NEW ESKATON “BUDDIES” CONNECT.

NEW ESKATON “BUDDIES” CONNECT. Along with the new school year this September comes the much-anticipated launch of another Eskaton Kids Connection. Sixteen classrooms of elementary and secondary schoolchildren are being introduced to their new “buddies” in a dozen different Eskaton communities. In just its third year, this signature piece of Eskaton’s Intergenerational Initiative has quintupled in size – now boasting more than 500 inter-age friendships, with plans to continue growing as fast as its youthful participants.

While the structured part of the gatherings -- reading and writing exercises, arts and crafts, singing and lunching together -- fill most of the day, the real highlights come as the buddies get to know one-another, and figuratively and literally break down pre-conceived barriers.

This year’s older adult involvement is more inclusive than ever, with residents from Eskaton’s independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, affordable apartments, even memory care.

Random comments overheard:

While admiring Eskaton’s outside patio, one student offered “This is a very nice place, huh, I wish I could live here.” To which his friend, also a budding sales and marketing director, added, “This is the best day ever, I love it here.”

When asked by her older buddy about siblings, the younger buddy responded “Sometimes I pretend my dog is my brother.”

And most poignant of all, an Eskaton resident and former elementary school teacher, asked staff at the end of the visit “What are we going to do with the kids?” -- wanting reassurance that the children would be picked up safely.