McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2014

Sofia really enjoyed her McDonald's Kiddie Crew Stint last year with Viele, (you can read about it here), so this year, when the kids wanted to do it again we agreed.

Normally, the best schedule to get for the kids, is when there is a holiday, so it's easy for those who work to visit. These are the weeks of April 9 and May 1. I'm not sure if they have a Holy Week schedule, but this is normally when we go out of town. You can also choose if you want your kid to work the morning shift, or the afternoon (1-3PM) shift. Since we were trying to accommodate Sofia and Viele's other friends who wanted to join, we chose the last week of March. I was thinking, I would try to drop by at least 1 day this week, but if work kept me busy, her grandparents and some of her godparents could go instead, since I was able to watch her work last year anyway. 

Sofia was so excited to go back to work at McDonald's. On her first day, I was really busy, so I just sent her with the driver and her yaya and the camera. (Photo Credits: Yaya Rechil)

These three girls are excited to serve!

They meet and make new friends because they need
to work in pairs.

The kids do counter duty. (You need to pay McDonald's to crew, because
the kids giveaway ketchup like it's water!).

They also take turns manning the drive-thru window.

They are also taught to clean the tables. 1 kid sprays, and another wipes.
(But parang all the tables they clean are already clean).

Then they break for snacks. The snack is included in the package.
The dynamic duo are joined by their youngest customer, shobe Viana.

Some days, they have special activities like Cupcake Decorating,
or decorating their aprons. Photo Credit: Auntie Stella

At the end of the shift, the kids line up for a Chocolate Fudge Sundae.

They not only get a sundae as a treat, they get to make it too!

On Wednesday this week, I had a full day out of office meeting with my team, so I strategically asked if we could work within the Greenhills area, so we could eat at McDonald's for lunch. Unfortunately, something at work popped up that was urgent and important and needed firefighting, so we had a really really late lunch. The good thing is, we were still able to catch the last 15 minutes of Sofia's shift.

Oscar Selfie, McDonald's Edition, Complete with Kiddie Crew Photobomber
Thank you to my very supportive team for coming with me.

Tito Noel, Sofia sent you loads of Ketchup since you weren't with us.

It was burger making day, so I got a picture of Sof
in her toque (chef's hat).

Sof with Ate Jamie

Sof joined us while as we ate our really late lunch.

Sofia's visitors that day was Ninang Ria, Lola Yaya,
Gammy and Auntie Nina (who has no choice because they had to pick her up).

My dad was also there earlier, because I saw him
(man in yellow) photobombing Lauren's photo.
Photo Credit: Col's Facebook

Our Kiddie Crew and Mommies Photo

Our Kiddie Crew with Moms and Grandmoms Photo

Normally on Friday, the last day of the Kiddie Crew Workshop, the kids have a small graduation ceremony. I didn't really plan to attend, but when things turned out to be super light at work, I just asked permission to work off-site or from McDonald's instead since I missed this ceremony the year before. (I love Agile Working!!!)

The gang were already all friends at the last day of work.
One of these kids even has a crush on Sofia. Hahaha.

Each shift starts with the kids getting their partners and their assignments.
The kids with visitors normally get given counter duty first.

Sofia and Viele's first customer was Viele's grandmother, so these 2 kids
were each given a Php20 tip!

While Vice and I got treated to Coffee Float.
Thanks Auntie! :)

Behind the Scenes of Sofia working at the counter.

After a while the kids disappeared upstairs to eat their snacks and practice for the program.

Food today was yummy Fried Chicken and French Fries.

Then with around 15 minutes left in their shift, the parents were called up to watch their short Graduation Program.

Ready to perform Make It Happen

I didn't really do a good job of recording it, so I just got the end (Ooops!), but you can watch the video here:

Afterwards, each kid was called up on stage.

The kids get 4 badges for being an Artist, Dancer, Burger Marker
and being Station trained. Just like the girl scouts, but way cooler.

Congratulations Sofia! Mom's so proud of you.

The kids hanging out while waiting for everyone to be called.

After the short Graduation Proper, there was another number from the three girls.

You can watch their rendition of Let it Go from Frozen here:

Then the kids just took some group pictures.

The mommies and grandmothers that watched.

Lauren's Shoti really looks like Lo!

Before calling it a day, I just ordered one last time
from Sofia for the driver.

And of course, the day doesn't end till the kids get
their own Sundae.

The girls had so much fun, they just didn't want to leave yet,
so they grabbed a table and ate their sundaes together.

Benny and the girls.

I am sure these girls will be asking if they can crew again together
next year.

While the registration for Kiddie Crew is a bit more expensive in McDonald's Granada (Php1,000) compared to the other branches, I like sending Sofia here because it feels safer, and the crew here already feels like family. 

Thank you to the McDonald's Granada Crew for taking care of our kids and teaching them the value of work. just saying.

Thank you also to Auntie Stella, Big Ma and Ninang Faith who visited on the other days that I wasn't there.

McDonald's Granada

Greenhills Town Center, 2 Granada Street,

Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City