A year-round, community-oriented program aimed at incentivizing good behavior through rewards.
Program Info
Our after school/summer program for kids age 12 and up.
Overview
Most parents agree that all kids need attention, but when they reach 12/13 years old, they balk at being sent any place that resembles child care.
To address this group of young people, AOK organized the VolunTeens which, in effect, pays the kids to attend. Rewards are earned for hours worked.
Originally, VolunTeens were active only during the summer and the teens were put to work helping group leaders and in food service. Participation grew quickly and soon needs of youth with various talents and interests needed to be accommodated.
Reminder: There is no daily charge to participate in the VolunTeen program.
Service Learning
Year round, VolunTeens are encouraged to lend a hand with supervised service learning projects in which the teen can earn rewards while helping adults. Assistance to senior citizens is a regular activity, and VolunTeens also are responsible for maintenance of city-owned landscape plantings, setting up the Christmas lights on the square for the Downtown Association and other activities suggested by the youth. They love walking the dogs at the dog pound.
AOK’s service learning projects include a structured reflection period to emphasize the rewards of volunteerism and community service.
During Summer
When school is out for the summer, Nathan’s Place has a full schedule of activities Monday through Friday (10am–6pm) for the VolunTeens in addition to service projects. Swimming, movies, bowling and visiting nursing homes are some favorites. In late summer, the VolunTeens and their families are invited to Awards Night, a celebration with food and games and the participants are presented with their chosen rewards as well as awards such as VolunTeen of the Year.
During School Months
When school is in session, VolunTeens are welcomed to Nathan’s Place daily after school (3–6pm). Time is set aside for homework and tutoring, after which the kids can enjoy basketball, billiards, exercise equipment, and video games as well as a variety of board games. Internet activity is restricted and electronically supervised.
Extra activities
VolunTeens are encouraged to participate in character education classes, health and nutrition classes, Worth the Wait Training©, vocational career classes, along with other various events and projects.
Location
Nathan's Place
Located on the Lamar Square, Nathan's Place has a full kitchen, basketball court, computer/game room, laundry services, and more!
Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday
10am–5:30pm
Daily Dinner
We partner with Ozarks Food Harvest, the Good Samaritan, and local volunteers to provide healthy meals and snacks to at-risk children.
Ozarks Food Harvest
A food bank serving 28 southwest Missouri counties. The Feeding America® member provides healthy meals and snacks to at-risk children while teaching the importance of good nutrition and food safety.
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The Good Samaritan
A non-profit organization that provides free and reduced-cost food, clothes and household items to eligible residents of Barton County, Missouri. Also known as Lamar Area Christian Ministries.
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All snacks include
8 oz of 1% milk
or
7 oz of 100% fruit juice
&
One serving of grain or protein
All meals include
8 oz of 1% milk
&
Two vegetables
(3/4 cup each)
or
One vegetable & one fruit
(3/4 cup each)
+
One 2 oz serving
of protein
&
One serving of grain
Non-discrimination statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online by clicking here, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - Fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - Email:
program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Enroll Now
Download our enrollment PDF below to get started.
About Us
Learn about our history, team, and more.
Our Story
About Our Kids, Inc. (AOK) started as BCAWS Summer Camp in 1999 to provide affordable and progressive childcare for school age children while school was out for the summer.
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Staff
Our staff is trained to address risky behaviors and emotional/mental issues, such as cutting, self-mutilation, depression, ADHD, Asperger syndrome, and more.
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