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Program Lessons

Program Lessons, Staff, Stories

Former Big Buddy is Rocking It!

April 23, 2021

Lindsey Brown Kealy served as a Big Buddy for ASB more than 10 years ago working both with the Midtown Buddies program and later directing the Elk Meadow elementary program. Lindsey graduated from OSU Cascades with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and then went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching also from OSU Cascades. Her university work, as well as her experience teaching in public schools, helped her craft a curriculum, PAWSitive Choices, that integrates neuroscience, social and emotional learning, and problem solving into a program that helps children thrive. Lindsey is also the author of the PAWSitive Choices podcast.

PAWsitive Choices is a trauma-informed social and emotional learning curriculum that teaches children to make positive choices, solve problems collaboratively, learn from mistakes, and set goals. This system has the key components to help a classroom run smoothly: visual aids, problem solving, goal setting, data tracking, emotional regulation, and family communication. Teach students all these systems simply by reading Bear’s Amazing Brain, reference the easy-to-use implementation guide for support, and get families on board with the PAWsitive Choices Family Connections. The Home Edition of PAWsitive Choices helps students build and apply the social and emotional learning skills with their families.

We are looking forward to working more closely with Lindsey and putting her curriculum to work in various situations to improve the lives of students and families in Central Oregon. Already PAWSitive Choices has been put to work in 13 classrooms throughout the Bend Lapine School District.

Congratulations, Lindsey, on such a successful start to your company!

Buckingham Buddies, Program Lessons

Strong Girls Can Be Trustworthy

February 3, 2019

Girls from all of ASB’s programs have been focusing on a variety of character building lessons related to our acronym for S T R O N G. Starting out with Strong Girls Can Be SUCCESSFUL for 2019, all groups have complete lessons on being TRUSTWORTHY. Here are several images of girls learning about being trustworthy.

General Info, Opportunities, Program Lessons, THRIVE!, Volunteer

Fall Programs Are Starting Soon!

September 12, 2018

It’s that time of the year when parents start asking how their daughters can enroll in ASB.  Well – you’ve come to the right place! Online applications are posted for both the elementary and middle school program (“Thrive!”) so don’t delay. Look to the menu choice called PROGRAMS FOR 2018-19 and learn more about the program that best suits your needs.

Teen, college student and adult volunteer information is available on the GET INVOLVED page on the top menu. Lunch time high school clubs at MVHS, SUMMIT and BEND SENIOR HIGH start in October. Adult, college student and teen training sessions will too! Email Char at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com if you want to learn more and/or to be involved. We need lots of new and returning mentors! It’s a blast!

Fun, Program Lessons, THRIVE!

Great Presenters for “Strong Girls” 2018 Programs

June 12, 2018

It’s hard to believe that the school year programs have wrapped up already and now it’s time to look towards day camp in August. We had some really outstanding presenters at our programs this term. From Beth Palmer from COCC’s Vet Tech program to Peggy Fisher and friends from the US Forest Service teaching about electricity and how to make our own lamps – ASB girls learned about a variety of STEM/STEAM opportunities. We had so much fun week after week! Thank you  presenters!

Fun, Program Lessons, THRIVE!

Food, Glorious Food!

March 6, 2017

What middle schooler doesn’t love to create amazing artwork with food? Our own “Chef Suzanne” (culinary author Suzanne Landry) motivated the girls at Thrive! to eat from all of the colors of the rainbow.

Look at these beautiful faces showing off their colorful and nutritious platter of fruits and veggies!

Program Lessons

Winter STEM Activities for ASB Groups

March 6, 2017

It seemed like we would never get off and running this year but yes – all ASB groups are going strong now that most of the snow has melted.  The girls have had such a great time exploring positive self-esteem activities including a fun engineering lesson from Scigirls.org.  Researching, designing and building a simple robotic arm with basic kitchen items was a lot more fun than they thought! 

Buckingham Buddies, Fun, Program Lessons

Gratitude & Blessings for St. Patrick’s Day

March 28, 2016

All 3 ASB programs made special St. Patrick’s Day cards and treats for members or former members of our military branches.  We focused on the importance of experiencing and expressing gratitude for those who have served our country in various ways.  From special cards to making energy balls for local Veterans, the girls of ASB were indeed a blessing to many this winter!IMG_4788IMG_4792

Fun, Program Lessons, THRIVE!

Celebrate the end of Winter with Papa Murphy’s Pizzas!

March 28, 2016

Winter for the THRIVE! middle school group wrapped up with a super fun celebration of team competitions including making our own pizzas. Papa Murphy’s provided each of the girls with individual mini pizzas and all of the fixings.  They were marvelous! We thank the owners of the Bend Papa Murphy’s for their generosity in providing the best snack in the world!