Future Builders Blog

I would recommend this program to other parents because I think Future Builders is an excellent program for children to develop their leadership skills,learn the importance of saving the environment and an opportunity for them to meet other students throughout the Midsouth.  They have many activities that teach the children they are leaders. I witnessed during the Summer Camp finale a demonstration how the students develop a presentation on what they learned during the two week period.My daughter's class discussed how they should take care of earth and teach others about doing the same. I can not say she could have gotten that experience somewhere else.  Also, she had the opportunity to go camping with the group. That was her first time camping and she talked about the fun she had. Even when she was a girl scout she did not have the experience of camping.  I believe children should have a well rounded life and Future Builders contributes to that life.

Jennifer Walker-Young, Proud Future Builders Parent

I would recommend this program to other students is because Future Builders offers a fun and creative way to save our Earth and community! Also I would recommend this program to other students because it gives my peers a purpose in life.

 Mackenzie Walker, Future Builders Leadership Team Member

Hi!

My son, Liam, has been participating in Bridges activities since attending camp last summer. Now, he is a member of the Future Builders Leadership Team. In the time in between, I have seen him grow in confidence and awareness. Through Bridges Liam has met many new people and made new friends. He has enjoyed lots of different activities and gained insights into the reality of life in Memphis, a city we all love and care about.

Today we face many challenges, both globally and locally. The activities at Bridges and the values from which they are derived are vital. They are great starting blocks for our children and building blocks for all of us!

Thanks Bridges!

Kieran,  -Parent of Future Builders Leadership Team Member.

My son has developed a sense of compassion through his involvement with BRIDGES. He is able to recognize that without a team effort, it is hard to accomplish a GROUP project. Basically he now knows that there is no I in TEAM. He is an excellent TEAM PLAYER since he began his involvement as an eager Future Builder. As a parent I have noticed that the diversity of the program enhances the children to better understand that although they are culturally indifferent they still can share the same viewpoints, ideas, likes, dislikes. And most important of all they can WORK TOGETHER in spite of their indifferences.

--Future Builder Parent

My daughter became involved in Future Builders during summer camp of ’09. Every day she had a new adventurous story to tell. She met diverse people from different walks of life.  She learned what it really meant to be a team player. Bridges summer program was a breath of fresh air.  The Future Builders Program builds character, boost self-esteem, and produces leaders. Bridges is a safe, friendly environment that cultivates young minds to be conscientious about the present and future. I absolutely love the fact that my 11 year old daughter is learning how to become a bridge at such an impressionable and critical age. I truly believe it takes a community to inspire and create  a humane society. Bridges has been very influential in our day to day activities particularly when it comes to going green, we now REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE.  I feel a great sense of empowerment taking an active role in reducing my family’s carbon footprints.   

Thank you, Bridges!!!!!!!!  

Want to know how to reduce your carbon footprint? 

Go to www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html  

--Trevious Wright, Proud Parent of a Future Builder

Being a Future Builder has been a great experience. It has given me the opportunity to be actively involved with students my age who also care about their community, the future, the environment, and other people. The four core values of Future Builders are leadership development, diversity appreciation, environment awareness, and community change. These values are very similar to the values and beliefs my family has instilled me. This organization has taught me that a making small change today can result in an enormous outcome tomorrow. I challenge any and all middle school students to become a part of Future Builders. You are never be too young to care about the world we live in. Finally, we have SO much FUN on outings and during summer camp. My favorite thing to do is climbing the rock wall and the obstacle course on the ceiling; I've even joined the climBridges team. Being a FUBU is fantastic, terrific, amazing, and just simply out of this world!!!!!

--Paxtyn Wright, Proud Member of Future Builders

Bridges Future Builders has been a very rewarding program for both of my children. It is a VERY diverse program that exposes middle school students to many positive activities. I'm a second time FUBU parent.  Both of my children applied and were selected to serve on the FUBU Leadership team.  As a member of the Leadership team they were given an opportunity to learn the proper way to conduct a business meeting, plan and be a GOOD leader.  FUBU is an amazing program that has encouraged my children to be more conscious of their responsibility as citizens in Memphis and the importance of recycling .  I really think it has helped them become aware that they too play a major part in the community they live in.  It's not just the responsibility of adults to keep our community liter free.  Learning about living in an eco-friendly environment has not only enlightened them, but my husband and I too.  

 --Patrice B. Thompson, FUBU parent

This is my first year as a member of FUBU. FUBU is very fun! The thing I like the most about FUBU is that fact that we have so much fun while we are learning. We have done a lot of interesting things and learned about things that we don't always discuss at school. I know that it is important for us to help keep our community clean. Even though I already knew some people when I joined FUBU, I have met many new friends. There are so many kids that come to FUBU. So, we even get to learn about each other and how to work as a team.  I would encourage other middle school students to join. I really think you will have fun. Summer camp was awesome, too! 

