression. / It paints a picture in your mind. / That everyone’s color is unique. / It is important. / It is a tough subject. / There is a different color on who you feel can change. / They have a deeper meaning. / Color is expression in everything. / Bright colors bring happiness. / There are different meaning to color. / Rainbow. / Color is emotion and means many things. / Color is the mood of things. / Color is a description about something.

What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

What % gave more thought and shared them about making the world a better place.

Pre 79% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is to fight for myself. / I would help people that to not name a home. / Give people money. / Be nice to people. / Clean up trash. / Clean up. / Be kind. / To have everyone to have equal rights. / Help homeless people. / Complain. / Plant plants. / I would change the perceptive in people. / To help people. / By making the world cleaner. / One thing I will do is make good of others. / Believe and have hope. / I will respect peoples. / First of all I would lower population to the earth. / Being respectful as a community. / Make everyone nicer. / Clean up garbage. / I would end wars. / Make people happy. / To clean up more. / Be kind. / Friendship. / Correct people’s attitudes. / I will want them to respect. / Help people the most I can. / Help people who don't have opportunities like me in life.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 86% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My dream is to go to college and have a family. / Help others and be healthier. / Be rich. / Help my mom. / To be a doctor. / To go to college. / Go into the army. / To complete school. / To be successful in life. / Become rich. / Is to have a good future. / My most hope and dream is to become a singer. / Is to become a football player. / Is going to college and having a good life and place. / Be president. / To play pro basketball. / Lawyer. / I want to be a scientist. I want to be rich to help the poor. / To go to college. / I want to be a veterinarian. / Become known for something good. / Basketball player. / To become famous. / Not to bully. / To be famous. / To do good. / Hope. / Passing everything and surpass my peers. / To become a musician. / I will want to help people.

Post: Being a chemist scientist. / To be famous. / Don’t die poor. / To finish school. / Don’t fail in life. / To have world peace. / Become famous. / Become known for something good. / To do good.

Thoughts Shared: Surpassing my peers. / Becoming something so I can be remembered. / A better future. / Me changing and being more mature. / Succeeding in life. / Teaching my future kid how to play basketball. / To own my own business. / Be happy. / To become a wrestler and promoter. / Be happy. To open my own business, Makeup. / To be successful in life. / Dream. / Basketball player. / Have a happy family. / Have my high school diploma and be a cosmetologist. / To be powerful. /To graduate college.

Have a nice future or be a god role model. / To go to the army. / I want to be successful. / Become president. / To go to college and have a job. / To play in the WNBA. / I want to be successful.

Always have hope. / To believe in myself. / Teamwork. / Everything. / To finish school. / Chase your dreams. / Have some respect. / Stop bullying. / Caring for others. / Do good in school. / Trusting and respect other things. / Respect others and respect myself. / Working out. / Expressing myself. / Never stop going. / Responsibility. / Stay undoubtful. / Never give up. / To keep dreaming and chasing my goals. / To trust. / To never give up. / Be a team player. / Love and friendship. / Focus on the present. / Believe in myself. / Courage. / Speak. / To be open about yourself. / Working with others. / Do whatever it takes. / Respect. / Never give up. / Staying healthy mentally and physically will help me get there. / Never give up. / Always believe. / Never give up.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 79% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I am strong. / Confidence. / I am the same as my friends. / To be myself. / Don’t give up. / I am a leader. / I am a leader. / Building myself. / You can help others. / I am not flexible. / That I do stuff myself. / Painting expresses me. / I am creative. / Most people have the same thing. / That I am smart what I say makes sense. / That I am not alone. / I am happy to be me. / To work well with others. / I am a good listener. / Friendship. / Memories make me happy. / That I am worth something in the world. / I can see the deeper meaning in things. / Not to be scared about talking about your feelings. / That I can be more than I think. / I like working out or any activity. / I am unhealthy person. / I can have more friends. / I show respect for everyone. / That I can be a good person.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 89% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: They really care about you. / Trustworthiness. / We are the same. / They have the same problems. / They have the same problems. / To finish. / Respect them don’t bully. / They have the same fear. / They are leaders. / They hurt too. / They can help as well. / Tomas and Guerilla are awesome supporters. / We are the same. / People have the same fears as me. / That they are going through the same stuff as me. / I am not alone. / They have the same in common. / That we have the same problems. / They are good people. / That they often have the same problems. / They are friends. / You are not alone. / They love talking/ sharing stories. / She is kind. / We have the same fears. / Working as one. / We go through the same things. / They had similar problems as me. / We are almost the same. / That there are people just like me. / They have the same problems as me. / That she exercises on a daily basis. / They are always with you. / That they have the same fear. / Even though we are different, we are similar in many ways

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.

Thank you once again, Melani and Rob and The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation for the opportunity to bring Release the Fear's a Discover U Afterschool and Discover U Summer Camps to a incredible group of students. Thank you for your Belief that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empowered with the tools to make better and heather life choices in the world around them..

Most sincerely, Robert J Miley CEO /Founder

Office- 302 W. Monroe- in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 www.releasethefear.org