Ginew/golden Eagles program

The program I chose to participate in takes place at the Native American Community center around the south side of Minneapolis. I go there on Mondays and Wednesdays to help out with the children there. During the time the kids spent at the community center we provide them dinner, a special activity, mandatory homework time, as well as recreational time. Each week the special activity changes. This past Monday their was a special focus on Native American health issues,so a woman came in to discuss nutrition, exercise, and emotion management with the children. Unfortunately that same night their was a basketball game being played in the gym where the kids have their recreational time. All the kids were upset they wouldn't be able to play kickball like they always do because the only room available was full of windows. Well, I suggested a game to one of the full time employees called "three's too many". This game is a variation of tag and the kids loved it! It was awesome to be able to introduce them to something new since before Monday they never wanted to even think about anything else. The most important connection To the class that I have noticed is how socioeconomic status and gender has affected their sports participation. When I asked a couple of the girls said that they weren't able to be on teams because either their parents didn't want to take the time to get them to games and practices, or they were specifically asked to take care of other kids in their family. These answers were only given by the older girl on Wednesdays and their ages ranged from about 11 to 15. So far it has been great to work with the kids :)