HPW Internship: YMCA-Woodson

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HPW Internship Student Perspective – Troy Atkinson 16′
Having my internship at the Aspirus YMCA was an extremely valuable and wholesome opportunity. During the course of my internship I was able to learn about and help with many different areas such as Diabetes and Chronic Disease Prevention, program creation and management, and wellness center logistics and management. Every day was very different; one hour I could be learning how to teach a certain group fitness class, and the next I could be helping directors with member engagement. This structure helped me experience many different areas of the YMCA. I also had the opportunity of assisting a Diabetes Education and Prevention workshop at Domtar Paper Corporation for at-risk employees. Being able to explore how the YMCA helps other companies and businesses was very educational since they can have a big impact
within the community. Troy is pictured above, setting up for the 37th Annual Wausau Triathlon. This race allows many different people to take part in a triathlon because of the options of a mini course, short course, and long (standard) course. The triathlon, put on by the Woodson and Aspirus YMCA’s. Aside from this picture, Troy also helped set-up the bike stations, markers, registration, and many other areas of the triathlon.

Objectives

  1. Behavior:
    1. Educate members and the community on health and wellness subjects
    2. Shadow group exercise instructors and learn how to lead group exercise classes
    3. Meet new and current members to provide them with information and/or answer any questions
    4. Become familiar with the LIVESTRONG program and assist in needed areas
    5. Assist in planning and organizing the summer 2017 triathlon and marathon
  2. Promotion and Marketing:
    1. Design bulletin boards displaying information on health and wellness
    2. Create fliers containing information on YMCA programs, services, or events and distribute them
    3. Shadow the YMCA Communication Director to learn promotion and marketing techniques
    4. Contact and recruit members or volunteers from the community
    5. Promote summer events, such as the summer 2017 triathlon and marathon
  3. Organizational Experiences:
    1. Gain knowledge from the supervisor on inventory maintenance and organization of supplies
    2. Observe and understand the YMCA’s operations and core values
    3. Work with the supervisor on understanding the different computer programs and become responsible for the upkeep and management of those programs
    4. Attend informational meetings for the YMCA staff and/or members

Contact
Shannon Wagman
Health and Wellness Director
Aspirus YMCA
3402 Howland Ave.
Schofield, WI
swagman@woodsonymca.com
715-841-1858

Hours
30 hours a week, Monday-Friday, and some Saturdays

Stipend
None

UW-Stevens Point Students Who Completed Internship

  • Kali Woldt, Summer 2017
  • Margaret Vils, Spring 2016
  • Troy Atkinson, Summer 2016
  • Riley Simmons, Fall 2015
  • Brandon Parmer, Fall 2013
  • Justin Hagen, 2009
  • Alycia Kucil, Summer 2011