--JoElle Simone Thompson, 6th Grade Leadership Team Member 

I am a proud parent of a Future Builder and have enjoyed many events over the past three years with my son and the Future Builders Team. One event in particular was Climb Night. During this event, I watched so many young people of different ages, genders, races, and backgrounds work together to achieve one goal: to get to the top of the rock climbing wall. Also, I was impressed at how patient and encouraging the Future Builder's staff were with the Future Builders. Since becoming a Future Builder, my son has become more conscientious of the environment and continues to remind me of the importance of recycling. I definitely recommend Future Builders to any parent looking to get their child involved in extra-curricular activities. Teamwork, leadership skills, and a positive attitude are just a few qualities my son has developed while being involved in Future Builders. Thank you Future Builders for the amazing job you are doing with the youth of Memphis. 

--Cassandra Leake, Future Builders parent

Future Builders, to me, means a chance for a learning experience. It means meeting new people and gaining more friends. It is a chance to improve myself and grow socially, mentally, and spiritually.Future builders teaches me how to better my skills & how to use them wisely to benefit myself and others. Future Builders is really a beneficial program for all.  

-- Simone Golden, Leadership Team Member

My name is Leslie Banks I am the mother of Future Builder Tyler Banks. I am happy to share with all, that I think there is no greater program for middle school students! Since Tyler became a future builder 3 years ago, I have seen him grow into a leader that has a great respect for diversity and his environment. I am always singing the praises of the program and staff to others that have middle school aged children, as well as urging them to enroll their children into the program. Go FUBU!    

--Leslie Banks, Leadership Team Parent

Bridges means a lot to me. Even though I have not been in Bridges for very long I have gotten to do the coolest thing in the world. I have met some pretty cool people, gotten to go to Land Between the Lakes, and I am even on the Future Builder's leadership team. Every time I find out that there is a Bridges event, I am SO excited! I even got a couple friends interested in it. Bridges has been a life changing experience. GO BRIDGES!!!!!!!!

--Maggie Burchfield, Leadership Team Member

Ever wonder what exactly it is that the FUBU staff do? Here's your chance to find out!

Mollie Campbell, Director of Future Builders

As director of Future Builders, Mollie is the driving force behind this program! Mollie Develops and enhances FUBU programming, maintains relationships with community partners, oversees the annual budgets, manages program staff, manages the FUBU Leadership Team, and much, much more! Of her job, Mollie says, “My favorite part about working with the Future Builders is the moment in which a young person realizes the power of their voice and the impact that they have to change the world. At 12 years old, that’s a pretty powerful thing!  If they experience what it feels like to be a leader in the community at 12 years old, they’re likely going to still be a leader in the community at 45. It’s incredible to help young people be able to find this power!”  

Stephanie Dennis, Assistant Program Coordinator for Future Builders

Stephanie serves as the organizing power for Future Builders as Assistant Program Coordinator. Her job involves coordinating detailed logistics for program events, facilitating FUBU program events, assisting with recruitment and retention, developing partnership, coordinating the FUBU Leadership Team, managing data, and coordinating program event staffing. One of Stephanie’s favorite quotes is by James Dean: “I also became close to nature, and am now able to appreciate the beauty with which this world is endowed.”  She says, “This quote pretty much sums up why I love my job. Through working with Future Builders and O2E I not only have become closer to nature but I’ve also been able to provide this opportunity to the students that come through our program as well. Nature encompasses every aspect of our program when we take the time to stop and look.”  

Sydney Shearer, Future Builders Program Intern

Sydney is a junior at Rhodes College and serves as one of two Future Builders program interns. As intern, Sydney serves as a facilitator at FUBU program events, assists with the FUBU Leadership Team, helps prepare program materials and supplies for program events, researches additions and expansions to FUBU program, creates FUBU newsletters, manages the FUBU blog and Facebook group, builds collaborative partnerships with college groups, and assists with outreach for FUBU for marketing and recruitment  

Lee Bryant, Future Builders Program Intern

Lee is also a junior at Rhodes College and serves as a Future Builders program intern. Lee’s responsibilities include serving as a facilitator at FUBU program events, assisting with preparing program materials and supplies for program events, coordinating creative arts initiatives for FUBU programs, and creating collaborative partnerships with college groups.  

This is the first year for my daughter to be involved with Bridges. Our experience began this summer when she attended the second session of camp. It was 2 weeks packed full of amazing experiences! We knew this was an organization that she could grow, learn and be active in for a long time. She is learning the importance of making connections within her community, working together, supporting each other, learning about environmental and social issues and taking action. Being a part of Future Builders and all of the activities offered at Bridges has shown her just how confident and strong she truly is. I encourage anyone that is interested in learning more about Bridges, to go and take a tour, or visit on an open rock climbing night! It is a great family event open for everyone big and small! And then, sit down with your child and register with Future Builders. Thank you Bridges for everything you do for this community!

--Meridith Martin, Future Builders Leadership Team parent

My first event with the Future Builders was so much fun!  I was nervous at first but once I got the building and saw a few familiar faces, I felt much better. We went to the Land Between the Lakes State Park where we took many nature walks. My mom gave me a disposable camera to take pictures of anything I wanted that was important to me. I enjoyed the nature hikes and the team projects of making a shelter of materials we found in the woods. Also, the scenery of the trees and lake make you want to take more responsibility to conserve and preserve our natural resources. I am looking forward to many more events as a Future Builder.

