Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Title: Little Voices, Lasting Impact: A Summer at Oakbrook
Student Interns:
Semilayo Agbejule
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Academic Preceptor:
Holly Metzgar, DO, FACOG, NCMP
Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health
Community Preceptor:
Jordan Rodriguez
Director of Programs, Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Community Site:
The Olivet Boys & Girls Club is a cornerstone of the community, committed to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of youth through comprehensive educational support, after-school programming, and mentorship opportunities. The organization plays an essential role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for children, particularly those from underserved communities. During the summer, the club hosts a structured day camp that offers engaging activities for children while providing parents with reliable and supportive childcare options.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern was placed at the Oakbrook location of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in Reading, PA. Assigned to the 6-8 age group, the intern worked closely with club staff to support daily programming and activities. The intern delivered an engaging oral health presentation, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene and the consequences of neglecting oral care. In addition to classroom support, the intern assisted during field trips to Blue Mountain Camp and helped facilitate art projects. Through these experiences, the intern developed meaningful relationships with the children and gained valuable insight into how socioeconomic factors can significantly influence a child’s overall health and well-being.
Reflections
“At the start of my internship at Olivet Boys and Girls Club, I felt understandably nervous. The summer camp had already been in session for a week, and a structured routine was firmly in place. However, my apprehension quickly faded within the first 10 minutes of arriving. From the camp leaders to the camp director, I was warmly welcomed by staff, and the children were quick to embrace me as part of their environment. Throughout my time with the 6–8 age group, I had the opportunity to form genuine connections with many of the campers. I learned about their weekend activities, summer trips, family dynamics, and who they were as individuals. These conversations offered me valuable insight into how socioeconomic challenges can directly impact a child’s development and access to care. Interning at Olivet this summer has been a deeply meaningful experience. It reaffirmed my commitment to serving children, especially those from underserved and underprivileged communities, and further fueled my passion for making a lasting impact in their lives.”
Semilayo Agbejule