The VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center had an Intergenerational Day with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Daisies this week.  It’s wonderful to see how they’ve grown, matured and opened their hearts to seniors since starting at our center years ago.

Victoria, who did an amazing job planning the day of activities, presented about their experience at the American Society on Aging Conference in Washington D.C. in March. She spoke about the Girl Scouts responses the first year they were scheduled to come – “What’s the point, they’re old” or “What do they do that would interest me?” She talked about how the immediate, positive feedback from the seniors at the first event, encouraged them to want to come back. Now, they talk about how interesting it is to hear the seniors’ personal histories, and they love the joy they see in the seniors faces when they’re with them.  “I enjoyed seeing the glow on their faces. It was very moving because I felt like I had helped bring joy to their day.” Victoria summed up their experience by expressing how the girls now feel a sense of community at the Day Center.

This year’s event included making in-home activity kits for home-bound seniors in Queens VNSNY CHOICE and a talent show.    We’re so grateful for their contributions to our center and we’re already looking forward to next year! Thanks to Girl Scout Troop 1986, Cub Scouts Den Two Pack 5 Bears and Daisy Troop 2552!