Civitan 2014

For 3 years I sent Autumn to Civitan and it was such a life changing experience for her. I couldn't wait to send Tym and it was finally time. Civitan is held in Pocatello at the ISU campus and the cost is beyond reasonable. It was $50.00 for the week Mon-Fri and that includes all food and lodging. Civitan is great because it is a safe zone for kids. They have guest speakers come in and talk to them about leadership skills, and more importantly self-worth. Both girls have told me some pretty sad stories of some of these teens wanting to kill themselves and Civitan has been the only thing that saves them. One girl was abandoned on the side of the road by her own mom. By the end of the week I think they all walk away feeling like a "golden Buddha" and all feel like they are a 10. Such a great program. Autumn was pretty jealous she couldn't go anymore but was so happy Tymber could.

One of the talks was on peer pressure and a parole officer came in and pulled out a 12 pack of Mt. Dew some candy and Oreo cookies. Autumn had the same talk last year so I already knew about it. Many of the kids did. Tymbers group volunteered her (of course) and then he pulled out live gold fish and dared the kids to eat the goldfish. Whoever got the best time won the treats for their group. Of course everyone did it as their group was cheering them on. Tym was the second fastest. She would have won if she hadn't of dropped her fish. On Face Book Tym posted the video and wrote "I just ate a fish... Alive... It was awsome!" After they broke into groups and talked about the importance of not following peer pressure. They talked about drugs and alcohol, about bullying and other things. One kid said he has been a drug addict and had been clean for 3 weeks. Another girl admitted she has been bullied so bad people were telling her to go kill herself. Its just heartbreaking. I love this safe haven for these kids.

They also spend one day giving back to the community in a service project. They also have an un-special Olympics where they play games and have a huge shaving cream fight. The night before its time to come home they have a dinner, talent show and then a dance.

My girls are always sad when its time to leave. Lots of tears, memories and life long friends.

 They had different values they were bidding on Tymber writes "We were we bidding on values today and I got loyalty for 50,000 everyone got $50,000 $ it was only one that wanted"  Loyalty describes her through and through. She is seriously one of the kindest most loyal people I know

 'Having a great time"

 "Working hard jk we haven't left yet"

 "Ready for a water balloon fight!"

This is what one girl wrote about Civitan on FB and tagged Tymber and a bunch of people in The past week, I was at Civitan Youth Seminar which is absolutely without a doubt my favorite place to be. This year was by far my favorite year. I met so many amazing people that made me want to be a better person. It was a really hard school year for me mostly due to my own decisions to try to do too much. Civitan reminded me that it's okay to be imperfect so long as we're striving to be better. The people filled me with feelings of love, peace, and joy. This is a special shout out to you guys for helping me feel good. I am sure that there are many that I missed, but you are remembered and loved regardless. Thank you all for being such great examples to me!