Cheer and Sports Recap

Via West just held its first children's weekend of the summer, and participants had a blast! After checking in on Friday morning, participants split up to learn cheer routines and to practice shooting hoops for the big tournament on Sunday. Everyone worked super hard and was then treated to a movie night on campus to relax and hang out with friends.

On Saturday, we practiced, practiced, practiced, and we ended the day by tearing it up on the dance floor with the "Athlete's Ball." Sunday was the culmination of everyone's hard work with the Cheer & Sports Tournament. The cheerleaders performed 3 flawless routines and were given pom poms to take home. 15 teams played 3 on 3 basketball games and were given souvenir basketballs. Everyone was awarded a ribbon and went home tired but happy!

Cruise Away Recap

Via West treated participants this session to a fantastic and fun-filled "cruise" complete with games, a casino night, luau, and, of course, a lot of time spent lounging in the pool. Participants took an exciting field trip to the Kaiser Famer's Market to buy lots of lush produce which was later used to make delicious smoothies.

  

On Friday, 17 more participants came on board for the weekend. They joined in on Polynesian Bingo, a camp out under the stars, a disco, and everyone's favorite: the talent show.

We took a second field trip to Golfland USA where everyone was able to try for a hole in one. The rest of the day was spent trying to earn as many tickets as possible in the arcade!

For more picures, please visit our Facebook Page!

CSI Week Recap

Via West kicked off the summer with CSI week from June 4-10th. After a rain filled check in day, the skies cleared and our participants had a blast soaking up some sun and lounging by the pool. Last week was not all rest and relaxation, however. Our participants were put to work learning all of the finer points of crime solving! We took fantastic field trips to the Monte Vista fire station and the West Valley Sheriff's Department, where local firefighters and police officers allowed participants to sit in and on the fire engines and police cars!



The energy soared throughout the week as each group rotated to different activities particular to the day. Two of the biggest highlights were the "Good Guys and Bad Guys" dance on the sports court and the Live Clue game where participants and staff traipsed through the 13 acre Via West Campus searching for clues and solving crimes.



On Friday, we were joined by 9 participants eager to join in on the weekend fun of CSI week. We learned how to make protein rich smoothies, how to outline bodies with chalk, and how to cast footprints like the professionals. Saturday night was the all important talent show where everyone was able to get up and show off their singing and dancing skills.

Sessions 1 and 2 are in the books and now it is time to Cruise Away with Sessions 3 and 4!

Via West Summer Officially Under Way

Nurse interns arrived at Via West Campus eager to begin training on May 29^th.  Nursing students will complete an eleven week community health nursing curriculum at Via West this summer. Adding an extra layer of care for participants with medical issues, the internship also increases the pool of nurses who are comfortable and competent meeting the special needs of children, teens, and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.

 Nurse Interns

75 other counselors, volunteers, unit directors, program staff, and health care staff arrived on May 31^st for general staff training. Led primarily by Director Leslie Davis and Associate Director and Health Care Manager Sandy Keefe, the training will lasted four days and encompassed everything from behavior management to special diets and independent living skills. There was a parent panel where the staff had the opportunity to meet with current Via West participants and their parents and learn firsthand the type of expectations our families have when they come to our programs.

All Staff

The first Via West session begins today, June 4^th, and the excitement of the staff is high. “Our staff is amazing – so flexible – so loving – but above all really smart,” says Via West Director Leslie Davis. “We are very lucky!”