Blog number 1
Today (the 16th of Oct) I pondered upon where I could embark my work placement assessment to satisfy my TAFE requirements. I choose to seek volunteer work from the Wollongong Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) as I have a strong will to work with youths and feel that the PCYC is an excellent establishment to attain such experience.
Today (the 16th of Oct) I pondered upon where I could embark my work placement assessment to satisfy my TAFE requirements. I choose to seek volunteer work from the Wollongong Police Community Youth Club (PCYC) as I have a strong will to work with youths and feel that the PCYC is an excellent establishment to attain such experience.
Around 2.30pm today I approached the Wollongong PCYC with my desire to be granted approval for volunteer or work placement within their respected organization. I was greeted by a man by the name of Paul McCaw. He relieved my stresses by confirming that many TAFE students have participated in volunteer work placement in the past. For this I was delighted.
Mr. McCaw presented me with a couple of compulsory forms that had to be filled in prior to my work placement. These forms included a police background check, personal information and a contact form. I was also required to present 100 points of identification. I achieved this through my drivers’ license and Medicare card.
Blog number 2
Today (21st of Oct) I received the much anticipated phone call from Wollongong PCYC. I was thankfully accepted as a volunteer, and am able to complete my work placement within their establishment. This afternoon I will drive to the PCYC, to finalize details and arrange the times that I will be able to offer my services.
Blog number 2
Today (21st of Oct) I received the much anticipated phone call from Wollongong PCYC. I was thankfully accepted as a volunteer, and am able to complete my work placement within their establishment. This afternoon I will drive to the PCYC, to finalize details and arrange the times that I will be able to offer my services.
LATER THAT DAY…
After discussing possible times in which I could complete my work placement. Mr. McCaw and I arranged for me to help supervise the Friday night drop in. Friday night drop in occurs every week with the PCYC opening its doors for youths to come in and enjoy the facilities. The Wollongong PCYC has amenities such as an open gym, basketball court, T.V, games and computer room and a boxing ring, as well as a large outdoor field in which teenagers can play football and other sports. Friday night drop in go from 6pm till 9pm and cost the youths $3 to participate, the cost also includes a sausage sizzle dinner and a bus ride home at the end of the evening. I look forward to the coming Friday as I will then begin my work placement.
Blog number 3
Tonight (24th Oct) I attended my first Friday night drop in at the Wollongong PCYC and I must say I had a wonderful time. I arrived at the club at approximately 5.30pm as requested by Mr. McCaw. I soon realized that my responsibilities were quite informal and relaxed. A supervising Police Officer Constable Darren Pulk was present throughout the night which came as no surprise. There were about 4 supervisors all up and I quickly noted the close relationship and trust that existed between the youths and the authority. It was apparent that everyone was there to have a good time in a calming and controlled environment. Strong personalities of some teenagers came across as what first could appear as confronting, though was well manage and eased over by the rapport that management had obtain with the youths. I could clearly see that the teens respected the PCYC and authority and vise versa.
After discussing possible times in which I could complete my work placement. Mr. McCaw and I arranged for me to help supervise the Friday night drop in. Friday night drop in occurs every week with the PCYC opening its doors for youths to come in and enjoy the facilities. The Wollongong PCYC has amenities such as an open gym, basketball court, T.V, games and computer room and a boxing ring, as well as a large outdoor field in which teenagers can play football and other sports. Friday night drop in go from 6pm till 9pm and cost the youths $3 to participate, the cost also includes a sausage sizzle dinner and a bus ride home at the end of the evening. I look forward to the coming Friday as I will then begin my work placement.
Blog number 3
Tonight (24th Oct) I attended my first Friday night drop in at the Wollongong PCYC and I must say I had a wonderful time. I arrived at the club at approximately 5.30pm as requested by Mr. McCaw. I soon realized that my responsibilities were quite informal and relaxed. A supervising Police Officer Constable Darren Pulk was present throughout the night which came as no surprise. There were about 4 supervisors all up and I quickly noted the close relationship and trust that existed between the youths and the authority. It was apparent that everyone was there to have a good time in a calming and controlled environment. Strong personalities of some teenagers came across as what first could appear as confronting, though was well manage and eased over by the rapport that management had obtain with the youths. I could clearly see that the teens respected the PCYC and authority and vise versa.
The Volunteer work that I was involved in had no defined schedule as the teens were content in occupying themselves within the PCYC. Some played basketball, while other watch movies, listen to music, used the exercising equipment, computer and boxing ring, or played games in the back field. I happily played basketball and chatted to Mr. McCaw and Constable Pulk.
