Our House e-newsletter August 2012 | Page 22

“ by Megan Corbett, Youth Programs AmeriCorps CIA Member Serenity and peacefulness in the midst of bustle and noise is what Erin Simpson provides the youth in our summer program every day. Erin works fulltime at Heifer International and is a full-time mom and wife, but she still has made time this summer for our kids. The soft music plays, the lights are off, the mats are down, and the mood is set for a solid 30 minutes of yoga. The youth love the chance to take time to breathe and relax in the middle of a packed day of high-energy programming. Erin teaches them ways to calm down quickly as well as the importance of stretching their bodies to keep them healthy. Erin is a positive and necessary contribution to our summer team. The kids come away from yoga class excited that they could look like a tree or a warrior and love acting like happy babies. ” On the first day of the summer, the kids asked, “are we doing yoga again this summer?” Thanks to Erin, the answer was YES! Photo: The youngest My Picture Perfect Summer kids, the 6- to 8-year-olds, may not always copy Erin’s movements exactly right, but they are always eager to try.