Generations interact, create memories as part of Salvation Army's Summer Youth Enrichment Program

CAMP HILL, Pa. - July 29, 2016 - PRLog -- Initially, senior residents of The Woods at Cedar Run and children participating in the Salvation Army Summer Youth Enrichment Program weren't sure exactly what to expect upon their introduction to each other in July.

    The Woods and Salvation Army have worked together through the Summer Youth Enrichment Program for four consecutive years. Still, each summer there are new faces and curious glances from the youngsters and residents who sometimes are three or four generations removed.

    "One of the things that intrigued the residents the most was the difference in the style of dress and grooming and what the youth were wearing that day," said senior resident Salvatore "Sal" Boscia, 88. "In their day, the girls wore dresses and had curls and ribbons in their hair. The boys wore knickers, had butch haircuts and had only one pair of shoes for all occasions. Today's youth have shoes for every occasion, often untied, shorts that cover their knees and different hair styles. Wow. What a difference 80 years makes."

    Boscia and his fellow residents at The Woods at Cedar Run in Camp Hill soon learned the multi generations still had plenty in common throughout the Summer Youth Enrichment Program, which included three visits to the senior living community, with the final date set on Aug. 5.

    A total of 120 youths and their counselors participated in the program while interacting with most of the 137 seniors residing at The Woods.

    "Of special interest to the youth gathered were the human interest stories that were shared by the residents," Boscia said. "A first-hand tale of living in Munich, Germany, during World War II, experiencing the bombing and devastation of a city on a daily basis. Tales of hardship endured during the Great Depression of 1929 that lasted until the late 1930s. Children without toys. Making baseballs out of rolled up newspaper. Simply being a child of the Depression."

  The young boys and girls also provided a lift to the senior residents. The program includes children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The camp encourages the youths to engage in an enriching summer while participating in activities such as dance, swimming, art, nutrition education, interactive character education and anti-drug instruction, organized recreation, field trips and other exciting activities.

    "It was interesting to note the children's awe at the tales that the residents shared with them, and in return, their eagerness to share their thoughts with us," Boscia said. "The more communication that occurred between the generations, the youth soon became comfortable with the residents. They interacted, they questioned, they listened almost as if they were part of the residents' family.

    "During the question and answer period, the residents were amazed at the level of intelligence exhibited by the youth," Boscia said. "They exhibited a level of intelligence beyond their years."

    The Woods at Cedar Run provided intergenerational activities intended to bring a greater understanding between the diverse groups of youngsters and seniors. Activities were organized and led by residents representing all three neighborhoods at The Woods, which features independent living, senior living and the Life Stories memory care neighborhood.

    This year's theme focused on communication skills and the importance of color in our lives.

    "These visits have meant the world to our residents and team here at The Woods," said Julie Seifried, Activities Director. "The children created a buzz each time they entered the building throughout the course of the program. Our senior residents were so excited to see them, communicate with them and interact with the group. So many great stories and experiences were shared."

    The program's run at The Woods will conclude on August 5. The visit will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the senior living community located at 824 Lisburn Road in Camp Hill. The day will be capped by the popular dance contest, which is judged by senior residents. Activities such as relay games, races and other challenges also are held.

    "Everyone is looking forward to this visit," Seifried said. "Residents line the sidewalks, patios and balconies to see the youths participate in a variety of activities on the back lawn and many of the residents participate too.

    "The residents do this as a way of staying connected with the Salvation Army all year long, rather than just at Christmas time when they participate in the Battle of the Bells," Seifried added. "This is when they pay it forward again, sharing their experiences their life stories and their talents to possibly assist a child in growing in a positive way from this brief encounter."

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