Entry #37: Schools can help families
find worthwhile summer activities
Colorado Springs, CO -- How do you keep a 13 and 14 year
old busy when not in school?
Approaching our final destination here in Colorado, I was confident that
there would be plenty for our two boys to do. They are finishing up the
math curriculum we followed from our home district and already completed
our history, writing, drafting and geography units. Like most kids on summer
break, they are looking forward to some time off from the grind.
As part of the statewide initiative to build assets, Colorado Springs is
actively working on programs and places for youth while not in class. The
Search Institute that I mentioned in earlier
diaries includes assets involving constructive use of time. What I didn't
know was how much work it would be to locate and decide upon some activities,
and get our boys to use their time constructively.
Our younger son Tyler was easiest. He is a hockey player and this is a hockey
town so we were able to sign him up in advance for a week long skills camp
at the local rink. We found a shorter rollerblading camp through the Parks
and Recreation department, so he was set. But Ian, our 14-year old, has
many interests including golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, wrestling,
running, bowling . . . .
The Internet helps, as does calling the usual youth programmers such as
the YMCA, City Parks and Local colleges. Even before arriving, we had six
different options for him. Due to cost constraints (remember, I am on a
teacher's salary), we ruled out golf and lacrosse. Due to faraway distance,
the running camp was out. We finally narrowed it down to a week at the Y's
teen camp and another in the Park and Rec. basketball program.
All the while, I was collecting materials to be sure we had found the best
fit with price, interest and location. After several stops around town,
I had picked up at least seven different publications listing youth activities
from sketching for fun, Chess Club and Music theater workshops to rock climbing,
river rafting and mountain biking. It was overwhelming.
As I was reading about all of these options, pondering price, location and
equipment, it occurred to me that most full-time working parents don't have
the time nor energy to investigate the many, many summer choices. Instead,
as in most communities, the majority of the teens that are not yet able
or willing to work will be "hanging out" at home, on the streets
and in the malls. There will be little or no exposure to new people, places
and interests.
When I picked Ian up at the 'Y' last Weds. the first thing he declared was
"I know what I want to do in the summer when I'm 18." In fact,
for the next 15 minutes, all I heard about were the challenges and qualifications
of being a river rafting guide. Seems the guide he had let him control the
raft, give instructions and plot the path through a portion of the river.
What an experience! Certainly not one I had at 14.
What does this have to do with schools and education? First, years of classroom
experience tells us that over the summer, kids get into the negative things
that will limit our effectiveness in class next fall and far beyond. Many
kids report their first smoking, drinking, shoplifting and sexual experiences
occurring during those long slow, summer days. While we certainly shouldn't
be "parenting" these adolescents full-time during our own rest
and recuperation period, schools can be providing families with the available
options with relatively little effort.
If several parents can canvas the community agencies, library, parks, sports
vendors, etc, a listing of activities could be compiled according to age
appropriateness (many offerings are for the elementary age). The school
could offer to copy the lists and distribute through students or mail. Piles
of the parenting publications could be ordered and on hand at the office,
library and other points of parent contact.
In many cities, the local paper publishes a summer guide and schools should
be recipients of enough for every family. In the case of those families
most unlikely to access summer activities, the PTA under the direction of
the counselors or family resource center could send home the list or even
drop them off. Families should be told that scholarships are available in
many cases for the asking.
It was a lot of work getting Ian into some positive activities for this
short time here. But now I know what he will be doing that first summer
after graduation. Maybe with increased partnering between schools and communities,
other "Ians" will get to experience something out of the ordinary.
Stay tuned for a culminating entry in 2 weeks. Darrell
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