Celebrating Cinco De Mayo

The troubled teen treatment program that I work at had Ciinco De Mayo celebration today.  I spent a month planning it for them.  I only wished it hadn't been rainy out.  The teens have been learning about Cinco De Mayo for the past month.  Since it was part of their studies I thought it would be nice for them to have a party close to the date.  I know it is Monday, but they have school. 

At first they were reluctant to even have anything to do with it.  But as time got closer and we did more things to prepare they got excited.  We even let them invite their 'providers' to join in on the fun. The best part I would say was when they made the pinata.  It was messy at times but worth it to see them all working together on it. 

We decorated the facility living area with colorful Mexican posters through out the dining area and what we call the community room.  The teen girls helped prepare the menu and went shopping for the foods we would need.  One helped make the gaucamole dip and another helped make the chili.   

For fun things to do  we played limbo, the jalpeno hop, Mexican hat dance, and the pinata.  We had tacos, chili, burritos, nachos with cheese & gaucamole dip, virgin margaritas, mocha, and ended it with a hot fudge sundae.  They got tokens for a varitey of things in the pinata with some candy and trial size items. 

It was a day of fun for all.  They loved watching the staff who was there to let down their hair and have fun.  They thought it was hilarious to see me blind folded (dizzy from being turned around 1/2 dozen times) trying to hit the pinata!  Then when we did the jalpeno hop race I fell flat on my butt that brought out a roar of laughter. 

Of 7 teens we had 1 mentor, 2 parents, and one social worker who showed up out of all the invites.  This part is upsetting because these troubled teens really want people from the outside who are their providers to come and see what they have done.  We have 2 who will be transitioning out of the program for good by June.  I am happy to have seen these 2 who came in with little hope in their lives to have made so much progress.  But on the other hand, it saddens me to see them leave.  I just think that I have 2 more coming in who needs our help.

I was impressed with how after the visitors were gone they did their evening and nightly routine with no issues.  They asked what the next party was and what kind.  KIDS!