Happy Monday, CAN Crew!
As the weather (hopefully...maybe...someday...) warms up and more of our friends and family get vaccinated, our family has been enjoying being outdoors and finally seeing loved ones who weren't in our "COVID pod" in-person for the first time in over a year. Sometimes this inkling of normalcy gives me hope and energy. I am fueled by being able to imagine I won't have to Zoom as often or that we can end the stir-crazy haze of trying to keep our busy almost 2 year old entertained in a tiny apartment in the cold Michigan winters in a pandemic.
But sometimes, knowing all of this was our reality for the last year drains me. I feel less motivated to work because I want to go play outside or, now that our lives are picking up as we break free of our isolation, we don't have as much time to squeeze in all of the items on our wish list or to-do list and something has to get pushed back or unaccomplished.
Whether you are feeling energized or drained, what motivates you in your work or personal life?
For me, I am feeling propelled by the sunshine and hope of seeing all of my coworkers in-person again sometime soon. It helps me to see CAN-in-action instead of through a computer screen. With summer camp coming up, I am thrilled for this year's theme, physical and emotional wellness, because it is so incredibly fitting. The structure will be a little different, but it will be perfect for the season we are in and one thing I am so proud of is our team's hard work and adaptability through all of this.
What is bringing you life right now? Share in the comments!
We visited family for the first time in over a year this past weekend (everyone old enough was vaccinated) and Sam got a stomp rocket as an early birthday present. He kept trying and trying and finally got the rocket to fly. "Sammy did it!!!" - he was so proud.
KEEP GOING, CAN CREW! We might not always get the rocket to fly, but each attempt moves us closer to success.
Highlights
This is the last month of After School Program before we take a brief hiatus to prepare for Summer Camp. Many of us are tired and ready for the school year to end, but our CAN team is helping bring life into this season for the kiddos with fun projects and low-pressure ways families can engage just for fun or to blow off some steam. We truly are being the community that everyone needs-- especially in this time.
In other words, you are all doing an amazing job.
Your hard work is seen and appreciated!
Announcements
Next All Staff Fun Day is May 21 at 2pm - We're crossing our fingers this might be outdoors and in-person. Stay tuned!
The official last day of ASP across all of CAN is May 27, but please check with your site director to see if this end date is different at your specific CAN location.
CAN is closed on Memorial Day, May 31
Upcoming Summer Dates:
Summer Director Training is June 7 & 8 - More details to come for those to whom this applies
Summer Program Facilitator Training is June 14-18 - More details coming soon!
CAN Educational Summer Camps: June 21 - July 29
CAN is closed July 2
YouthWorks: July 12 - August 12
Tips & Tidbits
CAN Google Calendar
Check our Google Calendar to see what's happening at CAN! Find the link on www.can-academy.org/staff-resources and click the "CAN Calendar" icon.
Each CAN location has its own Google Calendar as well. Email the site director to get access and see what's happening on each site's individual level. You can find each director's email on www.canwashtenaw.org/staff or various links found on the CAN Academy Staff & Intern Resources page (linked above). We love to hear from you!
How do I become a CAN Academy Member to comment on these posts?
Click the little profile icon in the upper right hand corner of the website header
Sign Up with your email and create a password
Your request will be approved and you can go into your CAN Academy profile to update the information
Make your profile "public" so you can add comments below
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments (or highlights, announcements, etc.), please email Katie at klampen@canwashtenaw.org.