For the past three years, our center has been hosting a series of intergenerational activities with Girl Scout Troop 1986.  Not only have these activities had a positive effect on our seniors, but the girls too have grown and become more comfortable here over the years.

Below, one of our wonderful Girl Scouts shares some thoughts on what this program means to her. Her words provide an interesting insight into how the kids’ perceptions have changed as a result of the time they’ve spent here. ( Plus, I love what she calls our seniors!)  Enjoy.

“Hi my name is Nikki G! I am a student at a local high school and while I participate in many activities, I am most proud of my community service as a Girl Scout. Here are some of my thoughts on our experiences with seniors at VNSNY.

My troop has been visiting the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center for the past three years. You can say we adopted the “seasoned classic VNSNY elders” since 5th grade. Before I went to VNSNY, the only seasoned classic people I was comfortable with were my grandparents. I thought the VNSNY elders would not understand a youth perspective. But after going to the center and talking with the seniors, my views have changed about them and they are “cooler” than I thought. I have a greater respect for seniors because I know that they went through a situation similar to my own and are always a source of advice.

What I like about coming to this Center is the excitement that I see in the seniors’ faces when we are visiting, how much fun they are having and talking with them about anything. My troop is planning a fun event this year for the seniors — a tea party, a talent show and an intergenerational, hands-on activity. The tea party will be a combination of fancy, fun and proper. We will showcase a new set of talents that the Girl Scouts have been practicing for several months. The hands-on activity is a surprise. We have also agreed to allow a local Cub Scout Troop to help us in this year’s activities. Can’t wait! SEE YOU SOON!”