July 2 1:00 to 2:30 PM

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first walked through those super-locked doors. I wasn't sure if I would be approached with hostile and violent teenage boys or if they would be typical, goofy, and fun. I was promptly greeted by members of the 1010 class. I was impressed with their control and understanding of the situation. After a few minutes of waiting, the students came back into the classrooms. My fears were quickly replaced as I learned that the boys I worked with are easy-going and playful and definitely misunderstood. I think many of them recognize the seriousness of their choices while some are still learning that there are direct consequences for what they do.

I did feel that there were a few too many of us for the amount of boys and the 1010 students had everything under control. Each boy was working on a different packet, and it was obvious that a few of them did not want our help. For awhile I wandered the classroom and stopped when it looked like someone needed assistance. After some time I felt like I was hovering too much, and I know I have a hard time working when someone is hovering, so I backed off. Another volunteer and I ended up grading a few packets for most of the time.

The highlight of my time at the Weber Valley Detention Center came near the end. The 1010 volunteers play a game with the students for the last half hour every afternoon. This is a brilliant idea. It was obvious that those students were burnt out and bored, and they needed something to wake them up. The volunteers had them write down words the day previously and typed them up for a game of pictionary. Teams were quickly gathered and the vibe in the room quickly changed. I observed rather than participated in this activity, but I enjoyed seeing the relationships that all of the volunteers had developed with the boys and girls. It was obvious they both had mutual respect and understanding of each other. I hope by the end of this experience I have gained that same relationship!