Over the summer several of new programs have been added. Among them is the beginning of a nutritional program that teaches the children the basics of good nutrition, involves them in meal planning, and in meal preparation. Why is this important? We’ve learned when the kids come in the door at 3:30 with a bag of potato chips and a soft drink that they’ve picked up at the store, then stay until our doors close at 10 p.m. that this is all most of them have for “dinner”. Statistically, diabetes is 2.6 times higher in the Native population than for other Americans.  We believe we’re laying the framework for good nutrition that has the potential to affect change for generations to come.

Another program that we’re excited about is one we call “Transformers”. It’s actually a club where the kids join together to conspire to do good deeds. One week the kids might bake cookies and deliver them with a note of thanks to the Fire Department. Another week they might go to an elderly person’s home and do yard work or repair work that would otherwise go undone.

Our Campaigners program serves teen parents and provides direction, encouragement, and more.

Good behavior, as always, is encouraged. Staff watches to see if they can “catch” the kids doing something respectful, kind, or showing other great behavior.

Job skills, life skills, family outings and barbeques along with an assortment of other programs keep things hopping at the youth center.