Seniors and youth share experiences during free jamboree in Vancouver

Boom!, Oct 30, 2009

Contributed photo

A June jamboree in Vancouver, Wash., that brought together different generations included Addison Underwood, 13 (in glasses), and Jean Birch, 86 (far right). The event returns Nov. 14 to Vancouver Wesleyan Church.

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Seniors and teens are invited to get together at the Vancouver Wesleyan Church at 5621 N.E. 78th St. in Vancouver, Wash., during a free jamboree Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be the second installation of a Vancouver-area event called “Where the Yellow Brick Road Meets Memory Lane,” which started in June to bring together seniors citizens and young teens to share experiences, create a sense of family and generate vitality.

Members of each group – young people ages 10 to 15 and adults 55 and older – discovered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the other generation from their participation at the first gathering in June.

“I learned that though we are different, our times aren’t any harder nor easier,” said Addison Underwood, 13. “The older generation has gone through a lot that we can learn from, and we younger teens share the same feelings as the older generation.”

Said Jean Birch, 86, “We’re not too different from the teenagers. The younger generation is very capable of taking over from here.”

The day’s schedule, during which seniors and youths are paired up, is divided into two parts with lunch served in between. The first half includes a game of sharing with thought-provoking questions like “What has been the best day of your life so far?” and “Tell about a time when you laughed uncontrollably.”

The second half features a not-so-average scavenger hunt and creative project. Participants search through magazine clippings for an image representing influential words such as “courage,” “love” and “power,” then share how the image they chose embodies the meaning of that word and build a collage.

The event is sponsored in part by Orchard’s Village, Vancouver Wesleyan Church and donations from the community.

Call 1-360-624-2700 for more information, including volunteer information or to register yourself or someone you know to attend.

Also find “Where the Yellow Brick Road Meets Memory Lane” through Facebook online at www.causes.com/yellowbrickmemorylane.