Vashon Kids program expands to better serve older children

Vashon Kids, the Vashon Youth & Family Services before- and after-school and summer enrichment program located at Chautauqua, has recently expanded its program for kids in fourth through sixth grades and has openings for additional students.

Named Orca Kids, this program for older students focuses on the development of leadership skills, weekly field trips, art and other special activities, according to a recent press release.

Additionally, Orca Kids offers Wednesday field trips to local businesses and points of interest, as well as field trips to Seattle. On Thursdays, Orca Kids participate in an art group with an experienced art teacher and a practicing art therapist at VYFS.

King County Metro has also awarded Orca Kids the opportunity to create a mural on the bus stop located at the entrance to the high school on Vashon Highway. Metro will provide all materials and art supplies, and the participating youth will learn to plan the project, develop their vision and work as a team to create a mural for the community, the press release stated.

Orca Kids was developed through the Vashon Kids community meetings, childled meetings, where the participants learned strategic planning, discussed goals and needs and helped develop changes to the Vashon Kids program. Vashon Kids leaders, including longtime Program Director Dalinda Vivero, say Orca Kids has helped build morale and has encouraged the older kids to become more engaged and enthusiastic about the program.

“The age of fourth to sixth grade is a very social time and friendships matter a lot. Having the children engaged in pro-social activities with caring, attentive adults is an extremely helpful prevention tool. This group will be helpful with the transition from Chautauqua to McMurray, which can be a very stressful time.”

VYFS officials say that after-school programs like Vashon Kids are a key contributor to success milestones throughout childhood. They also say they are effective in preventing school drop‐out, helping kids achieve school success, connecting schools and communities, and supporting working families.

This expansion of the Vashon Kids program was made possible from two grants VYFS received last year. The Norcliff Foundation provided a two-year grant of $10,000 each year, and Moccasin Lake Foundation provided a $5,000 grant. Both grants will provide funding for off-island field trips, age-appropriate games and activities, and the development of mentoring and leadership skills, VYFS staff members say.

Vashon Kids, serves nearly 150 families through its school year and summer programs. Discounted tuition and scholarships are available for low-income families. VYFS is a non-profit organization and funding for the Vashon Kids program, and all VYFS programs, is made possible through the support of the community.