After our shift, we got a tour from an MFS alumni from 2019. She showed us around the village and all the different attractions the kids get to experience. She also showed us places where we might be volunteering later in the week. Seeing everything really put into perspective how much work goes into making this place so special for the kids and their families. A moment that stood out today was seeing how excited the kids were just to be there and how happy the families looked. It made waking up early and working feel really worth it.
Our second day in Florida started early. We met up at 6:50 so we could be ready to start our morning shift at Give Kids the World at 7:30. When we got there, we split into different sections. Some people were washing dishes, some were passing out drinks, some were serving food, and others were helping kids carry their trays and find a place to sit. It was honestly really nice being able to help families in small ways, even just by doing something like handing them a drink or helping clean up so they didn’t have to worry about it.
After our shift, we got a tour from an MFS alumni from 2019. She showed us around the village and all the different attractions the kids get to experience. She also showed us places where we might be volunteering later in the week. Seeing everything really put into perspective how much work goes into making this place so special for the kids and their families. A moment that stood out today was seeing how excited the kids were just to be there and how happy the families looked. It made waking up early and working feel really worth it.
After the tour, we headed back home and had a few hours to relax before our night shift. Some people sunbathed, some took naps, and others ate and just chilled. Then we all met back up around 4:50 and headed back for our 5:30 shift. This time, some people worked in the castle helping kids get their stars and wishes, some worked in the café serving food and drinks and cleaning dishes again, while others supervised kids while they played mini golf and helped them when they needed it. Something that surprised us today was how many different jobs there are there and how every job, even the small ones, helps make the kids experience better.
After our shift, we went to Wawa for a night snack/dinner run. When we got back, we cooked, watched a show together, while relaxing and laughing. It was a really long day, but a good one.
Tomorrow we’re all really looking forward to Halloween night with the kids and handing out the bags that we made before we came to Florida. I think it’s going to be really special and probably one of the best nights of the trip.