• About TRAM: The program meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children usually arrive by bus, enjoy a snack, followed by at least one half-hour of homework time and then ending with a scheduled activity.
• TRAM Program Goals: TRAM strives to provide a safe, disciplined, drug-free after-school environment. TRAM plans to address its goal of early intervention and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use through scheduled presenters.
• TRAM Community Service Goals: TRAM's goal to promote community service is regularly being met through scheduled Coat Drives for "Make a Difference Day," volunteering at The Free Store and through partnerships with 4-H, the Sustainability Council, and the United Way Youth Group.
• Returning Participants: Eighteen participants returned from last's year's program.

MAY 2008

• May was a busy month as we wrapped up the 4th year of our after-school program. Although the Michigan weather was unpredictable, we maintained a flexible schedule in order to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. Due to our location at Memory Isle Park, the basketball courts and Scidmore Park, complete with our Popcorn Stand and the Petting Zoo, are all right out our back door. We are fortunate to have our volunteer teenagers, whether they enjoy scrapbooking, shooting hoops or just taking a nature walk. Role modeling remains high on our list as a major teaching tool. The Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders have also been a major asset to our program since they have been visiting our site. Many of our kids at "Derek's Dugout" have noticed the growth in our program, both through attendance and activities offered. Each year our equipment and materials are also expanding, thanks to Turn 2 and community support.

• May 7, 2008 — The ARK made another visit to our site; their program addressed attitudes, behavior, and respect through role playing activities.
• May 13, 2008 — Carole Dugan, our volunteer photographer, joined us today to work with a few of the interested students.
• May 14-15, 2008 — Board Game Tournaments - The games included checkers, Life, Battleship, and Uno. The kids signed up for the ones they wanted to compete in; they could choose more than one. The variety of games enabled all kids the opportunity to participate. Fun!

• May 20, 2008 — 4-H made their final visit for this season. This time they provided a medley of activities by setting up different stations featuring all of the projects from this year, ink on glass, water color painting, decorative pens, cartooning, etc. The kids really enjoyed having choices and being able to do more than one project.
• May 22, 2008 — Today was the last official day of our after-school program. Our festivities included a Sloppy Joes and our 2nd Annual Auction of miscellaneous leftover items and prizes. We also packaged up a surprise bag for each child to take home; thanks to Turn 2, we used Turn 2 bags and included baseball key chains and Turn 2 pens. Our kids just love surprises!!

• May 28, 2008 — The after-school program wrapped up the season today with a "special event" featuring a visit from the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders. The students were able to say their "good-byes" for the time being. Both programs benefited from the relationships that were made due to each of the mentoring activities throughout the year. TRAM is looking forward to hosting the Leaders back in the 2008-2009 program year.
• May 30, 2008 — We held our 13th Annual "Stand for Children" Community Picnic. Approximately 250 people attended! Our theme was "Putting the Magic Back into Your Life." Festivities included a magician from Colon, a local high school student singing show songs, 14 booths with games and crafts, a balloon artist, and a hot dog dinner! We were able to provide awareness for so many services and summer activities for kids in our county.

APRIL 2008

• April 2, 2008 — The ARK made their second visit to our site. Their program offered suggested reactions to various incidents and/or problems in their lives through scenarios in the form of group discussions and role playing. Our kids enjoy active programs and activities, as opposed to just sitting and listening to a presentation.

• April 3, 2008 — Our new 3-week clubs began. This session gave them a choice of Baking, Flower Making and Arranging, Sports, and (our all-time favorite) Scrapbooking.
• April 22, 2008 — 4-H shared water-color skills with our students. How exciting!
• April 29, 2008 — The kids enjoyed a marigold planting activity. They were not only taught them a few gardening tips, but also that they needed to take care of their plant by providing sunlight and water until they are strong enough to go home.

MARCH 2008

• March 4 &11, 2008 — Cooking Club Day - The participants made "puppy chow," which was the snack for the next day.
• March 5 & 18, 2008 — Scrapbook Club Day - This has proven to be not only a fun club, but a beneficial club, as these students have managed to put together months and months of TRAM activities and events. As the pages are flipped, their improved skills are visible!

