Tag Archives: Senior Community Counselor

We LOVE Our Au Pairs Awards Dessert Party 2017

Momina from France

Over 50 Au Pairs came to the Kentlands Community Center in Gaithersburg, MD on Friday night May 5th to be “Guests of Honor” for an Awards Dessert Party to celebrate THEM.

Claudia from Spain

 

Victoria says: “This is, by far, one of THE best Cluster activities of the year. We all get so close. Other Au Pairs listen and applaud each other’s accomplishments. I’m so proud.”

After an hour of mingling, making friends and just relaxing together, the formalities began.

Andrea, from Costa Rica, is almost at the end of her year…and is going to miss her Host Family so much

Melisha from South Africa “Most Stylish Au Pair” laughs with Franzi from Germany and Elise from France.

Each Au Pair was called up one by one to receive her award, designated by her Host Family, specifying an area in which she excels.

The ceremony included presentation of a printed certificate as well as a lovely red rose and a quick, souvenir-pose with Senior Community Counselor, Victoria Paton.

Victoria has been the Counselor for Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo full-time for more than 17 (amazing!) years… Serving 65 Host Families and their Au Pairs annually.

Awards included “Best Lullaby Singer”, “Most Thoughtful”, “Best Listener and Cheerer”, “Most Willing to Help All the Time”, “Best Math Tutor”, even “Best Penguin Whisperer”…clearly an inside joke with Host Family and Au Pair!

Mariana from Mexico cares for 5 children…like a family member.

Cara from South Africa finishing her 2nd year.

Kerstin from Germany

Awards continued for each of over 50 Au Pairs: “Best Big Sister”, “Best Treasure Hunt Maker”, “Best Polish Pancake Maker”, “Most Stylish Au Pair”, “Best at Being Positive About Everything”, and “Best Baby Smile Maker.”

The award explanations were touching:

Nadine from Germany

 

 

“When I am home I can hear my little boy giggle and laugh with her…she treats my son as her own and loves him with an open-heart.”

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“This has been a difficult year with a grandpa’s illness but our Au pair remembers every piece of baseball equipment and sits through karate practices and cheers on our kids. We love her!”

Some were most heart-felt and  brought tears to all…

Nam from Thailand

Robin is doing her 2nd round as an Au Pair having been an Au Pair 2 years ago and is now back with a new family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Every night at bedtime, our family sings an old, irish lullaby passed down from grandma. It’s always hard for Spanish speakers but our Au Pair has learned it well and sings it with gusto!”

“We, Host Parents, think our Au Pair is a great, calming presence in our home. She is great with the kids, engages them openly. She is reliable and unflappable.”

    

 

 

 

At the end of our evening, each Au Pair selected a red balloon and wrote on the paper attached her wish or dream for the coming year. Then we all went outdoors and let them fly into the evening sky. There was a light breeze so all but one made it past the trees and on to points beyond. For many Au Pairs, they had never done such a thing.

And finally, each Au Pair went home with a goodie bag of fun items…and a warm feeling in her heart.

And, least we forget, the GROUP PHOTO…what fun trying to get us all into the width of a lens!

Oh, what a night!

Au Pairs Get Certified at MEGA American Red Cross Class

On a chilly Sunday, 35 Au Pairs traveled from all over the DC Region to become certified by the American Red Cross in Infant/Child CPR & First Aid.

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Au Pairs from Thailand work as a team to remove blockage from baby’s airway.

The class was offered free of charge to Au Pairs by Au Pair in America and was hosted by Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland.

Baby AnneAll the young women care for small children every day as Au Pairs and they realize the importance of these lifesaving skills. They were at full attention for 5 1/2 hours for hands-on practice, lecture and videos depicting real-life  situations.

View a video of this class as the Au Pairs learn to rescue a “choking baby”.