At around 7.30 the sausage sizzle dinner was served and it was delightful. Following what some might call a feast was a dessert of a delicious doughnut. At 8pm, after the sun had set over the western mountain, fire sticks were produced and the back field was illuminated with laughter and youthful joy. At 8.30pm the main gym was opened and the teens hastily flooded the hall, took their shoes off and made use of the trampolines, climbing ropes, balancing bars, foam pits and other amusing apparatus’. I too, participated excitedly in what was a pleasurable conclusion to a fine evening. After the teens had departed the gym I, along with the other supervisors, remained to help clean up and make sure that there were no belongings left behind. I finished my first work placement at approximately 9.30pm and have completed 4 hours of work placement so far.
This coming Tuesday the PCYC has a program working with primary school students on ethnic and cultural relations. I will also help supervise this event which will commence at 1.30pm. I look forward to this opportunity. What I have learnt thus from my experience volunteering with PCYC is the enormously reputable service that the centre offers young people. The PCYC not only keep youths off the streets and away from the downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, but it also offers adolescents and place to socialize, learn new skills and have fun in a safe and monitored environment.
Blog number 4
Today (Tuesday 27th of Oct) I arrived at the PCYC at 1.30 equipped for my afternoon of enjoyable cultural education. Coniston Public School was present with student in grade 5 and 6 participating in various workshops and activities. As I arrived I was once again greeted by Mr. McCaw and Constable Pulk. Lunch was being served and the children were happily liaising with their infant companions. At around 2pm, Mr. McCaw and I set up a game of dodge ball for the youngster on the back field. There were 2 courts designated for the game and the students followed directions and behaved appropriately. The students were divided into 4 teams as there were two games being played at the one time. Constable Pulk, as well as teachers from Coniston Public School helped direct and advise the students on the rules of the game and helped to supervise the friendly competition. Mr. McCaw amusingly referred to the action as ‘organized chaos’ due mostly to the fact that their were so many kids running around, throwing and swerving the soft balls that their peers were hurling at them. The adult supervisors, myself included, calmly controlled the game and made sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and participating fairly. At about 2.15pm the teams switched playing fields in order to give the students some variety. The game finished at around 2.30pm. As the students formed lines and willfully listened to their teachers instructions I helped pack up equipment. All in all it was a fun experience that allowed the students to gain knowledge of rules and boundaries while partaking in healthy physical activity and team work. The afternoon finished at approximately 3pm with the students departing the PCYC on their school bus. I remained at the club until 3.30pm conversing with Mr. McCaw and Constable Pulk, and thanked them for the opportunity of volunteering at the PCYC. I enjoyed another educational and entertaining experience working with youths on constructive and positive programs.
Today (Tuesday 27th of Oct) I arrived at the PCYC at 1.30 equipped for my afternoon of enjoyable cultural education. Coniston Public School was present with student in grade 5 and 6 participating in various workshops and activities. As I arrived I was once again greeted by Mr. McCaw and Constable Pulk. Lunch was being served and the children were happily liaising with their infant companions. At around 2pm, Mr. McCaw and I set up a game of dodge ball for the youngster on the back field. There were 2 courts designated for the game and the students followed directions and behaved appropriately. The students were divided into 4 teams as there were two games being played at the one time. Constable Pulk, as well as teachers from Coniston Public School helped direct and advise the students on the rules of the game and helped to supervise the friendly competition. Mr. McCaw amusingly referred to the action as ‘organized chaos’ due mostly to the fact that their were so many kids running around, throwing and swerving the soft balls that their peers were hurling at them. The adult supervisors, myself included, calmly controlled the game and made sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and participating fairly. At about 2.15pm the teams switched playing fields in order to give the students some variety. The game finished at around 2.30pm. As the students formed lines and willfully listened to their teachers instructions I helped pack up equipment. All in all it was a fun experience that allowed the students to gain knowledge of rules and boundaries while partaking in healthy physical activity and team work. The afternoon finished at approximately 3pm with the students departing the PCYC on their school bus. I remained at the club until 3.30pm conversing with Mr. McCaw and Constable Pulk, and thanked them for the opportunity of volunteering at the PCYC. I enjoyed another educational and entertaining experience working with youths on constructive and positive programs.
