Wii Bowling 12/2

Today we brought back an old favorite, Wii Bowling.

 Arriving about ten minutes before our time slot began, we already had a group of eight seniors waiting in the room. They expressed their excitement over the game as we set up the game and the scoreboard. We then set up four pairs for each "player" on the game and wrote down the names on the scoreboard.

For two full ten-round games, we helped pass around the only two remotes, accommodated a few late comers, filled in for those who left, and offered vocal support. The players themselves were very enthusiastic and even competitive at times, poking innocent jabs at other teams and throwing around jokes to redeem their missed spares. We were both impressed with the group's skill, scoring strikes and spares frequently. When we subbed in for empty spots, we couldn't even compete. We even noticed that some of them were so calculating that they had their own special method when it came to the swing, as demonstrated by Rita, below.

At the end of the two games we added up the points on the scoreboard. Matilda and Rita won first place, with a cumulative score of 333, while Diana/Rita and Paul came in a close second, with 330 points.

After we offered to do another game most of the group got up and left, except for two ladies in the front row and a man in the back deeply asleep. So we carried on with a third game, this time both of us playing along with the two ladies, competing separately. With fewer people, we were able to hold a conversation throughout the game with them. They were very interested in our studies and potential colleges. At the end, just as we expected, both Matilda and Rita topped the rankings with us far behind. 

Their enthusiasm and excitement reminded us that it would be wise to come back to this activity as consistently as possible. Their competitive egos were entertaining to watch while frustrating to compete against, and we look forward to hosting this activity in the future.

11/18/15- Picture Frames!

Yay! We are back doing activities at Heritage Point!

Today, we decided to switch it up instead of just always doing the Wii bowling, we decided to do a craft. We decorated wooden picture frames that the residents are able to either hang or prop up back in their rooms.

We got there about 20 minutes early which gave us more than enough time to set up the activities room with all of the picture frames, glue bottles, stickers, markers, and accessories that the residents were able to decorate the frames with.

Exactly at 3 o'clock, a whole wave of residents flooded into the activities room. We were so excited for there to be such an huge turnout, as it has been a few months since we have been active at Heritage Point. The residents kept saying they felt like little kindergarteners because they were so excited to be doing such a fun and easy craft.

Some of the residents who had vision problems had a hard time finding some of the tools they wanted, but we were more than welcome to help. The residents also loved us helping them with the design and orientation of their frames.

All of the frames turned out so good and the residents were so happy to see their finished outcome. They praised us and thanked us so much for coming and asked when we were coming back. We also got great feedback as to which crafts they would like to do in the future.

We can't wait till December 2nd when we get to be do Wii Bowling again!

Today was the first day of the school year where we went on site to Heritage Point for service learning. We have been trying to come up with new ideas to bring and implement in to Heritage Point, and today we met with the activities director to propose and talk about some of our ideas.

Our main proposal was to bring in musical performances by other Sage students who are involved in another group focused on singing for the elder community. They loved this idea and so we are trying to now figure out a good time slot that would work as well as a time for the staff to hear the singers before bringing them to the home.

We are going to start off by changing the bowling activity to a different sport on the Wii Games. Some of these include golfing,baseball, and tennis. We are also going to start an arts and crafts activity, making picture frames. Heritage Point has a lot of great resources and supplies that we can use for the time being.

We are excited to get this program back up and running and develop it over the next year!

Day 6

My last visit was a blast! When I got to Heritage Point, once again, there was a huge crowd on bowlers ready to start the game. This time, there were even some spectators or "fans" who came to watch the games.

On Wednesday, one of the authors of the newspapers at Heritage Point was there to ask some questions and take pictures. The Wii Bowling program has become so popular that they are doing a feature on it in Heritage Point's newspaper! I am so excited to have my picture featured!

As always, the games were so exciting  and it was great watching the spectators cheer on all the bowlers and giving them tips and trips for the perfect strike!

I had my panel meeting on Wednesday and I got some great suggestions. One was to extend the Wii bowling program in yo other senior citizen homes. I also need to start thinking about next year and recruiting some rising juniors to hopefully carry on my service learning program for the years to come. :)

Day 5

After a long winter break, today was my first day back at Heritage Point.

When I first got there, the room was already filled with people ready to play. I am so happy with the way this whole activity has developed over the weeks and how popular it has become amongst the residents. There were even some people there just to watch and not even play! These bowlers have some real good game!!

Today we had four teams of two, with the exception of one team which had three. Everyone who was there had been there before, so the games moved pretty fast. Everyone knew what they were doing and how to play the game. I am beyond surprised and blown away by the amount of skill the residents have picked up in a matter of weeks. They are able to bowl strike after strike after strike!!

I absolutely love watching the excitement and enthusiasm that the residents have during the game. They share tips and tricks on how to bowl a better set, and really enjoy their fellow bowlers' company.

Today, there was a lady there who wrote for Heritage Point's Newspaper and so we had the chance to talk for a while. I shared with her what a great time we have every week and how the activity has brought so many residents together in a fun and exciting environment.

I asked the resident what kinds of prizes they would enjoy getting say if they won highest score or the most amount of games. Now that I have an idea of what they would like, I am going to go get them and have them ready for the next time I go to Heritage Point.

Cant wait for next time!!

Day 4

Welcome back from winter break! Today was the first Service Learning day we have had in over two weeks. I was so stoked to get back to Heritage Point and see how everyones holidays and New Years were.

When I got there, right before 10:30, the room was particularly empty compared to the amount of people that were usually there. One of the women, Matilda, who has been there every week since the beginning, informed me that the flu was going around and a bunch of people were confined to their apartment as not to spread the sickness any more. We waited about five more minutes to see if any more people would show up, and we ended up having three more people show up.

It was a more relaxing day because we didn't have to figure out team and seating arrangements as there were only a total of four players. I could honestly say that all the players have definitely improved and are picking up on their game. There were even a few new players who I could have sworn had been playing their whole lives. The highlight of the day was definitely when one of the players Rita, who has also been there since the beginning, bowled five strikes in a row. It was amazing! She just kept going!

Rita also suggested to me an idea to make the game a little more lively and competitive. She suggested there be prizes or awards of some sort. I was thinking maybe for highest score, most number of strikes, etc. I will definitely work on it and bring some fun prizes for my next visit. :)