Frank and his team from Red Cross supplied 20 “Baby Anne” dolls which permitted hands-on practice with realistic chest compression and chest rise as well as life-like nose pinch for mouth-to-nose ventilation. The “Baby Anne” dolls also were realistic to react to foreign-body airway obstruction through back blows and chest-thrust

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Elise from France and Sabrina from Germany, who had never met before, became fast friends as they tended to each others’ “wounds”.

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A good-spirited Au Pair from Colombia volunteered to be an accident victim bandaged by our class instructor in a  lesson on bleeding and broken bones.

 

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Marta from Poland worked with Nam from Thailand to “stop bleeding”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 35 Au Pairs from South Africa, Colombia, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, Poland etc. now are officially certified by the American Red Cross for 2 years, and received a large, lapel pin to wear with pride.

 

Bravo to these young women who voluntarily gave up their free time on a Sunday, to increase their childcare skills!

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All eyes on Frank from American Red Cross as he demonstrated what to do for a bloody or broken nose.

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Educational Opportunities for Au Pairs in Maryland

students-in-classroom-taking-testSenior Community Counselor, Victoria Paton, enjoys working with her Au Pairs to prepare an “Individualized Education Plan”  based on each Au Pair’s interests, free time and goals…

PLEASE MEET WITH VICTORIA WHEN SHE HOLDS PERIODIC MEETINGS ABOUT COLLEGE –

COLLEGES AND CLASSES:

ALL THESE BELOW ARE APPROVED FOR AU PAIRS IN MY CLUSTER:

ESL – IF YOU NEED ENGLISH CLASSES LOOK HERE:

LADO College for English Classes

    •  Details: Intensive, Semi-intensive, and TOEFL Prep Classes
    • Credits: varies depending on class
    • Cost: $70 registration fee. Tuition = $765 – $595 for Intensive; $540 for Semi-Intensive; $280 for Saturday (10% APIA tuition discount)\
    • Schedule: Weekday, evening, and weekend courses offered year-round, starting periodically
    • Placement: Testing offered daily
    • Locations:
      • DC (Archives, Gallery Place, Metro Center)
      • Arlington, VA (Rosslyn Metro)
      • Silver Spring, MD (Silver Spring Metro)

Georgetown University – Continuing Studies in English – classes are at night

    • Details: Business Writing, Business Communications, Grammar, Integrated Communication Skills and TOEFL Prep
    • Credits: 3.6 CEUS/36 hours NOT “credits”
    • Cost: $500 (10% early registration discount)
    • Schedule: 9-week sessions
    • Placement: Mandatory placement tests – call for schedule
    • Location: Georgetown, DC (Take shuttle from Dupont Circle Metro)

International Language Institute (formerly English House) English Classes as well as other Foreign Languages

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE IN ROCKVILLE CAMPUS – offers English is 2 different sections of their campus. Talk to Victoria about which section of Montgomery College is best for your English studies:

1. Montgomery College – Credit Classes in English AELP – REQUIRES ESL ACCUPLACER TEST, APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

2. Montgomery College – NonCredit/Workforce Development APPE-REQUIRES ASSESSMENT TEST ON SPECIFIC DATES BUT NO APPLICATION REQUIRED

HERE ARE SOME FREE ENGLISH CLASS OPTIONS: These DO NOT COUNT TOWARD AU PAIR EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

 

ALL OTHER NON- ENGLISH LEARNING CLASSES ARE HERE!!

