#McDoKiddieCrew-More than just Burgers and Fries

I have often shared how The SoMoms have enriched my life.

I have often shared how important DSAPI is to me and my family since the birth of my daughter Evangelina.

Well, just yesterday, the children of DSAPI were given the chance to participate in a program earmarked for them by the #SoMoms with the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew.

And I don’t know if you remember this or not…but I have also shared just how much I love McDonald’s for ads like this…

 

I wrote a post about it when I first saw the commercial here.

So…yesterday was one of those days…

It was a day filled with lots of smiles, and hugs, and joy.

It was the kind of day where quite a few people went home after a full day’s work with hearts full and the beauty of brand new experiences.

I know that I wore a smile from ear to ear, and chatted with parents whose children were a little older than Gelli. I also got the chance to meet the people behind the scenes who made it possible for our kids to come together to learn about responsibility, team work, discipline, sharing, and an active lifestyle.

You see, what I didn’t know is that the #McDoKiddieCrew is more than learning about how to make a cheeseburger, and how to greet people with a smile. It’s about friendship, and on this particular day it was also about inclusion. 

Local Store Marketing Manager Fidel Balbieran gives DSAPI parents and SoMoms a brief overview of what the McDo Kiddie Crew is all about.

Did you know that McDo Kiddie Crew has been around for nearly 23  years?

Every year the McDo Kiddie Crew caters to kids each summer for a 5 day program and to do it all in almost 400 different locations is no small feat.

 The kids participate in the program with trained professionals completing tasks along the way which are not only fun, but educational. Parents need not worry, because all personnel who come into contact with the kids undergo training on how to work with children.

 For each day that the  kids report to their 2 hour Kiddie Crew session, they earn buttons signifying another lesson learned through their work with Ronald under the Golden Arches. At the end of the 5 day program (and when the summer is almost over) they all come together for a GRAND Graduation where they are recognized for their efforts and their accomplishments.

But yesterday, was just a little different…and a little bit more enriching. It really was amazing to watch all of the kids from DSAPI completing their tasks and the fun activities from which they earned their buttons.

Funny thing was, Diego said he wasn’t sure he wanted to come with me for the day, and he even kept telling asking if it would be fun. In the end, I know he was really glad he came to spend the day with me because, he even asked to join the Kiddie Crew near our home.

After lunch was served, the children were left to their own creativity when painting their resuable Happy Meal pouches.

 After the kids were done with each activity they would receive a pin.

Each pin signified the completion of another part to the McDo Kiddie Crew program.

The three different stations that the kids had to visit in order to earn their “Station” pin, were the front counter, the drive up window, and greeting customers at the entrance.

Of course they did great with each and every station. 

They served the food and poured the drinks for their customers.

Each station that was completed, put the kids one step closer to making their own cheeseburger. 

It was very easy for the kids to get the hang of what they needed to do when it came time to prepare their cheeseburgers, because of the visual aids and the teacher up front who was explaining as we moved along…

And once they were ready, they were given their burger to pack and wrap up.

The kids really did a great job, and it was clear to me by the teary eyed parents and guardians that it was an activity that everyone was able to appreciate.

Ending the afternoon with some McDo dance moves by Ronald was a great way to wrap up the activities.

But not before some photo ops with Luiza 🙂 

And before we go…I was sure to snap a quick pic of the kids with Ronald.

Thank you McDonalds Philippines for inviting our kids from DSAPI through the SoMoms to take part in this special one day workshop for the #McDoKiddieCrew.

If you would like to register your own child for this fun filled and educational 5 day program, you can simply visit any McDo and speak to the Manager in charge. The manager will then give you information on when the workshops are running and in which location nearest your home. 

For Php595 your child will receive a complete uniform and snacks on the day that she is working with the Kiddie Crew. If you choose to attend the Kiddie Crew Grand Graduation you will meet all different kids from all the different Kiddie Crews and have the opportunity to make even MORE friends.

You can also follow @mcdo_ph on Instagram and Twitter for more information. OR simply visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph or visit their FB page.

You can also search social media using #McDoKiddieCrew to see all the fun that everyone is having in their summer workshops already.