decorahnews.com feature: C.R.E.W. helps provide fun, safe events for local youth

Posted: Mon, Jan 23, 2017 1:14 PM

(Photo courtesy of Decorah Park & Rec)

C.R.E.W. (Community Recreation Education Workshop) is a local parent-led volunteer organization that falls under the umbrella of the Decorah Park and Recreation Department. The group has been providing fun, safe, and affordable recreation opportunities for local youth since 1982.

CREW has a reputation in Decorah for hosting great parties. They are responsible for the annual New Year's Eve Party at Luther College, and the Middle School Pool Party held at the city pool each August. In the spring, Decorah High School students look forward to another CREW sponsored party -- Post Prom. The group has been sponsoring post prom since 1984.

Post prom is a free event for Decorah High School juniors and seniors and their guests. The late-night/early-morning party usually consists of games, featured entertainment, and of course, lots of food. The party concludes with a drawing for door-prizes, all of which have been donated by local businesses and individuals.

It takes a host of volunteers and many donations to organize and facilitate CREW's post prom event. Many folks have been volunteering to help with post prom for years, and they have lots of good things to say about it.

Decorah parent and long-time volunteer Ann Kephart says, "Post prom is a well organized and safe event for the students. The kids always seem to have a lot of fun, and they especially enjoy the hypnotist and all the laughs."

Decorah Covenant Church Youth Pastor Eric Szymanski has been volunteering to help with post prom since 2014. He says, "I like to help at post prom because it's important for the students to have a safe fun place to enjoy the night. The event allows for all the kids to gather and relax together, which is delightful to watch."

Veteran volunteer and Decorah parent Jill Marquardt says, "We love helping with the CREW post prom event because it provides a positive and safe venue for both the students attending prom, and the other juniors and seniors who wish to attend. Although it is a late-night volunteer gig, it is a blast to work with other parents/volunteers and to have fun with all of the participants."

All CREW donations are deposited into a designated CREW account which is independent of Decorah Park and Recreation and Decorah High School.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to help fund CREW events, please contact the Decorah Park and Recreation office at 382-4158.

(Photo courtesy of Decorah Park & Rec)