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE HAS 3 CAMPUSES – Rockville, Germantown and Takoma Park. Please speak to your Host Family about which is best. Rockville is nearest, but Germantown and Takoma Park are not that far away and can be reached without going on a highway.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE HAS TWO OPTIONS:

1. Montgomery College Credit Department

  • Courses in “credits”
  • Placement: Requires ESL Accuplacer (if your first language is not English)must be taken after an application submitted. Appointment for test must be made and results meeting attended
  • Details: On a strict Fall, Spring, Summer semester basis
  • Cost: Approx $140/credit and Au Pairs pay In-County price with presentation of a B&I form

2. Montgomery College Continuing Education and Workforce Development

  • Courses in “hours”
  • Placement: No test required for non- ESL classes
  • Details: On a flexible Fall, Spring, Summer semester basis
  • Cost: listed in brochure. Au Pairs pay In-County price with presentation of a B&I form
  • Location: Rockville, Germantown or Takoma Park campuses

Montgomery College Continuing Education – Hospitality and Event Management Department

Montgomery College – Continuing Education – Cosmetology Department

University of Virgin Islands, DC – International Program

    • Details: Courses include Understanding American Government, sign-language, DC history and culture, psychology, photography, animation, claymation and more
    • Credits: Between 20-40 hours and varies by course
    • Cost: Varies by course
    • Locations: Throughout the DC Metro area

Stratford University Event Survey Course and Culinary Training

  • Details: Event Survey Course (event management, hospitality, and tourism) Contact Alice Conway for more details (aconway @ stratford.edu)
  • Credits: 45 hours or 3 credits
  • Cost: Registration fee = $50. Tuition = $350
  • Schedule: Sept 7-October 12 (10 am-2 pm on Thursdays)
  • Location: Alexandria (Eisenhower Ave Metro)

 

  • Details: Culinary and Nutrition Course (American Cooking Skills, nutrition, menu development and hands-on meal prep)
  • Credits: 45 hours or 3 credits
  • Location: Alexandria (Eisenhower Avenue Metro) – many Host Families believe this is too far to drive – traffic can be very bad. Metro requires changing trains which can take time.
  • Cost: $500

 

WEEKEND COURSES/ TRAVEL COURSES

CW Post Long Island Au Pair Wend Courses in Greenvale, NY

  • Details: Weekend classes in American Culture, Business Marketing, English Study and Child Development
  • Credits: 3 credits/weekend
  • Cost $369 (includes course materials, lodging and meals). Transportation by train to NYC or flight from BWI to Islip are at Au Pair’s expense

“Travel Courses” at Borough of Manhattan Community College – Weekend Courses in VA an236d DC with Travel Component

Details: Attend class in DC or VA and then take a study trip to learn first-hand about the destination with a visit. Destinations include: Nashville, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Montreal, New York, New Orleans, Amish Country in Pennsylvania.

Credits: 40 hours/ 4 CEUs or 32 hours/3.2 CEUs (not “credits”!!)

Cost: Varies by class

“MUSEUM CLASSES” AND OTHER WEEKEND CLASSES AT VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

  • Details: Look at their Saturday schedule of classes that take place in DC Museums.
  • Each week a different museum and you sign up online. Registration and classes are on-going throughout the year.
  • Credits: Each class is 5 HOURS.
  • Cost: Tuition is $40 per class + $20 application fee for new students. Please note that tuition and application fees are non-refundable.

 

 

Other Weekend Classes located at Universities all over the US, including California, New York, Florida, NC, SC, Virginia, and others. Click on this link to learn more details.

 

ONLY ONLINE COURSE: UCLA Extension class is the ONLY on-line class approved by Department of State for Au Pairs

APIA Advantage – UCLA Extension Program  (only ONLINE course allowed – 6 credits)

  • Credits: 6 credits
  • Cost: $500
  • Schedule January 9 – May 22, 2017

 

 

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND TIPS FOR AU PAIRS – Important to read

 

 

 

Perfect Day at Pumpkin Patch!

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About 40 Au Pairs from Au Pair in America in Montgomery County joined their Counselors for a Hay Ride and visit to the Pumpkin Patch at Homestead Farm in Poolesville, Maryland.

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Senior Counselor, Imelda Farrell, stands to capture a photo of Au Pairs in her hay wagon.

 

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Victoria Paton, Senior Community Counselor for Au Pair in America in Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo with a small group of her Au Pairs from Poland, Germany, Mexico and South Africa.

