Intergenerational Program Database

RSVP BABES (Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies) is a prevention program using colorful puppets to encourage children to live happy, healthy lives free from abuse. Trained RSVP volunteers using BABES puppets and a script present accurate, nonjudgmental and age-appropriate information to all second grade classes in Portage County. The program is designed to help children by promoting self-esteem, defining peer pressure and practicing good decision-making skills. The program also helps the children understand and develop skills necessary to cope with unhappy situations and stresses the importance of asking for help.

Volunteers partner with students in grades three through six for after-school programs. The volunteers model and teach fun, healthy activities and hobbies in small groups in the school. Hobbies taught include: making nutritious snacks, collecting (stamps, coins, sports cards), crafting, the art of clowning and needlework. RSVP volunteers fill the community need to provide structured after-school activities while students learn they are valued by adults in their communities.

Grandparent/grandchild camp is a half week day camp for grades K-up. Adults and children camp in our campground with their equipment. Grandparents and grandchildren will join our staff who provide programs that encourage fellowship and interaction. Two lunches are included for the children and grandparents. There are optional activities for adults during the day.

Sauk Trail fourth-grade students and senior citizens from around the area teamed up on a project this past year that combined art and the environment. The result was more than 60 pieces of art that demonstrated the students’ concern about the importance of preserving local nature. The program began by observing and discussing nature, wildlife, and habitats seen at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. The students then spent an afternoon interviewing senior citizens at Middleton Glen Retirement Community, Heritage Senior Living, and Middleton Senior Center to hear what the environment was like when the seniors were fourth-graders. Back in the classroom, students discussed what they learned, along with what has changed in nature, the environment, and in life. They agreed there is a strong need to protect natural resources for future generations. Students in each of the three fourth-grade classrooms created a booklet, drawing a scene from nature for each letter of the alphabet and writing about it.

Josie's Learning Center serves infants, toddlers, and school age children from our community. The Learning Center provides a wide range of child care services ranging from infant day care, preschool learning, after school care, and ECEAP Preschool. The Learning Center program is integrated throughout our building with four designated classroom spaces and shared dining room, dayroom, and activity areas. The children learn important lessons from residents in assisted living, transitional care and long term care, while at the same time, enriching and energizing the life of our home. Keyword: Shared Site

Children and residents of assisted living and long-term care facility interact

CRISTA Senior Living (CSL) and Kings Schools is located on the same campus. The Shoreline campus of CRISTA Senior Living consists of close to 600 residents from independent housing to nursing care. Kings Schools consist of over 1,100 students from preschool through High School. Throughout the school year and summer students and residents are actively engaged in several scheduled and spontaneous intergenerational activities.

Our approach to early childhood education employs an interconnected web of educational practices grounded in the innate curiosity, competence, and enthusiasm children have for learning. Accompanied by their teacher, children participate in planned and spontaneous activities throughout the campus with Bayview residents. Through these daily interactions, the children and the residents create meaningful connections between generations, which helps to foster positive attitudes and understanding towards both seniors and people with disabilities. As children interact on a daily basis with their extended family of “grandmas and the grandpas,” they bring joy and receive genuine appreciation in return. Keyword: Shared Site

Create memories to last a lifetime during this unique intergenerational program for grandparents and grandchildren ages 7-14. 

An intergenerational program where teens and elders gather to bridge age barriers and change the social norm of aging through inspired conversation. Beginning two years ago, STEP has changed the lives of many elders and teens alike. STEP works to help eliminate isolation, strengthen the community and increase peace keeping efforts needed in the world today.