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Quality
Programming
ROCK utilizes the Community Network for Youth Development for ensuring
that it is always providing the best quality youth development programs
possible. According to research, children will have a much higher
probability of reaching positive adult outcomes if they participate
in youth development focused programs. Specifically, the youth development
model focuses on five supports and opportunities that can be measured
by participants' experience. In creating or evaluating programs,
ROCK seeks to provide the following supports and opportunities to
its youth: Relationship Building, Skill Building, Safety, Youth
Participation and Community Involvement. ROCK's programs span the
entire year and are held during school hours, after school, Saturdays,
summer and special occasions.
In addition, the youth development model goes one step further by
identifying the links between these supports and opportunities and
the organizational practices necessary to support quality youth
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The nine organizational practice areas are as follows:
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Low youth to staff/volunteer ratios
- Safe, reliable, and accessible activities and spaces
- Flexibility in allocating available resources
- Range of diverse, interesting, and skill-building activities
- Continuity and consistency of care
- High, clear, and fair standards
- Ongoing, results-based staff and organizational improvement
process
- Youth involvement
- Community engagement
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Active
Learning
ROCK's model provides children with sports/fitness and outdoor
adventures activities that they don't ordinarily get to
experience. The following is a list of ROCK's active-based
programs:
Skill Drills
Skill Drills is a sports skill development program for boys
and girls in 1st-5th grade. These fun, introductory sports
clinics focus on three rotating sports including soccer,
basketball and volleyball during the school year. Each Skill
Drill series lasts for 6 weeks on consecutive Saturday mornings.
During each three-hour session, a program specialist assists
volunteers in leading participants through non-competitive
skill development exercises and team building activities.
Student Adult Leadership Training (SALT)
SALT is designed to provide ROCK's middle and high school
participants with new and challenging outdoor adventure
opportunities as well as community service activities. Like
Skill Drills, SALT is held for 6 weeks on consecutive Saturdays
during the fall, winter and spring.
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Overnight Camping
Throughout the year, ROCK takes all age participants on various
overnight camping trips. Example trips including whitewater
rafting, snowboarding and backcountry backpacking.
Martial Arts
During after school hours, ROCK provides martial arts training
for elementary/middle/high school participants. ROCK's black
belt instructor guides participants in martial arts where
they will learn new skills and the discipline necessary to
succeed in sports and life.
After School Recreation
Elementary and middle school participants are constantly provided
opportunities to participate in both sports and fitness activities.
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Academic
Support/Learning Enrichment
ROCK's model of success depends on its academic support/learning
enrichment programming to compliment its active-based learning.
In-School Programming
ROCK provides an in-school presence at public schools in Visitacion
Valley. Throughout the school day, ROCK provides several adult
learning assistants who provide classroom support in classes
needing extra attention.
After-School Programming
ROCK provides after-school programming for all public schools
in Visitacion Valley which includes two elementary and one
middle school. Programs vary per age group, and all are provided
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homework
assistance. For elementary school participants, in addition to academic
support, those who complete homework are treated to sports &
fitness and/or arts & crafts activities.
Service Learning/Volunteer
Throughout the year, high school participants are provided with
opportunities to volunteer/work time in various programs.
Summer Escape
Summer Escape is a five-week project based youth development
program that focuses on enriching activities such as cooking. Over
the course of the program, middle school participants manage a budget
and plan their activities on a week by week basis. Summer Escape
culminates with a camping trip.
Summer Go Camp
Summer Go Camp is a five-week program providing elementary school
participants with fun activities in San Francisco. Participants
will be treated to field trips as well as a session-long art project.
Visitacion Valley ROCK Beacon
The San Francisco
Beacon Initiative transforms public schools into youth and family
centers that become a beacon of activity for the surrounding neighborhood.
Drawing on the existing wealth in our communities, Beacon Centers
create pathways to lifelong learning through which young people
& adults can always find the next challenge or step in their
process of learning, growth, and development throughout a lifetime.
ROCK is the lead agency responsible for the Visitacion Valley Community
Beacon now know as the Visitacion Valley ROCK Beacon.
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