The dog days of summer are winding down and school is back in session, but that hasn’t stopped our kids on either campus from soaking up the last bit of summer magic. The children—and staff—raced to fit in the last joyful summer moments every child should experience. For many of our kids, these activities aren’t just classic summer pastimes; they’re special moments of childhood that some are experiencing for the very first time.
At our Sioux Falls campus, School Break Week turned into something extra sweet when a group of residential children teamed up with their Residential Youth Counselors (RYCs) to host their very own lemonade stand.
Armed with chalk, smiles, a homemade sign and freshly made lemonade, the group set up shop outside of the SFCH Admin Building. Their goal was to raise $2,000 to send one child on a dream birthday trip to Hawaii.
“The lemonade stand gave the kids a chance to experience teamwork, creativity and the satisfaction of working toward a shared goal,” said RYC II Precious Onyekwe. “Watching their excitement and pride was truly the highlight of it all.”
Even though they didn’t quite reach their goal, the kids didn’t let it sour their fun. Each child received $5, and they chose to donate the rest to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
For Scott Egan, Sioux Falls Unit Supervisor, the lemonade stand wasn’t just a way for the kids to pass the time. It was a chance for them to get outside, work together, practice kindness and believe that their ideas—no matter how far-fetched—can make a difference.
“Activities like this might seem simple, but they really matter to the kids we work with,” said Egan. “Even something as small as a lemonade stand can build confidence and give them hope that sticks with them long after they leave CHS.”
While the lemonade stand brought creativity and teamwork to life on the Sioux Falls campus, the Central States Fair offered a day of excitement and adventure to our Black Hills Children’s Home (BHCH) kiddos.
For more than 15 years, the fair has opened its gates early on one special day just for our children at BHCH, so they don’t have to wait in any long lines.
“Our kids enjoy face painting, the petting zoo, carnival games with prizes, balloon animals and a petting zoo without any lines other than their own group,” said Theresa Schreiner, Assistant Director of Development and Events at CHS. “The outing is courtesy of Carnival Americana and Western Legacy Foundation, and it’s two hours of dreams come true for our kids!”