GoOcean’s Second Annual Knott’s Berry Farm Event
GoOcean partnered up with Together As One, a non-profit or
ganization dedicated to help kids with autism, to host the Second Annual Knott’s Berry Farm Event. GoOcean members mentored and spent the day with autistic kids at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Set in the month of April, Autism Awareness Month, the event allowed several Sage Hill students to become more appreciative of their privileges. Besides mentoring the autistic children about friendship and leadership, members personally connected with each child and learned something new.
“I loved enjoying an experience with my buddy that I wouldn’t have met without the organization” said junior Hannah Leigh. “It inspired me to look beyond the label of autism.”
“I loved talking to Ethan, who was my buddy, because he was so smart and sweet. He knew all the states and capitals and knew a little bit of Spanish because he wanted to learn it. I felt like I learned something from him too and he was only 8,” Juliana Brandt, vice president of GoOcean, reflected.
“I feel that there’s a lot to learn from these kids in terms of the things that they appreciate,” junior Noah Cha added. “The event always seems to give me a sort of renewal, and I feel a lot happier after spending time with the kids and seeing them smile and laugh.”
Some autistic children do not get to go outside very much, and it meant a lot to the the children, their parents and Together As One that high school students took time out of their Saturday to spend time with the children.
Sophomore Noemi Garcia Rodriguez’s favorite part of the day was “seeing all the kids super happy that [GoOcean members] were there to spend the day with them.”
“I loved being able to see kids open up as the day progressed,” said Human Resources Dylan Strode about his fulfilling experience.
GoOcean’s purpose is to promote health, fitness and life-enhancing qualities to everyone through aquatic based activities as well as community service events. Opportunities, like the Second Annual Knott’s Berry Farm Event, benefit the community and also students’ leadership and communication skills.
If you are interested to learn about future events or would like to be part of the club, contact President Amanda Duong ([email protected]) or Vice Presidents Brandt ([email protected]) and Nico Collins ([email protected]). Follow @shs.go.ocean on Instagram for updates.
