Refugee Youth provides opportunities and experiences for partnering with refugee families to foster stable relational support for youth in our community.
Kids flourishing in community
Friends of Refugees’ Youth supports the overall health and well-being of students in Clarkston through relational support and out-of-school programs in pursuit of community flourishing. Summer Youth Experience, our largest program, is a 7-week program at the Jolly Avenue Garden, where kindergarten through 5th grade students participate in sports and games, reading, art, gardening, and other enrichment activities. Built within Summer Youth Experience is our Counselor-in-Training program, wherein 6th-12th grade students develop leadership skills and support their younger peers alongside volunteers and staff.
“A friend introduced me to Friends of Refugees, and I served as a counselor during the Summer Youth Experience. Once I am finished with college, I want to come back here and keep caring for this community. I want everyone to know how smart, resilient, and loving everyone is here.”
– Mawi, Summer Youth Experience Counselor
Opportunities to Connect
Throughout the year, Friends’ supports youth flourishing through seasonal festivals, family based community gatherings, and weekly health focused programs. Our community events and activities reflect the belief that abundance occurs within relationships. We partner with whole families for community health and flourishing by creating safe spaces for children and families to celebrate and connect.
Programs
Through summer and semester based activities, we seek to come alongside our community’s families as they seek to strengthen their support of one another.
Volunteering
Summer Youth Experience
Group Volunteers
• Recruit a group of 8-12 volunteers for 4 days
• Provide (total estimate of $1,000) and serve daily lunch for 4 days
• Ability to be active outdoors for duration of day
• Support student participation
• Personally participate in sports, games, art, gardening, reading, and other activities required
Activity Session Leader
Lead specialized activity for 40-60 youth for one or more days of SYE for approval by Staff (activities may include sports coaching, crafts & arts, gardening, or other enriching activities).
• 18 or older
• Possess special skill, knowledge, or resources to propose and lead specialized activity
Crossfit Youth
Transport 5-15, 6-12 grade students from Friends of Refugees’ Jolly Avenue Garden to CrossFit Liminal (5 minute drive) and back again.
Encourage and support student engagement with CrossFit and commitment to team values of: Respect, Trust, Team, Humility.
Participate in workouts alongside students.
Schedule
4:45pm-6:30pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays (one or both)
Basic Qualifications
• 22 or older
• Capacity to drive 15 passenger van required
Our Partners
