This evening I was scheduled to help out with youth gymnastics/tumbling classes. Going forward, assisting with the gymnastics classes will be part of my regular responsibilities. I have never taught gymnastics, nor have I participated in gymnastics, so this will be a valuable learning experience all around. 
So, I was statusing with my mentors when there was a loud alarm that sounded indicating an audit was taking place at the pool.  An audit is conducted to ensure that the lifeguards are paying close attention to what is going on in the pool and ensure everyone's safety. All staff members are required to respond to the audit/emergency.  I followed all of the management staff into the pool area, where the "victim" had already been pulled from the water and CPR procedures had been started. Everyone who responds is required to put on latex gloves for protection and they are to participate in the counting exercise for CPR. It is a total-team effort and they did not "call" the drill until the they were satisfied and several people had a chance to perform CPR.  I am hoping to get certified to respond soon, I would like to go through the proper training so I feel more comfortable when responding.

The rest of the evening went by quickly with three gymnastics classes. This week was much more orgainized, as the regular instructor was back. It is quite a challenge to engage the attention of 2-6 year olds for 30-45 minutes. At times they can get pretty roudy and can lose focus very quickly. However, I am enjoying the classes and getting to know the children by name and what their abilities are.

Today was my first official day of my internship at the Delaware Community Center YMCA. My mentors were out of the building for a meeting early in the afternoon, so I spent the time learning the front desk reception area and the computer system. The employees at the desk were very friendly and patient as I adjusted and asked questions.

After everyone returned from the meeting I was briefed on a recent decision to cancel classes the next day due to a City Observed Holiday. The Delaware County Fair and The Little Brown Jug Harness Race would be held the next day. Because of the popularity of the event, all schools, banks and public offices are closed that day. Most members would be busy with the race or enjoying the day off, so the decision was made to cancel all group classes for the day. I was assigned a roster of students to contact in the event they had missed the email communication that was sent out.

After the phone calls were made, my shift was over for the day.  Only three hours, but very busy.

I have to say that I was extremely nervous to start my new position. I have worked at the same company for the last 18 years and usually feel very confident and familiar with the enviornment.  It is also a very surreal experience to be the one taking direction and seeking out new experiences, as opposed to providing them. I am a senior member of my management team at my regular job, and every summer I am assigned an intern. It is very challenging to be the intern and not have confidence or familiarity with the environment.  I will take this one day at a time!

This afternoon was my first meeting at the Delaware Community Center YMCA with my mentors Jeremy and Erin. Jeremy is the Senior Director of Youth & Adult Sports and Erin is the Sports Coordinator. I contacted Jeremy through a mutual friend and he invited me to come in and discuss a mentorship opportunity with the YMCA.

There was no formal interview process, so we spent time reviewing the requirements of the mentorship and what my role would be interning at the YMCA. I will be assisting with various projects and activities throughout the YMCA, mostly with youth sports. I should have an opportunity to work with some of the other members of the management team and interact with the staff. I will also be assigned one or more projects to complete over the course of the internship. Also, because of extended hours from my day-job I will be working only a limited number of hours each week at the YMCA. Erin and Jeremy are willing to be flexible with my scheduling. And although it will take me longer to complete the internship than normal, I feel the experience will be just as valuable. So there will probably be many more weekly posts than most internships.

I am looking forward to getting started next week!