My tween daughter has been allowed to have some “slack off time” (for lack of better words) this summer. I read the article that was going viral all over Facebook about “How to have a 1970s summer” and yes, felt guilty. I am a mother that likes to let her daughter have a lot of relaxation, outdoor pool and sprayground time, and mix in a ton of summer reading (for fun not for accelerated reader points) and visits to cultural institutions and the libraries – thank goodness for that Cultural Pass! So, the article did show me that I don’t need to spend any time on Pinterest feeling sorry for myself and that I needed to buy a new basic sprinkler since the one we had last year went missing in action. There’s been plenty of down time, plenty of days with unmonitored screen time, and plenty of “let’s put all the couch cushions and all the pillows in the entire house on the floor and make our own tumbling gym with my brother” kinds of days.
But some days, there needs to be some structure. And that’s where some of these ideas come in real handy, am I right parents? Our city is awesome, and is full of great, innovative ways to engage our youth. These are just a few ideas I found, and as I find more I will showcase them on Louisville.com periodically.
Hip Hop Dance Camp with Safiyyah Dance
July 7-11, 9am-5pm
Let’s Go Fly a Kite Children’s Theater Musical Camp in Jeffersonville, Indiana (see more at www.jeffparks.org)
July 7-11, 10am-1pm
Louisville Free Public Library Upcoming Programs:
Teen Time, Teen Advisory Board, Teen Lounge, Anime Clubs, Writing Workshops, Teen Tuesdays, Game Challenges, Teen Zone: All of these programs and more are happening this summer at one of the library branch locations or the Main Library. Click here for calendar information and descriptions.
4H Fair Project Days
Many libraries are pairing up with 4-H to allow students to create projects which can be entered into the Jefferson County Fair, and may also make their way into the Kentucky State Fair as well. See the link here, and call individual branches as these programs require sign-ups ahead of time.
2014 Summer Programs Guide by Louisville Metro Government
This is an invaluable resource with many contacts for those serving youth throughout the area.
The Mayor’s Office recently announced a line-up of summertime recreation, fitness, and educational opportunities for Louisville’s youth. See more about it here.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer with Metro Animal Services (MAS)
Check out the Volunteer Sign Up Page with Louisville Metro Government to see if any matches for youth are found.
Student and Youth Volunteer Opps with Norton Healthcare
The Louisville Zoo accepts youth volunteers starting at age 13.
Check out Dare to Care Food Bank to see what their requirements for youth volunteers are.
These highlighted opportunities are geared for children ages 8-12 and teens ages 13 and up. Check back for more ideas to appear soon!
Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/mangostock
