101 Things for Youth returns this summer

Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 27 May 2015 27 May 2015

101 Things For Youth To Do In Grant County kicks off on Saturday, May 30, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Grant County Courthouse lawn with 60 businesses participating in the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition's summer challenge. From left, YSAPC Coordinator Razanna Robinson-Thomas, Health Council coordinator Chris DeBolt, and YSAPC Assistant Caitlyn Zollinger show off the skateboards that are some of the many prizes available for youth to win by participating. (Courtesy Photo)

Silver City, New Mexico, May 26, 2015: The free summer-long challenge for area youth, "101 Things For Youth To Do In Grant County," kicks off Saturday (May 30, 2015) from noon to 4 p.m. on the Grant County Courthouse Lawn, 201 N. Cooper St. Youth and their families will have a chance to see the prizes that will be raffled throughout the summer, ask questions about the challenge, enter give-a-ways and enjoy food, and like all the 101 Things to Do, everything is free.

Over 60 local establishments have banded together with the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (YSAPC) to offer the free summer challenge for youth. The challenge is based on The Silver City Arts and Cultural District's original program "101 Things To Do In Silver City."

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!"
To participate in 101 Things just use the entry card; there is no need to register. Cards were distributed last week to all middle and high school students, but cards are also available at local public libraries and all participating establishments.

Participants must complete 20 activities listed on the card to be eligible for prizes, at least ten activities must be those offered by establishments. Parents or youth can vouch for the other ten activities, and then youth drop off the completed entry card to be eligible for prizes raffled throughout the summer. Drop boxes for completed cards are listed on the card and located throughout the County.

The program is intended for youth from ages 12 to 18. Younger ages may participate, too.

YSAPC Coordinator Razanna Robinson-Thomas says, "The YSAPC thinks this project would help answer the multigenerational question, 'What is there to do?' Also, it strengthens the number one resistance factor for youth...bonding! When youth feel connected to the community, they are less likely to abuse substances. We want to foster that vital connection for youth this summer!"

Youth can enter as many times as able, and YSAPC encourages youth to complete all 101 activities. Prizes include skateboards, iPods, iTunes, speakers, headphones, watches, and gift certificates for a wide variety of services. Prizes were selected by youth focus groups held by YSAPC.

Also, don't worry about how youth will get to the 101 activities, entry card act as a free bus pass on Corre Caminos, and also completes Number 31 on the list, "Take a free ride on Corre Caminos."

Bayard Public Library is #51 on the list, and offers a chance to "get involved." Library Director Sonia Dixon says, "We have crafts across the board for youth at our new library." Crafts available include pottery, painting, murals, bracelets and more.

Dixon adds, "For teenagers we have an enormous new graphic novel selection, including Manga and comics. Also, renowned animator Ralph Bakshi will kick off our summer reading program on Friday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. with animation drawing."

Also, youth have the opportunity to "become a hash slinger on Thursdays" with local chefs, #11 on the list.

Diane Barrett, co-owner of Diane's Restaurant with her son, will share her award winning recipes with youth. "My specialty is accumulating the available flavor in a dish, and the little extra cooking time gets the full flavor from your ingredients."

Barrett adds, "Working with our local youth will be great fun! I'll be teaching youth how to create a sauce from real flavors as opposed to opening a can."

YSAPC member, Jim Helgert represents substance abuse treatment sector on the Coalition. Helgert says "I think it's a great opportunity for youth to get out of the house and see what Grant County has to offer and be proud of our community. "

Helgert is enthusiastic about the program, "I think it's amazing. This is what has been need for a long time: to bring the businesses, youth and community together!"

The YSAPC is composed of 25 service providers and invested community members dedicated to creating an environment that cultivates healthy productive lifestyles through advocacy and policy change that promotes resilient and empowered youth.

For more information on the kick-off of 101 Things for Youth To Do in Grant County on Saturday, May 30, 2015, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Grant County Courthouse lawn, 201 N. Cooper St., call (575) 388-1198 visit or the website at www.facebook.com/YSAPC.

The YSAPC is a program of the Grant County Community Health Council, the Health and Wellness Planning Authority of the Grant County Board of Commissioners, and is supported by Gila Regional Medical Center.

 

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