Torch Club members began this process by first engaging in several activities that open their eyes to this terrific generation. One activity included listening to different musical selections that expressed the need for tolerance. After that, they wrote down how the words of the songs made them feel. One song, in particular by India Arie called "Better People," discussed if old people would talk to young people and vice versa that it would make us a better people all around. Members realized they had a lot to offer seniors. They could teach them about technology as well as provide them with a new friend. Seniors in turn could be an invaluable resource of wisdom for Torch Club members. The song also quoted the words of Mahatma Gandhi "Be the change you want to see in the world." Torch Club members began to relate those ideologies to their own lives. Activities such as these helped increase members desire to communicate with the senior citizens as well as increasing their understanding and compassion for this special group of people.

Members of Torch Club initiated the contact by introducing themselves through a letter. The group worked on their writing skills as well as tapped into their artistic side by drawing pictures for their pen pals. In their first letter, members wrote about themselves, their family and their favorite things. The senior citizens responded in the same fashion. Overall in the program there was an exchange of four letters. There was much excitement generated from Torch Club members when they received a letter from his or her pen pal. Members gained a sense of fun and happiness getting to know someone they had never met before.

The Pancake Breakfast at Lake Senior Center was a huge success. When the Torch Club members first arrived they were formally introduced to their pen pals. Immediately they sat down and took the opportunity to get to know each other face to face. Smiles were seen all across the room. Both groups were equally elated to finally meet each other. On this day pen pals exchanged gifts, played the Wii with one another, ate a pancake breakfast, bonded and talked about life in general. Torch Club members learned interesting facts like when the seniors were younger girls were not allowed to play sports and the fact that everyone's food had to be rationed. Bria B. stated "We take a lot of things for granted. Seniors have experienced so much and have a lot of knowledge that they can share with us." The pen pal program not only made a connection between generations but also improved reading, writing and illustration skills for Torch Club Members. Torch Club members plan to continue to write their pen pals and build strong, long lasting relationships.

The following Torch Club Members participated in the pen pal program:

Meena B.
Nikole L.
Bria B.
Jessica M.
Kyndol C.
Mia L.
Maia C.
Emily N.
Cynthia C.
Patrick N.
Amanda F.
Valerie N.
Lesly G.
Elaine Q.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GARDEN GROVE
For more than 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (www.bgcgg.org) have been a positive influence in young lives while playing an integral role in the Garden Grove community. Striving to help children and teens succeed, the Boys & Girls Clubs provide hope and opportunity through after-school programs and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, today 57 Clubs and programs serve over 5,000 young people from Diapers to Diplomas, ages 18 months-18 years old on a daily basis. The Clubs offer programs in character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation. Our family programs such as REACH For Literacy, Family & Youth Outreach Program (FYOP), ARCHES (Access to Resources for Children's Health, Education and Support), and the Truancy Reduction Program (TRC) expand our services to ensure that the needs of the whole child are met. Our Mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.