Conference yukon::christian_v7

    Suggestions and recommendations please (I know this shouldn't be in
    chit chat, but...)
    
    Where would one go when they have an idea for something that may well
    help to keep teen-aged kids off the streets and out of trouble.. I
    know, sounds like something that has been tried other places, but this
    is (I feel) different...
    
    For some time now, I have been thinking about a place called teen-haven
    where kids from age 12 to 17 can come to after school, nights and
    weekends instead of hanging on the street or being home alone. This
    place would be a place to come and do homework, receive tutoring,
    guidance. It would also be a place free from drugs, smoking, alcohol
    and weapons.
    
    In this place there would be PCs and other tools available to allow the
    teen to work on school work. This would also be a place for
    socialization.
    
    I guess this idea is sort of a teen-care or teenaged daycare place.
    Presently, at least in Colorado Springs, there is no such place for
    this age group... 
    
    First, what opinions do folks have of such a place? Mind you, there
    would be a strong Christian ethic and moral emphasys.
    
    Second, how would one start in getting folks to listen to the idea
    with open minds? Do you start with the kids, the parents, churches,
    where????
    
    Third, if such a place existed, would you allow your child to visit or
    use such a place.?
    
    MODs please move to a more appropriate location!
    
    Bob
    

    First, I have a problem with the age span.  A 12 year old and a 17 year
    old are about 35 years different.  The 17 has hormones, a driver's
    license, a job at McDonald's, a boy/girl friend, is making plans for
    college, has taken the SAT, is looking for scholarships, etc.  The 12
    year old is into Little League, does chores for money, rides a bike,
    gets permission to watch a show on TV, does not even think about
    dating, is concerned about junior high school and dressing for gym and
    "sees" an "adult" as anyone 16 or older.  This analysis can be argued,
    but the basic concept is that they are too far apart in interest and
    experience.  One end of the age spectrum will take over and run the
    center, "freezing" out the other.
    
    Next, I see this as being very expensive.  The supervision would
    require a significant number of people, to assist with homework,
    computers, etc. and then to have someone to talk about Christ, etc.
    Would you allow activities like basketball, vollyball, etc. since this
    is very important in the pre-teen and teen years?  The facility could
    cost an arm and a leg.  What if you size it for 40 kids, and the third
    week you are drawing 55-65?  What about food and drink?  
    
    I like the idea of trying to keep children away from trouble and
    pointing them at Christ.  But, is this approach practical?  I tend to
    feel it will cost a great deal, require enormous amounts of time,
    insurance, people, etc.
    
    Maybe if you tried to give us a more specific description of how much
    space, how many desks, how many computers, what software, reference
    library, tutors, supervisors, etc. we could give you better advice.
    
    In His Love,
    
    Daryl

    BE KIND... this is just a concept in my head... nothing more at this
    time...
    
    I do understand your feelings concerning the age group.. I guess what
    my thoughts have been around the age.... A caring 17 year old might
    find it in his/her heart to assist in tutoring and otherwise helping
    the younger kids with school work... There are some such 17 year olds
    out there.
    
    

    To answer your other issues...
    
    Building, hadn't really thought of that yet, but I invision such a
    building as maybe a portion of an old, no longer used school building
    or office building. The various ball games (b-ball, etc.) YES I would
    invision having such activities. Computers, software, library supplies
    and such... I would ask for donations where possible. As for tutors,
    administrators, councilors and such, again I would attempt to draw
    volunteers for these functions.... Being just a concept, I will have to
    be working all this out in my head and with others as time passes.
    
    Also, to inforce the no drugs, smoking, alcohol and weapon rule, I
    would see something like an amnasty box as the teens come through the
    door. This would be a locked box they can drop any of this stuff into
    as they walk through the door with no questions asked. Once in the door
    however, if caught with any of the above items {some} action would be
    taken... again a concept...
    
    You are correct, this could be cost prohibitive, but then again it
    could be worth the effort, in the long run....
    
    Another thing with the age thing.... maybe another idea in regard to
    the age would be to have the center target middle school age only (12
    through 15).... Again, details to be worked...
    
    I see this center as more than just a "hang out" for these kids. More
    of a place to go for homework help and all the other help/assistance a
    middle schooler may need.... 
    
    Drinks and other snack type stuff would be made available. Some for a
    small fee, to help with expenses.
    
    I saw a TV show once where there was one of these centers in New York
    (I think). The kids ran the place. They had a board of directors with
    adult advisors, but they ran it... They also set the by-laws of the
    club (that was their name for it). It was a successful project.
    
    As I stated, it is a concept. It is a concept in it's infancy. Lots of
    work has to go into turning that concept into a product that can be
    presented to {whom ever}.
    
    I appreciate your comments, they will help to form this concept for
    sure.
    

    I don't like your idea of an "amnesty box", its too much like the "Old
    West" check your guns at the bar!  They should not be encouraged to
    carry a gun, a bag or a joint, by saying its okay if you have those,
    just don't bring them in.  Sort of like suggesting abstaining from
    sexual relations while you're here, but what you do on your own time is
    okay or the ever popular P.C. statement, "I oppose abortion myself,
    but...".  You need to take a very hard stand - NO guns, booze, bags,
    sex,etc. period end of statement.  If they won't do that, do you really
    want them influencing some of your younger kids?
    
    Since you are in the Springs, what about talking to Focus on the
    Family?  They may have some ideas, or be able to put you in touch with
    people who could help. 

    I guess I need to finish my idea on the "box"..
    
    This would not be designed to condone the carrying or using of any of
    the material such as guns and other stuff... It would be a means of
    getting them to give them up... NOT to have them returned at the end of
    their stay.. The contents of the box would be turned over to the police
    (in the case of guns and drugs) or distroyed. Of course all this would
    be prearranges so as not to give the police dept. the wrong idea of the
    center.
    
    Absolutely, guns, smoking, drugs, etc. would NOT be tolorated at all. A
    hard stand would be taken.. 
    
    Again, once in the box, the items would not be returned to the person
    who placed it/them in there.
    
    Good stuff, keep it coming... The idea of talking to focus is a good
    one as well!