• March 6 & 25, 2008 — Science Fun Club Day - It's amazing what can be done with empty pop bottles, salt, and string, just to name a few ingredients.
• March 4 & 13, 2008 — Crochet Club Day - Not only have these young people learned some crocheting, but they are also learning organizational skills and how to laugh at their mistakes. Great life lessons!
• March 6 & 18, 2008 — Photography Class Day - Carole Dugan continues teaching to a group of 6 students.
• March 11, 2008 — 4-H Day - The kids made decorative clay pen wraps.
• March 16, 2008 — Today was Toryonna Day. Toryonna is one of our Michigan Works! employees. The program she chose to do was a self-designed Nature Scavenger Hunt. This involved working as teams and following a limited timeframe. Fun for all!

• March 19, 2008 — Roman Day - Roman is one of our Michigan Works! employees who is also interested in a career of working with kids. The activity he put together was a Blind- Folded Obstacle Course Game.
• March 26, 2008 — ARK, an organization designed to assist teens with family issues (esp. with runaways), began their 6-week program with successful ice breaker activities and merged into resolution topics.
• March 27, 2008 — Our highlight was another visit from Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders. This month they geared their activities toward having role models, appropriate actions, and getting along socially. We ended with a Sloppy-Joe dinner. Our kids get so excited when they know Jeter's Leaders are coming!

FEBRUARY 2008

• February 7, 2008 — Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders visited our program site and addressed bullying, respect, and manners through role playing activities, games, and unrehearsed role modeling. We are looking forward to their next visit.

• February 12, 2008 — Students were able to sign up for another 3-week club with the choices being as follows: Science; scrapbooking; cooking; crocheting; and newspaper. All of the clubs provide hands-on activities.
• February 14, 2008 — In celebration of Valentine's Day, "musical chairs" was the highlight, with Valentine's Day candy being the prizes. Fun!
• February 21, 2008 — Carole Dugan, our volunteer teacher of photography, returned to start the next group of six students. This has been an exciting adventure, as some of our children have never taken a photograph and most of them do not have access to a camera in their home.

JANUARY 2008

• January 6, 2008 — St. Joseph VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Representatives sponsored a free adventure to our local theatre to see National Treasure. TRAM was well represented, as we had 24 mentors and mentees attend on this foggy day (out of a total of 31 people).
• January 9, 2008 — Carole Dugan began the first session of a photography class with five kids per session. After showing samples and explaining techniques, the students were given directions for going out and taking pictures to submit. We will have the pictures developed and ready for her return when she will teach them computer enhancement skills and framing. (Ms. Dugan will then begin work with the next session of kids.) The students are working with disposable cameras and one donated digital camera. It is our hope to eventually produce a coffee table book depicting Three Rivers through the eyes of a child.

• January 12, 2007 — 4-H taught the basics of comic strip drawing. After practicing a step-by-step procedure for designing one of the sample characters, each child designed a 6-box comic strip. It was great to see their creativity come alive!
• January 23, 2007 — Our fun-filled event was making marshmallow towers. This involved working as a team and following instructions. They really enjoyed this one!
• January 24, 2007 — St. Joseph County held its annual Mentor Recognition Reception in Centreville. The total attendance was approximately 50 people.
• January 31, 2007 — TRAM held its First Annual Mentor/Partnership Appreciation Dinner. Despite the brutal weather reports, we had approximately 63 folks attend. Three of our kids from "Derek's Dugout" were included in the program: one read an "opening poem," one performed a flute solo and one read a "closing poem."

OVERALL

• We completed two full days of team building and played some group games through to completion during this month.
• We continue to receive feedback from parents that their children love the program. One parent, in particular, said that she appreciates that we do not allow a child to come to our program if they did not attend school that day (because we are in partnership with the school system) -- her child's school attendance has improved.
• Community Service Effort this month: Once again this year, the students at "Derek's Dugout" were asked to create centerpieces for the annual St. Joseph County Recognition Reception. They looked beautiful! Our kids continue to find time during their after-school program hours to go across the street to the "Free Store" to lend Nancy Leland a hand by arranging displays and cleaning up. How proud we are that they are learning the gift of community service at a young age!

DECEMBER 2007

• December 5, 2007 — Fran Dekilder taught metal embossing; each child made and framed a piece of metal art to take home and either keep or give as a gift.
• December 8, 2007 — We held our annual "Joy of Giving" Party at Bair Lake Bible Camp. This gathering is open to all students in our program, their family members and our mentors. Activities included team-building games, a craft, snow-tubing and a hot lunch. Approximately 45 people attended.

