The newly founded youth program Codename: S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. (Simply teAching The yoUth moRal Decent vAlues todaY) is an extension of Joseph’s Basketball & Bible Camp. Codename S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. runs through the school year every Saturday 3pm-7:30pm, from mid-September to mid-May. In continuing the mission of Joseph’s Basketball & Bible Camp, Codename: S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. provides a safe and fun environment for the youth on Saturdays while also providing them guidance through the teaching of Bible-based morals. While J.B.B. has been successfully run for 11 years providing for the youth throughout the summer, it seemed a disservice to the youth to only be available for them during the summer months of the year.

After much prayer and preparation, Codename: S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. began on September 20, 2014. The program began slowly with only a few participants and 2-4 volunteer staff. Since its beginning, S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. has successfully catered to over 60 youth from Wilkinsburg and surrounding neighborhoods. S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. offers a range of recreational activities – basketball, video games, board games and more – which has involved youth from J.B.B. as well as newcomers.

In addition to recreational activities, each week we view an entertaining film with a Bible-based moral theme. Before each film, we engage in discussion and/or an interactive activity based upon the theme of the film. For example, we viewed the animated film Epic with the theme of trust and co-dependence. Before the film, we did an exercise called “Mine Field” during which one person from each of several 2-person teams remains at one end of the room verbally directing their blindfolded partner through an obstacle course towards the other end of the room. Everyone had a lot of fun and in the process learned valuable life-lessons of trust, communication skills, and responsibility in helping others.

Through KEYS Service Corps (a branch of AmeriCorps), PittServes, and church members there has been a consistent group 3 or more volunteers to assist in running the youth program. The staff has been very helpful engaging with the youth, and providing for them a fun and safe environment. Additionally, snacks, hot meals, prizes, and gifts have been provided for the youth throughout the program by generous donations from the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, church members, and various sponsors. S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. has been a great experience for both staff and youth. Even through the winter months, youth pressed their way: walking through the blizzard of snow and cold weather to attend our S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. program, and staff were present to serve them each time.

With your support, we purpose to continue forward with Codename: S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. and Joseph’s Basketball & Bible Camp in loving memory of Joseph Arrington. Thank you to everyone for your past, present and future support which assists in us providing for the youth: for the youth are our future; without the youth there is no future.

Codename S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y.

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