Youth Guidance Continues To Add New Activites And Programs For Their Youngsters And Families September 15, 2011

Youth Guidance is keeping their participants busy with the addition of the
Teen Mentoring Group, Karate Kids, We R G.E.M.S. and Strengthening
Families. These four programs are for various age groups and families
and will instill team building skills, healthy habits, etiquette, family
conflict resolution techniques and much more. They will be held at
different venues in Indian River County. The Teen Mentoring Group
kicked off the beginning of the year and is open to Youth Guidance teens
in grades 6-12. Staff and volunteers run the program, held every Monday,
5:00pm, at the Community Church. The teen group begins with friendly
competitions in the game room and continues with team building exercises
and topical speakers. The evening concludes with a healthy, family-style
dinner where the group focuses on positive conversation and etiquette.
Karate Kids, for youth of all ages, commenced in July and is held at the
Gifford Youth Activity Center each Tuesday at 6:00pm. Headed by John
Walcott and Joane Patrick, youngsters and adult volunteers get a thorough
workout in kung fu, qigong, karate and yoga helping them to develop their
mental focus. The participants also come away with self-discipline, new
athletic skills and a positive outlook on life. Beginning September 14,
girls in 4th-12th grades will be introduced to the program We R G.E.M.S.
held at the Gifford Youth Activity Center, Wednesday nights at 6:00.
Youth Guidance will partner with We R G.E.M.S. (GIRLS EDUCATED,
MOTIVATED & SOPHISTICATED) Inc., a non-profit serving young
females on the Treasure Coast. The mission is to empower girls to make
positive decisions in areas that determine their educational and social
status. The areas of focus will be self- esteem, self-confidence, social and
business etiquette, academic support, college and career planning and
community service. The vision is to have communities within the
Treasure Coast filled with highly educated and sophisticated women who
are leaders of organizations and community initiatives. In conjunction
with CASTLE and funded with a grant provided by Indian River
Community Foundation, Youth Guidance is sponsoring Strengthening
Families starting September 15, 5:30-8:00pm, at the CASTLE offices.
Parents and children, ages 10-14, will come together to resolve family
issues in a group environment during this seven week course held
Thursdays. This is a family skills training program which reduces
problem behaviors and helps improve school performance. There will be
free meals and babysitting for families attending the classes. Individuals
who want to enroll their children in Youth Guidance to take advantage of
these terrific programs or persons interested in volunteering for one of the
new programs please call the Youth Guidance office, 772-770-5040, or
visit the Youth Guidance website, www.ircyouth.com.