• December 11, 12, and 13, 2007 — Our annual "Joy of Giving Celebration" included a chance for each student to "shop" for each member of their household at TRAM's "free store," which was set up in a backroom at "Derek's Dugout." Most of the items were donated by school personnel from our seven local schools. All students in our program (TRAM mentees and/or participants of "Derek's Dugout") were invited to shop. At least 52 kids ended up shopping and we were also able to help out two area families in crisis. Volunteers assisted with teaching gift-wrapping skills so that the presents went home ready to given to their family members.

• December 14, 2007 — We attended the Turn 2 Holiday Celebration at the Douglass Center in Kalamazoo. The carnival-themed party hosted 37 TRAM kids and six adults. The activities, including the carnival games, the music, the crafts and the boxed dinner, were all wonderful. Of course, the highlight was meeting Derek Jeter and having him shake everyone's hand and personally speak to each and every one of us as we left. The gift of the New York Yankees backpack (filled with surprises) was icing on the cake. Our kids were definitely grateful to be included in this "once-in-a-lifetime" celebration!
• December 18, 2007 — 4-H taught cake decorating techniques on Christmas cookies. Each child decorated two cookies, with a choice of eating them or taking them home.

OVERALL

• We've met our goal to provide transportation home from our after-school program for the walkers (17 of them, to be exact)! We are excited to report that the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority has agreed to provide us the service of transporting these students throughout the winter months (until March or April, depending on the weather).
• Many of the kids who attended the Turn 2 Holiday Celebration personally thanked us for including them in the adventure. All of them were very excited about actually meeting Derek Jeter (and Santa)!! One young man in our program gave me a hug and said, "I can't believe I met Derek Jeter. It was my dream to someday meet him! You told me I'd meet him one day and you told me I could do things. Now I know I can!" What a change Derek made in that one child's life! I've noticed a difference already.

NOVEMBER 2007

• November 8, 15, and 29, 2007 — Club Days! This is a new portion of our program that Mitzi Watkins, Director of the After-School Program added. Students are able to sign up for one of four "clubs" they may be interested in. This month the choices were: Scrapbooking, Building, Fashion or Duct Tape. Scrapbooking enabled our kids to assist with updating our TRAM books, as well as allowing them to create their own miniature scrapbook. The Building Club took on a new perspective during its course as we acquired several huge appliance boxes, which has become a permanent fixture at "Derek's Dugout." The Fashion Club was headed by a teenage girl who has a flair for piecing together creative outfits; this group made a visit to our local "Free Store" and a local resale shop in order to learn the art of selecting appropriate basics. The Duct Tape Club opened new doors to creativity. The kids made several useful items; our favorite was the duct tape wallet. All in all, this club concept was a huge success.

• November 14, 2007 — Thanksgiving Bing! This activity encouraged the students to associate words such as "family," "friends," and "thankful," with this holiday. The kids also enjoyed the small prizes they won, as well as just being winners!
• November 20, 2007 — 4-H came out to do an activity with our students. This month, by popular demand, they made a framed "ink on glass" project. What talented kids we have!

OVERALL

• Following our successful coat drive in recognition of "Make a Difference Day" on October 27, we participated in a community-based "Project Homeless Connect Day" at a local church. This event enabled people who don't thave their own home or who are soon-to-be homeless to come out and discover all of the agencies and services in the county that are available for assistance. TRAM took their remaining coats to this location and some of our kids assisted at our TRAM booth, which was an area for adults to leave their children while they visited the booths of various agencies; we had books, art projects, building blocks and other fun activities available.
• Students from Centreville High School, which is about 10 miles away, have been coming out to volunteer at our site, thanks to Mr. Collins requiring 15 community service hours in his Government class; some of these students are choosing to remain after their requirement is met!

OCTOBER 2007

• October 4, 2007 — Annual Open House/Kick-Off Celebration held at TRAM's after school site. Participants enjoyed serving refreshments to guests and offered tours to visiting adults. In attendance were the Three Rivers Community School's Superintendent, the Three Rivers Middle School's Principal, the Three Rivers Middle School's secretary, and two Turn 2 Foundation staff members.
• October 9, 10, and 11, 2007 — The group, under the guidance of Hubert McDonald, created two scarecrows (representing a mentor and a mentee) for the annual Fall Color Tour Scarecrow Festival held on October 15 at Meijer Broadway Park. Students choosing not to help were able to make origami bats for Halloween decorations.

