Since 2005, FCC-SoCal has been coordinating a mentorship program with the China Care Bruins, a student-run group at UCLA. Last year, more than 50 FCC children (ages 6 to 15) were paired with college student “Big Buddies.” They participated in monthly Sunday afternoon get-togethers on the UCLA campus throughout the academic year.

We are delighted to announce that there are a few additional openings in the Buddy Program for the 2009-2010 academic year (October 2009 through May 2010). This includes the Little Buddies group (age 6 and older, up through 5th grade) and the new Youth Buddies group, for kids currently in 6th grade/Middle School and above.

Don't know what to give grandparents, aunts, uncles and other special people for the holidays?  Bring the kids (ages 4 and up) to an art-making workshop led by professional art instructor Melanie Vogel.  Parents will have an opportunity to order gifts made out of your child's own artwork, and kids will have a great time expressing their creativity!
 
1:00 - 2:15 pm Art Workshop #1 for 4-7 year olds.
2:30 - 4:00 pm Art Workshop #2 for 8 years and up

Do you have a teen who seems to have lost interest in FCC but might like hanging out with a really neat bunch of college kids?  If so, we would love to hear from you.
 
The relationship between FCC and the UCLA China Care club has been beyond successful.  It has provided wonderful friendships and role models for many FCC kids.  Now, both China Care & FCC are ready to spin off one or more programs for our older FCC kids.

Our very own China Care Bruins Club at UCLA has been honored by the national China Care Foundation, receiving the First Annual “Outstanding Community Service: Mentoring Program” Award.

Those of us who have been participating in the Bruin Buddy Program know that our Big Buddies are terrific and run a great program – but it is wonderful for the students to receive national recognition for their innovative efforts to empower our kids and to be the example for other China Care chapters.  Go Bruins!

What are “SoCal Friends” Groups?

SoCal Friends activity and support groups (formerly called “Friends of FCC”) are independently coordinated by FCC members for FCC families to further the mission of the organization, but they are not officially sponsored or insured by FCC-SoCal, nor does FCC-SoCal provide direct oversight of their activities.

As an insured nonprofit corporation, FCC-SoCal has distinct legal and risk management requirements and responsibilities.  As such, its Board of Directors and other key leadership must exercise direct oversight over all sponsored activities to assure compliance and accountability.  While of vital importance, those restrictions necessarily limit the number and types of activities FCC-SoCal may reasonably sponsor.  Indeed, certain activities are expressly excluded by the insurance carriers.

The FCC Board created the “SoCal Friends” designation (originally “Friends of FCC”) to provide member families with greater flexibility and broader opportunities to socialize and support one another in a variety of locales and contexts, outside the sphere of sponsored activities.  FCC-SoCal simply requires that all email groups and announcements for activities contain the “SoCal Friends” designation and the definition/disclaimer set forth above so that there is no confusion regarding FCC sponsorship, insurance or oversight.

The Moon Festival is a time for family togetherness and reunions.  FCC-SoCal organizes a number of annual family events. The Full Moon Campout includes s’mores and mooncakes, hiking, picnics, bunk beds, biscuits and the reunion of dear friends and the start of new friendships. The Orange County Region’s Autumn Moon Banquet is a longstanding Orange County Region tradition. Gathering at a local restaurant, guests enjoy music, entertainment performances and good company.

FCC-SoCal is delighted to welcome its new 2010 New Year Event Committee Co-Chairs:  Mike and Kim Barrett, Karen Drew, Alice Goldstone and Albert Olson.  For more information contact:  [email protected].