Youth activity ideas: give kids a reason to stay kids by volunteering and aiding local organizations in providing low or no-cost, ongoing activities and programs for youths.
They were right.
It DOES take an entire village to raise a child! The more information and opportunities we provide for our youths, the more empowered and prepared they will be as young adults.
For example, in many areas across the nation, school district personnel, social service agencies, and law enforcement employees are working together to provide children with unlimited resources. Due to the encouragement of these organizations, some teens have even created a local "resource directory" designed especially for other teens. The "Youth Yellow Pages" provides teens with information and phone numbers on topics ranging from drug abuse to pregnancy; mental health to rape. The booklet also offers suggestions about "what to do" regarding such situations as suicide prevention and running away. This particular project was so well-received in a certain area that a Spanish version was also produced.
In addition to "help" directories, there are usually programs available to youths at little to no cost, before and after school, as well as on the weekends. Local "Boys and Girls Clubs" offer drug-free dances, parties, and sports activities as part of their ongoing events. Larger branches of the Club also present positive self-image classes focusing on everything from feeling good about about one's body to teaching leadership skills.
As briefly mentioned, sports play a large part in keeping youths organized and active. Check out your local YMCA or YWCA for basketball, skating, and swimming schedules. Perhaps, there is an "extreme" sports center in your area hosting children of all ages with skateboarding and bicycling interests. These parks are generally available during the week and weekend and offer the thrill of fun boxes, rails, and ramps. Field trips to watch nearby professional or college teams play are continuously being sponsored. Again, many sports programs are low-cost and offer scholarships to families who qualify -- just ask!
Recognized organizations like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Boys and Girls also help to make a difference -- not only in the lives of the participating youths, but in community service projects as well. In many cases, this is also where you will find the "high adventure" opportunities including snorkeling, rock climbing, and horsemanship.
What about youths with disabilities? Many opportunities are available for these children, too, and are geared toward specific needs. How about a wheelchair basketball program or holiday craft classes?
Other more specialized programs include a Youth and Family Program offering "crisis intervention through safe sheltering, counseling, and case management for at-risk youth and their families." This, in conjunction with a Youth and Resource Center gives youths a chance at security. The Center also gives them a place to hang out, eat a meal, shower, wash clothes and even receive job assistance, GED/tutoring, and referrals!
Finally, a quarterly newsletter listing all of the available programs should be easily accessible and distributed throughout the community in locations such as the public library, the City Parks and Recreation Department. Check with local authorities to see if any of these projects are currently available in your area. If you don't know where to start looking, try some of these groups: Adult and Family Services, schools, mentor programs, Department of Community Services, Department of Justice, Boys and Girls Club, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, county mental health department, youth ministries, women's crisis centers, academies of performing arts, art associations, churches, and your local newspaper. If you can find these resource groups -- support them. If you can't -- start them! Give kids a reason to be kids!
