Photo (left to right): Jada Crowell, XuanDie' Chavez, Virginnia Burgess, Victoria Morales, Michelle Narvaez, Ajalaa Claussen and Sophia Naisbitt-Nograro turned out for the kick off of the summer challenge, 101 Things For Youth to Do In Grant County.
Silver City, New Mexico, May 23, 2014: On Friday scores of Grant County youth turned out on the Grant County Courthouse to take on the summer-long challenge to complete 101 Things for Youth to Do In Grant County. The challenge is open to all local youth from May 23 to August 10, 2014.
La Plata Middle School Student, Andrew Lewis, 12, said he plans to drop by Gila Hike and Bike try out activity #19, fix a flat or ride a unicycle.
Snell Middle School student, Ricky Dees picked up his entry card. His mother, Sara said her children had looking forward all week to the kick off, "They are really excited, and it's good for them to do. I'm very proud of all the businesses supporting this program and our local youth."
Over 50 businesses in Grant County have banded together with the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition to offer 101 Things For Youth to Do In Grant County. The challenge is based on The Silver City Arts and Cultural District's original program "101 Things To Do In Silver City."
Photo: The Guck Family, Toby, Sara and Tony, tried to decide what to do first of the 101 Things for Youth to Do in Grant County.
Silver City Arts and Cultural District and Tourism Director, George Julian Dworin said, "I think it's fantastic. It's very exciting for Silver City Arts and Cultural District to partner in such a valuable program for youth!"
YSAPC member and Grant County DWI Program Coordinator, Cindy McClean, visited with local youth during the kick off, "I think that people will be very surprised with the things to do in Grant County. I'm excited to see how many people will be participating."
Belen Hunt, mother of four, came by and picked up entry cards for all her children, "I think it's a great idea and gives kids something to do." Her family plans to visit the museum, #5 , and, and climb the rock wall at Penny Park, #6. Hunt said # 16 wouldn't be a problem, "We always have family picnics, so that one will be easy to complete."
The 101 Things For Youth To Do In Grant County card is the entry card; there is no need to register. Participating youths need to complete 20 activities from the list of 101 activities to be eligible for prizes, at least 10 activities must be ones offered by local establishments, parents or youth can vouch for completion of the other ten activities, and then youth drop off the completed entry card to be eligible for prizes raffled throughout the summer.
The program is intended for youth from ages 11 to 18; younger ages may participate; however, activities are geared towards the aforementioned age group.
Photo: Virginia Burgess
La Plata student, Virginna Burgess had already received five stamps and completed six activities by 3 p.m. on Friday after picking up her card, "It was fun! We toured the Palace Hotel, stopped by Alotta Gelato to play a game and dropped by the Spot at the Wellness Coalition!"
Youth can enter the challenge as many times as able, and are encouraged to complete all 101 activities. Entry cards are available at all participating establishments. Prizes include a tandem bike, unicycles, ukuleles, video camera, gift certificates, a guitar, iPods and much more. Prizes were selected by youth focus groups held by YSAPC.
Raul Turrieta Jr. summed up how most parents and youth felt about the program, "Kudos to the participating businesses for giving our kids more to stuff to do!"
YSAPC is a program of the Grant County Community Health Council, which is the Health and Wellness Planning Authority of the Grant County Board of Commissioners and supported by Gila Regional Medical Center.
For more information call (575) 388-1198 or email healthcouncil@grmc.org<mailto:healthcouncil@grmc.org> or visit the website www.gcchc.org.