Application 6.4

Strategies Assignment

Assignment:

Creating strategies (methods, procedures, or activities) is critical for planning—what will be your approach? These strategies explain how you will accomplish the work or satisfy the program’s needs. Create a plan detailing what and how you would do it.

Example:

Collectively, the REACH program allows youth impacted by T1D to have fun, connect with others, and learn about diabetes management year-round. The REACH program will encourage them to grow and develop certain psychological needs with each session they attend. Held on the Weber State University and University of Utah campuses, this program adopts the Camps on Campus model by utilizing campus recreation facilities. This adds a unique piece to medical specialty programs because youth participants can interact directly with college-age volunteers (many who also have T1D) on the college campus. With this, they can observe how older individuals have successfully managed their diabetes while away from their parents. This recreation-based program was created due to the gap in programming specifically for youth with diabetes. The Utah-based REACH program can positively impact hundreds of youth and their families. Plans for Utah-based REACH programming mirror our current services at our site in Virginia, and include three subprograms:

REACH Mini-Camp Monthly Programs:

The REACH monthly program is a community-based program for youth ages 6–18 with diabetes. Held on campus, this program will offer the opportunity for youth with T1D to participate in fun and exciting activities. The REACH monthly program offers opportunities to socialize with friends and speak to medical staff, recreation therapists, and college students. The REACH program will also share knowledge about proper nutrition and skills that assist in overcoming adversity. Although the program is designed for youth with diabetes, participants are encouraged to bring along a friend or sibling to join the fun.

REACH Family Day Camp:

The REACH Family Camp is an action-packed weekend held on a college campus, occasionally using off-site locations. This special retreat is for young people with diabetes, between the ages of 6 and 18, and their families (including parents, siblings, and/or grandparents). Because this is a family weekend, one adult from each family must attend with the child. The goals of the weekend are to learn more about diabetes self-care management and to share experiences with other families.

REACH Tween/Teen Camp:

The REACH Tween/Teen Camp promotes healthy lifestyles and focuses on competence, independence, and friendships for youth ages 11–17. Campers develop these outcomes through critical thinking, technical skills, and physical challenges. The activities will help campers to develop competence, family citizenship, responsibility, teamwork, friendship skills, and diabetes management. These skills will be attained through cooperative activities co-led by students and faculty from Weber State University and the University of Utah. REACH Teen University will take place on campus.

Your turn! What strategies will you utilize to implement your plan? How will you do it? (400 words).