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The Au Pairs were visibly delighted to see the great expanse of farmland they didn’t realize existed so near to suburban Washington DC.

Each Au Pair took home a pumpkin of their choice, had a picnic, and some even stayed to pick apples from the trees along with hundreds of American families and their children who were making a day of it at the farm.

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful Autumn day to treat these Au forPairs!

After 16 Years, Counselor and Au Pair (now Award-winning Film-maker) REUNITED!

For years, Senior Community Counselor, Victoria Paton, had been trying to locate a former Au Pair from her first years as a CC…Heidi Brandenburg from Germany.  Heidi was special to the Paton family because in the year 2000, Heidi lived temporarily in their Potomac home. (Her host mom had become ill and they needed a full time nanny to care for the family while the mother recovered so she was housed by CC until a new family could be found). Heidi had made an important impact on the Paton’s lives in those 2 weeks she stayed with them, but she didn’t know it, and Victoria was determined to thank her 🙂

The background: It was September 2000 and time for Victoria’s son’s 6th birthday pool-party. Heidi wanted to pitch in, so she made trays of cut up sausages and fruit on sticks- German-style. She walked to the Right Aid and purchased a large green poster board and made a marker/glitter sign “Happy 6th Birthday, Jai”. The party was great, and soon Heidi matched out of state and they all, sadly, lost touch.

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Hari’s birthday with Jai standing 2006.

But that was not all…”That birthday poster became a special treasure for our family…EVERY year thereafter that  poster was hung as part of the family’s  ‘birthday throne’ and subsequently was in the background of EVERY photo of EVERY Paton family member’s birthday from that year forward age: 7,8,9…15, 16…20, 21. And not just for Jai but for his brother and me too. When we moved a few times, we always had to be sure that ‘The Birthday Sign’ was included.”

A wonderful Au Pair,  Jasmin from 2014, helped Victoria find Heidi via Social Media…to our surprise Heidi was nearby – currently living in Silver Spring, MD (30 minutes away!!) And, in February of this year, Heidi and Victoria connected via text promising to meet soon not disclosing to Heidi about “The Birthday Poster”. Victoria wanted it to be a surprise!

Heidi Brandenburg, who is half Peruvian, had been living in the Peruvian jungle for many years after film school. She had since married and has two adorable daughters. Heidi has been very busy and created and filmed “When Two Worlds Collide” a documentary about the devastation of the Peruvian rain forest.  The film won awards at Sundance and has made the documentary circuit around the world. It was recently shown at AFI Cinema and Tribeca in NYC.

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Heidi on right receiving award for her film at Sundance.

On July 29th, Heidi and Victoria were able to hug in person: Heidi and her family, came as guests of honor to Victoria’s Cluster S’mores Party. Now in her 30’s, Heidi briefly spoke to the young Au Pairs about her life and film career.

Victoria had a surprise presentation for Heidi…

  1. Victoria brought “The Birthday Poster” a bit worn with bits of miscellaneous tape all over the back from years of adhesion to walls.
  2. Heidi received a montage of photos of Victoria’s sons celebrating a decade + of birthdays in front of the “The Birthday Poster”
  3.  Jai (now almost 22 years old, a rising-Senior at Pitzer College, living in CA,  and 6’2″) emerged from the audience to greet Heidi in person
Au Pair with Heidi 2

Victoria, Heidi and Jai (21) display “The Birthday Poster”…together at last!

It was a an emotional reunion, 16 years in the making…with a significant message: Au Pair in America “Brings the World Together”…and touches Host Families, Au Pairs and Community Counselors alike 🙂

Senior Community Counselor Visits Panama

“More and more fantastic Au Pairs are coming from Panama. I wanted to better undertanding of their country and the culture. I was lucky to have a chance to visit Panama City as well as the outlying islands, ” explained Victoria Paton, Au Pair in America’s Senior Community Counselor for Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo. In my 16 years as a Community Counselor, Au Pair in America has recruited an increasing number high-quality, childcare providers Latin America: Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico and, now, Panama.