• October 18, 2007 — Approximately 34 kids from "Derek's Dugout" went to Hubert McDonald's farm, which is only about three miles from downtown Three Rivers, for a fun-filled adventure. Activities at this event included a hayride, roasting hot dogs, feeding the goats and chickens, jumping on a trampoline, and taking turns riding a miniature bike and an antique tandem bike (which proved to be a wonderful team-building experience). The kids had a blast and were visibly grateful for Hubert's generosity. Due to a sudden change in weather, the kids were unable to pick their own pumpkins from the patch (which Hubert planted especially for them). The following Tuesday, Hubert delivered a truck load of pumpkins to "Derek's Dugout." Each child was able to take a pumpkin home for Halloween.

• October 27, 2007 — TRAM held its 1st Annual Coat Drive in recognition of "Make a Difference Day." At least eighteen coats were given out on that day. Volunteers also assisted with making no-sew blankets for "Project Linus." These blankets will be given to children in crisis throughout the county. Thirty-one coats, as well as hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks and blankets, have been distributed to those in need.
• October 31, 2007 — TRAM participants walked to Scidmore Park for their 2nd Annual Hallo-weenie Roast. While there, everyone enjoyed free popcorn from TRAM's very own popcorn Stand, trick or treat candy, a visit to the Petting Zoo, and, of course, a roasted hot dog dinner prior to going out to trick-or-treat.

OVERALL

• Although we continue to promote all of our goals, we have been focusing on nutrition by providing hearty snacks (i.e. beef stew, pancakes, sandwiches). Our Director, Mitzi Watkins, has also incorporated activities from the J.I.F.F. (Jump into Foods and Fitness) Program, a program used by 4-H.

SEPTEMBER 2007

• To start the program year off right, a group of 25 from TRAM's "Extra Innings at Derek's Dugout" attended Comerica Park on August 26 for the New York Yankees-Detroit Tigers game. Go Yankees!

2006-2007 Program Highlights

• Program meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3pm to 6pm where children usually arrive by bus, enjoy a snack, followed by at least one half hour of homework time and then end with a scheduled activity.



• Activities include: Kite-making, glass painting, sewing, pumpkin carving, puppetry, cooking and baking, painting, nature walks, camping, tubing, bowling, scrapbooking, team-building games and occasional guest speakers. Other activities include participating in "Make a Difference Day", "Earth Day", and during the Christmas season, partake in the "Joy of Giving" event.
• Community Service Efforts include: St. Joseph County Recognition Reception where students made beautiful tissue flower arrangements, assisted at the "Free Store", made fleece blankets for Project Linus (a program that provides care kits for children in crisis), made posters to be displayed around town promoting recycling, raked leaves for senior citizens, and helped with Scidmore Park clean-up.

• Creation of "Funny Money", the "Concession Stand" and the "First Yankee Bank" teaches children earning, purchase and saving methods. This program acts as a reward system wherein children are able to earn money through simple tasks, such as using manners, being respectful to others, doing chores, following directions, etc,. Higher-end prizes like pizza parties and trips to McDonald's, begin teaching students the difficult lesson of saving money for things they really strive for. The "First Yankee Bank" is where each child has their own personal account and is given a checkbook register. At the end of the day, each child is required to fill out a deposit slip and deposit money into their personal account. As in the real world, there are penalties for bouncing checks.
• End of the year "Back to School Celebration" which enabled the program to register returning students and to recruit new participants. The program has already received applications from 2 new children!

2006-2007 Program Statistics

• 8 of 10 young employees hired at the Popcorn Stand this summer were connected with Extra Innings at Derek's Dugout;
• Assistant Manager at Popcorn Stand has been a volunteer at Extra Innings at Derek's Dugout for the past 3 years;
• After-school program partnerships enabled the program to provide 27 camp scholarships: 12 to Bair Lake Bible Camp at no cost; 6 to Camp Amigo at no cost; 6 to Camp Eberhart (with T.R.A.M. covering half of the cost); and 3 to Carnegie Center for the Arts at no cost.

The Extra Innings at Derek's Dugout program is confident that the after-school program will continue to grow, as there is a need for a place in Three Rivers where the children can have fun, feel safe, and get help with their homework and issues in their young lives.