Alliance Hall of Allentown
Title: Alliance Hall Summer Program: Supporting Youth Through Community and Connection
Student Interns:
Leyla Celik
DeSales University, Medical Studies, Physician Assistant Program
Regan Haley
DeSales University, Medical Studies, Physician Assistant Program
Rowan Stephens
DeSales University, Medical Studies, Physician Assistant Program
Academic Preceptor:
Tricia Bernecker, PhD, RN
DeSales University
Community Preceptor:
Tina Amato, MS, LDN, RD
Nutrition and Physical Activity Manager
Allentown Health Bureau
Community Site:
Alliance Hall is a five-week summer program for children aged 7 to 13 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It operates out of Central Elementary STREAM Academy and aims to provide a safe place for children to go during the summer. They are fed a nutritious breakfast and lunch, partake in crafts, playground activities, and swim in Mack Pool.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps interns helped the children receive healthy breakfasts and lunches and stay safe on the playground. They encouraged creativity and accompanied the children on the bus to the pool each day. They helped the children work through friendship conflicts, develop swimming abilities, partake in competitive games, and listened to and supported things the children shared about their lives. In addition, the BTG interns created an oral health presentation to better inform the youth about dental hygiene and how it affects whole body health. Using puppets, prizes, and fun trivia, the interns helped campers engage in exciting learning.
Reflections
My experience at Alliance was filled with many great memories but also some challenges. From the first day to the last, I learned so much about working with children and building relationships with them. Each child is truly unique in a great way, and they all bring their own ideas to the world. I loved getting to know each of them and playing games with them. Although some days we struggled with anger and communication, I learned to be supportive through those times and really understand them. Overall, this summer was a great learning experience for me.
Leyla Celik
I had a student who turned to violence against himself and others when he was frustrated. He told me that his father said, ‘If someone hits you, you hit them back.’ At this time, I realized that the cycle of violence starts at a young age and will keep continuing unless changes are made. One day, I told him to squeeze my hands as hard as he could and then talk about himself. He immediately calmed down. Through this, I learned that there are coping strategies that can be utilized with children to help them deal with their anger in ways that are not harmful. I’m glad I had this experience because I learned that using patience and communication can help de-escalate a situation, and I hope that I passed that on to my campers as well.
Regan Haley
During my time at Alliance Hall Summer Program, I had an impactful experience while speaking to a camper regarding her home life. This information provided me with insight into children each having their own unique stories and challenges that are not always visible. This encounter strengthened my ability to listen with empathy, respect personal boundaries, and communicate with compassion. [As I work] towards becoming a future physician assistant, this reinforced the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment where people feel heard and supported.
Rowan Stephens