Panama City was bussling with life from its Cathedral and Presidential Palace to the cozy piazzas for dining and music, and Shutterfly_Share_43the famous Panama Canal.20160308_114224

 

 

 

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I flew from Panama City to Bocas Del Toro, and from there, by boat from island to island amongst the indigenous peoples, cocoa plantations, and beautiful beaches.

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Visiting the gorgeous islands, I often had the chance to play with children. Life on the islands is simple: and cut off are from the rest of the world…no electricty, cars, internet or even a soccer ball to replace the one that was Shutterfly_Share_104Shutterfly_Share_51deflated.

The children on the left live in a beachside community and were fascinated with videos on my phone.

Shutterfly_Share_17Shutterfly_Share_29“So now when I welcome Au Pairs from Panama to my Cluster, I know so much more about their beautiful country, abundant in warm people and natural beauty.”

“We Love Our Au Pairs” Awards Party

It was a perfect night for our Annual Au Pair Awards Party this year titled “We Love Our Au Pairs”.cake

Each Host Family was asked to nominate their Au Pair for an award for whatever she does best. Some awards were serious and some were humorous, but they all were intended to show gratitude for the hours and care that their Au Pair brings to their family.Group photo1

Held at the Kentlands Clubhouse, in Gaithersburg, the invitation from Senior Community Counselor, Victoria Paton, to each Au Pair read: “Put on Your Party Dress and be my guest as you are honored at our Annual Au Pair Awards Dessert Party”.  And dress-up they did!

Eating cake Party roomEach Au Pair was asked to come up one-by-one to the podium as Victoria read their Award. Then, the Au Pair was presented with a rose (a la The Bachelor) and a paper certificate as she posed for a souvenir photo.

Awards included: “Simply the Best Au Pair”,  “The Au Pair Most Eager to Join the Family for Anything and Everything:, “Most Mileage Driven,”Best Playdough Creater, Baker and Friend”, ” Most Caring Cook Ever”, ” Best Birthday Decorator”, “Best to Bond with Entire Family”, “Most Like a Big Sister”, “Best Banana Pancake Maker”, “Best Minecraft Coach”, “Sweetest, Kindest Au Pair”, “Most Punctual”, “Happiest and Most Accommodating Au Pair”, “Most Laid Back Au Pair”, “Queen of Hide and Seek”, “Safest Driver”, “Best Science Tutor and Chef”, “Best Uno Player and Most Beautiful Smile”, “Most Trustworthy and Sensible”, “Best Lego Builder, Hairdresser, Manicurist and Cuddler” etc.

Lots of love, good wishes and  a Karla great evening for all!

arleneShantalHyang EunCaraDaneGuguMelanie

 

Polish galsballoon releaseThe cake was almost too pretty to cut up and serve, but we all enjoyed the dessert during the ceremony then we all went outdoors as the sun set for a balloon release. Each Au Pair was asked to write on a card what her hopes, dreams or a wish was. It was attached to an APIA red balloon and sent off into the sky. Let’s hope all their dreams will come true!balloons off

Au Pairs Who Attended AAA WINTER DRIVING Class Are Ready for Blizzard of 2016

Au Pairs in Montgomery County attended a class presented by AAA MidAtlantic on Winter Driving last year. Now we ask Au Pairs to review the AAA materials before the snow hits this weekend.

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French Au Pairs holding APIA snow scrapers to keep in their purses.

“What great timing! I sent each of my Host Families and Au Pairs an Au Pair in America Ice Scraper to keep in car or purse – last week!!  No idea they would come in handy so soon,” said Victoria Paton, Au Pair in America Senior Community Counselor for the past 16 years in Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo.

 

 

 

 

Here is what AAA advises as we face 1-2 feet of snow:

BALTIMORE —With a blizzard watch in effect, AAA Mid-Atlantic is offering a checklist tips to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the snow.