Blog number 5
Here is some information that I have gathered and researched throughout my experience volunteering at the Wollongong PCYC. The first PCYC or ‘Police-Rotary Boys Club’ (as it was then known as) officially opened in Woolloomooloo, Sydney in 1937 and was set up in a disused Police Station as an initiative of the Rotary Club of Sydney and Police Commissioner William John Mackay. The clubs purpose was to provide a venue where boys could engage in healthy sporting, cultural and recreational pursuits, and mix in a safe, non-confrontational environment. It had a membership of 400 boys and facilities included a library with 3000 books, area for gymnastics, wrestling, physical culture, debating, and teams in the rugby league competition. In 1937 clubs had been established at Bega, Cooma, Cootamundra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Yass and Younge.
Here is some information that I have gathered and researched throughout my experience volunteering at the Wollongong PCYC. The first PCYC or ‘Police-Rotary Boys Club’ (as it was then known as) officially opened in Woolloomooloo, Sydney in 1937 and was set up in a disused Police Station as an initiative of the Rotary Club of Sydney and Police Commissioner William John Mackay. The clubs purpose was to provide a venue where boys could engage in healthy sporting, cultural and recreational pursuits, and mix in a safe, non-confrontational environment. It had a membership of 400 boys and facilities included a library with 3000 books, area for gymnastics, wrestling, physical culture, debating, and teams in the rugby league competition. In 1937 clubs had been established at Bega, Cooma, Cootamundra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Yass and Younge.
The Wollongong Police-Rotary Boys Club was first established in 1952. By 1985 the movement became known as the ‘Federation of Police Citizens Youth Clubs’ to reflect the provision of services for both males and females, despite female membership commencing many years prior to 1985. In 1995 the name was changed again to the ‘Police & Community Youth Clubs NSW Ltd’ or what we now know as the PCYC. Planning and programs reflected changing needs and the organization prepared to move forward into the next century.
In 2005 ongoing initiatives regarding resources, facilities and marketing were developed. The PCYC Board of directors approved a program to modernize the PCYC brand in 2006.
I was also able to disclose that Mr. McCaw currently pays APRA $450 per year for the rights to play music and video clips at the club. In addition the PCYC also undertakes a youth offenders program in which the juvenile justice system requires young offenders to contribute community service throughout the club as part of their punishment.
Blog number 6
In conclusion I volunteered for approximately 6 to 7 hours. It was a very inspiring and fun experience. I am pleased that I was able to complete my work placement with the Wollongong PCYC and feel that I have learnt some valuable lessons on how youths relate to authority. As the club is founded with the NSW Police department, all of the legal, ethical and OH&S issues are thoroughly documented within the organization. In order to volunteer with the PCYC you must abide by a respectable code of conduct and represent the club in a responsible manner.
In conclusion I volunteered for approximately 6 to 7 hours. It was a very inspiring and fun experience. I am pleased that I was able to complete my work placement with the Wollongong PCYC and feel that I have learnt some valuable lessons on how youths relate to authority. As the club is founded with the NSW Police department, all of the legal, ethical and OH&S issues are thoroughly documented within the organization. In order to volunteer with the PCYC you must abide by a respectable code of conduct and represent the club in a responsible manner.
I believe communication skills are imperative in all forms of work, and particularly important in regards to connecting with youths and people from other generations. Through this experience I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the PCYC and the programs that it offers. I am now strongly considering getting involved in more community and social development programs as I believe the skills and knowledge that you gain are invaluable.
I am also considering becoming a part time volunteer at the PCYC on a regular basis, because I enjoyed the experience so much. Mr. McCaw said that this was fine and that there is always room for extra help from volunteers.
Related Links
http://www.pcycnsw.org/_new/home.php?c=71
http://www.wollongongpcyc.org.au/
http://www.ballistics.websyte.com.au/
http://go.volunteer.com.au/users/org_profile_display.asp?LoginID=2420
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/swimming/leading-figures-backing-pcyc/1237234.aspx
http://www.communityguide.com.au/community.cfm?/wollongong/site/sportingclubs/dance/ballistics/contact/
http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&m=7848&ps=20&dm=1&pd=3
Related Links
http://www.pcycnsw.org/_new/home.php?c=71
http://www.wollongongpcyc.org.au/
http://www.ballistics.websyte.com.au/
http://go.volunteer.com.au/users/org_profile_display.asp?LoginID=2420
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/swimming/leading-figures-backing-pcyc/1237234.aspx
http://www.communityguide.com.au/community.cfm?/wollongong/site/sportingclubs/dance/ballistics/contact/
http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&m=7848&ps=20&dm=1&pd=3
