Stampede Steve and Other Intriguing Stories by Spaulding Youth Center Students
November 10, 2014
The literary adventures of the student authors at Spaulding Youth Center included a myriad of toppics at the annual Authors Tea – monsters, pirates, scoundrels, pets, travel and food, to name a few. Each year the teachers come up with new and more impressive ways for the students to show off their creative talent. A young non-verbal student authored a short song and played it on a keyboard. It was captured in a video accompanied by a book with symbols for each word in the song. Another student made a large papier-mâché world globe and placed markers and descriptions at all the places he has visited around the world.
One class wrote and illustrated a chapter book based on a lovable goofy character named “Stampede Steve” who was created for Spaulding’s EChO (Experiential Challenges Outdoors) program. Stampede Steve inspires students to correct his poor behavior choices when it comes to practicing the seven principles of LNT (Leave No Trace) outdoors. In the book, he goes on several capers which mimic the adventures in which students participate at Spaulding – zip-lining, boating, hiking and mountain biking. Stampede Steve begins each escapade ill-equipped and needs the expertise of students versed in LNT to correct his behavior.
School Principal and Special Education Director Colleen Sliva was pleased with the effort that staff and students alike put into the project. “Our teachers work hard exploring ways for each student to best present a beautiful finished product. Our students enjoy the process of authoring their own publications and are delighted to show them off to family and friends at the annual Authors Tea.”
Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services include academic, behavioral health, residential, foster care, health and wellness and family support.
For information about Spaulding Youth Center, contact Gail Mayhew, Director of Development at 603-286-7500 ext. 532, GMayhew@SpauldingYouthCenter.org or visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org.
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