--Jeffrey Henderson, Jr., Leadership Team Member

I am very pleased with the raised level of awareness that Jeffrey is now displaying to other cultures, our environment, and his responsibility to leading the way for others his age.  Before his membership in Future Builders, Jeffrey was already a strong willed, independent thinker. Now, he understands that if several strong leaders ban together, change is inevitable.  I am grateful for such an organization and its coordinators that take the time to allow the kids to think and be heard.  This past fall, when they wrote to the mayoral candidates and got a response back, that spoke volumes to my child and the others that they can and will be heard as the future generation of the leaders of our city and this nation!

-- Joletta Henderson, Future Builders Leadership Team parent

Last Saturday, BRIDGES’ Future Builders embarked on an all new kind of outdoor adventure. We braved the 30-something degree weather and traveled to Pinecrest Retreat Center, where we had our first NIGHT-TIME TRIP! Future Builders enjoyed a late afternoon hike led by Great Outdoors University naturalists as well as a hayride around the Pinecrest grounds. After warming up inside for dinner, we ventured outside again for a night hike.  Then, we topped our day off gathering around a bonfire roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Thanks to all the Future Builders who came out and made this day a success!

I think that all students should have the opportunity to be a part of a program like Future Builders that teaches diversity and leadership.  When parents buy in to the idea that we can all come together for a common goal, the students will buy in.

--Pamela Stubbs, Future Builders Leadership Team Parent

One of the things that I enjoy about being a part of Future Builders is that it has afforded me the chance to meet people with a common interest that may not look like me.  I have learned that we can have the same interest and look different but respect each others’ differences.

-- Tyfani Stubbs, Leadership Team Member

There are four core values of Future Builders (leadership development, diversity appreciation, environmental awareness and community change). What do these values mean to me? They mean learning how to be a leader, appreciating other religions and ethnicities, being conscious about what we do to the environment around us, and changing the community one step at a time.

--Maya Todd, Leadership Team Member

Hi, my name is Imhotep Kyser, andwhat I enjoy about being a Future Builder is that I love being around myfriends. I also love the activities that we do at BRIDGES such as the ropescourse and going to to different places that involve nature. I also lovemaking new friends, and that happens to me a lot at BRIDGES. This is why I always enjoy being a Future Builder!

-Leadership Team member Imhotep Kyser

Eco-Friendly Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving

In honor of the Environmental Awarness component of the Future Builders Program, please consider adopting a few of these tips for your holiday feast! Thanksgiving is a great time to go green. The season of Thanksgiving is about celebrating the earth and what it has to offer us, so respecting the environment is a great way to send the planet an eco-friendly thank-you.

1. When running around picking up all your necessities for the big day, make sure you bring along reusable bags. See if you can reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying only as much as you need and choosing products that come in packaging that can be recycled.

2. Buy locally grown food. It’s a great way to have a green Thanksgiving. Locally grown is generally organic and therefore good for your health and the environment. It requires less fuel to reach local store shelves which saves on fuel. It also contributes more to your local economy by supporting the local farmers and merchants.

3. Buy organic fruits, vegetable, (apples and potatoes are very high on the pesticide hit list, and retain huge amounts of the chemicals sprayed on them), and grains grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming also increases soil fertility, prevents erosion, and is more cost-effective for farmers.

4. If you’re having Turkey as part of your dinner, search the Eat Well Guide. You can find types of meat by production methods, and locations where you can purchase an organic turkey. The “production methods” section allows you to select items labeled 100% vegetarian fed, grass fed, free-range, non-confined, no antibiotics, organic, etc. You can also contact your local grocery store and ask if they carry turkeys labeled “American Humane Certified,” or “USDA Certified Organic.”

5. Keep your thermostat at an acceptable setting, and start a fire in your fireplace to keep warm. If you normally keep your temperature at 74 degrees Fahrenheit, try lowering it two degrees on Thanksgiving. This will conserve extra energy. The cooking and people filling up your house or apartment will create extra warmth as well!

6. Purchase recycled paper products, if you need to have disposable plates and cups. Otherwise, use regular plates and cups that can be washed so you don’t produce any waste.

7. Try and cook just the right amount of food for your family and friends because nothing is worse than wasted food. However, if you have too much food, send your guests home with a doggie bag. You can also donate leftover food to a local shelter or food bank.  

Whatever else you do on Thanksgiving, make it a time to say thank you to the people in your life who matter most. Many of the best moments in life are those spent with friends and family. As part of your eco-friendly Thanksgiving, give thanks to the many ways the environment sustains and enriches our lives.

Adapted from: http://www.modernecohomes.com/blog/organic/eco-friendly-thanksgiving/

Thanks to Everyone who Participated in the November Trip!

Our November Outdoor Adventure Trip was a blast thanks to GOU and all the youth participants who came out! We spent the day at Shelby Forest creating nature-inspired arts and crafts. We aslo went on a nature hike and had an AWESOME reflection on diversity. Thanks to everyone who came out; you made this trip a huge success!