Application 6.4

Strategies Assignment

Assignment:

Creating strategies (method, procedures or activities) is critical for planning- what will be your approach? The strategies explain how you will accomplish the work or satisfy needs of the program. Create a plan what you would do and how you would do it.

Example: 

Collectively, the REACH program allows for youth impacted by T1D to have fun, connect with others, and learn about diabetes management year-around. 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 have the opportunity to interact directly with college-age volunteers (many who also have T1D) on the college campus. With this, they can observe how the older individuals have successfully managed their diabetes while being away from 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 a 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, also held on a college campus, but using off-site locations as well. This special retreat is for young people with diabetes, who are 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 various critical thinking, technical skills and physical challenges. The activities will help campers develop attributes such as competence, family citizenship, responsibility, teamwork, friendship skills, and diabetes management. These skills will be attained through cooperative activities co-led by Weber State University and the University of Utah students and faculty. REACH Teen University will take place on campus.

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