Created by YMCA program students in collaboration with Mel Forkner Lesher, Chris Bittner, Nancy Vicere and Marisa Vicere
Born: April 12, 2016
Communities are known for fostering a sense of belonging, cooperation, and collaboration—all of which help to create a healthy atmosphere filled with acceptance, appreciation and companionship. Strong communities offer courage, hope and harmony and often play a vital role in forming a support system for an individual.
TThrough a series of activities and discussions, participants explored the importance of community and how to be a better community member. They also considered ways to support one another to build communities that promote mental, emotional and physical well-being.
The YMCA of Centre County created four youth-size stompers named after the YMCA character development values: “Respect,” “Caring,” “Honesty,” and “Responsibility.” These four stompers were created by over 222 children throughout Centre County.
This project was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Be accountable for my choices of behavior, actions and promises.
A Video By:
Chris Wahlmark
"Responsibility"
"Caring"
The Process Behind The
Stompers Project
THE STOMPERS:
ABC's of KINDNESS
Appreciate
Be nice to others
Create something beautiful
Do the right thing
Encourage others
Forgive mistakes
Give compliments
Help someone in need
Include everyone
Join good causes
Kindness to all
Love
Make a new friend
Never brag
Open the door for someone
Please and thank you
Quite when others talk
Respect others and self
Share
Take turns
Understand
Volunteer
Write a letter
eXpect nothing
You're awesome!
Zero bullying
Members of the YMCA came together to discuss issues around our mental and emotional well-being, the benefits of community, and ways we can support one another through life.
Messages of hope and support were written on deconstructed sneaker parts to remind us what our communities have done for us and how we can be a better community member.
The pictures to the left provide a look at some of our discussions, activities and decorated pieces. Students participated in the game "Me Too," learned about ways to help in their community, and used art as a form of and relaxation.
The four youth-size Stompers were unveiled on April 12, 20156 at the YMCA Annual Dinner.
Heather Heckman
Jaron Cunrod
Keirsten Gibson
and the countless staff who participated
Chris Wahlmark, our videographer
Our Discussions:
What Community
Means To Me:
We asked participants what "community" means to them. Here are a few of their responses:
Demonstrate a sincere concern for others and for their needs and well-being.
Ways to get involved
Participants discussed ways they could get involved in the community. We were impressed with the ideas they came up with! Below are just a few.
"Honesty"
The YMCA of Centre County Stompers were made possible through the generous support of YMCA of Centre County members and Doug Zimmer. This project was also supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Special Thanks To:
Scott Mitchell
Marty Bradley
Adrienne Krasowitz
Thersa Mast
Jamie SanFilippo
Josh Cone
Kayla Scheibe
Treat others the way I want to be treated. Value the worth of every person, including myself.
A Big Thank You:
THE YMCA Character
Development Values:
Demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are keeping with my stated positions and beliefs. Tell the truth.
"Respect"
Our Artists:
Chris Bittner
Mel Forkner Lesher
Marisa Vicere
Nancy Vicere