AAA officials are urging motorists to stay off the roads until the storm has passed and the roads are plowed.

“If you have to be out, drive with caution and give road crews plenty of room to do their job safely,” says Ragina Cooper Averella, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic in a statement. “For everyone’s safety on the roads, drivers should allow plenty of extra time to properly clean off their vehicle before getting behind the wheel.”

AAA recommends motorists have an emergency kit prepared before you need it. This should include deicer, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction).

In addition, AAA offered these tips:

– Pack a blanket, extra gloves and hat, heavy coat

– Pack snacks, beverages, etc. and have them packed by the door to take in the morning (so they don’t freeze in the car overnight)

– Charge your cellphone and have a backup power source for the car in case you’re stuck for a while

– Make sure your windshield wipers and lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) are working properly – make sure you can see and can be seen

– Keep a full tank of gas

AAA also offered the following tips for proper driving techniques in a winter storm:

– Wait for the roads to be plowed and treated before venturing out – road surface condition is the single most important safety factor during a winter weather event

– Thoroughly clean off your car and remove all snow and ice before driving anywhere.

– Warm the car up outside of the garage

– Drive slowly

– Increase following distances

– Accelerate and brake slowly as it takes longer to slow down on snowy, icy roads.

– Do not use cruise control and avoid tailgating – normal following distances of three to four seconds for dry pavement should be increased to eight to 10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces.

Regardless of whether the vehicle has front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, the best way to regain control if the front wheels skid is:

– Take your foot of the brake or accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

– Avoid slamming on the brakes. Although hitting the brakes is a typical response, slamming the brakes will only further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to regain control.

– Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. As soon as traction returns, the vehicle will start to steer again.

– When the front wheels have regained their grip, steer the wheels gently in the desired direction of travel and begin to accelerate slowly.

– Use the “plant and steer” method with antilock brake systems. Do not remove your foot from the brake or pump the pedal. If you apply pressure and the wheels lock momentarily, you might feel the brake pedal pulse back against your foot. This is normal. Just hold the brake pedal down and steer. Pumping the pedal actually works against the system.

 

Coats Off in Car Seats BEFORE Buckling

As cold weather may be coming our way (at last), new safety studies are indicating that it is unsafe to buckle a child into a car seat with his/her coat on. Please view this video from the TODAY show illustrating what can happen...the car seat is loosened by the extra fabric of a coat and in a crash situation, the child flies up and out of car seat.images

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If weather is cold, put the child’s coat ON TOP of the car seat buckle/belt for warmth.

Victoria Paton, Senior Community Counselor of Au Pair in America, has advised her Au Pairs to make note of this and for added safety to take the car with car seat to the next Safe Kids Worldwide “Car Seat Check-up Event:

Check Up Event – Safe Kids Montgomery County – 1/12/2016 – 8:00AM-6:00PM
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 – 8:00am to 6:00pm
Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue, Room 225
Rockville, MD 20850
or make an appointment at one of Montgomery County’s Car Seat Inspections Stations…click here.

Au Pair in America Au Pairs Celebrate Christmas at Krispy Kreme

xmas 2015 Victoria and APs

To celebrate Christmas away from home, Au Pair in America Au  Pairs in Victoria Paton’s cluster in20151218_204811 (2) Maryland (Potomac, Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo) donned Santa hats and enjoyed a dessert party at Krispy Kreme in Rockville.

Au Pairs brought a gift to exchange, and in the spirit of the holidays, they also generously donated personal items for Streetlights USA (a charity that supports young women saved in America from trafficking).

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Four lighted trees were decorated by the Au Pairs and then raffled-off to four 20151218_210714 (2)20151218_210658 (2)happy winners.

 

Many Au Pairs would be spending the holidays with their Host Families while others were looking forward to learning more about America with travel to Florida, Las Vegas, San Diego etc.