When Bob Wedel entered a concert venue and presented his tickets, the woman collecting them pointed to a seated area on the second floor of the theater.
“A lot of the parents prefer to sit up there,” she said.
However, Bob is not like other parents. In fact, he is not like other adults. Bob moves through life with a youthful spirit, finding meaningful ways to connect with children, young adults, and his own inner child.
“I’m older, but here I am listening to music for that’s for younger people,” said Bob. “I chose to stand with the crowd on the floor.”
Bob’s background is in education – primarily elementary education. Although he retired last June, he simply could not stay away. Bob has now been an educator for 43 years. Throughout that time, he became familiar with CASA.
“I remember thinking that it is a great thing for kids to have another adult who cares for them and who is close to them,” said Bob. “As an administrator, I interacted with CASAs enough to know they do good things for kids.”
Bob thought about what type of volunteering he would do when he retired. He started making plans, thinking that he may switch things up entirely and step back from working with children.
“I just couldn’t see myself walking away completely,” said Bob. “I recognize how important it is for kids to have someone they can count on and depend on.”
After taking on two Truancy cases, Bob found himself volunteering as a Dependency and Neglect CASA. He now advocates for two elementary-aged children, works part-time as an elementary school dean, and volunteers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science – a space he frequented as a child.
Bob has fond memories of visiting this museum. Through volunteerism, he has not only identified another way to teach and connect with youth, but he has found a way to connect with his own experience of youth.
“I am amazed at the resilience of kids,” said Bob. “But they are still carrying something around. If I can help alleviate some of that or help them forget it for some time, then I am doing my part.”
When Bob is not working or volunteering, he is spending time with family, specifically his two daughters and granddaughter, seeking out new music, or checking out new movies – never wondering if he is “too old” for the fun of it all.
“We do go to Disney movies,” said Bob with a smile. “I’m not too mature to admit it!”
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