Youth Development

How to Host a Youth Friendly Party

No matter the time of year, it seems like festivities, parties and celebrations are taking place everywhere we turn. If your organization or Youth Action Team is considering throwing a party for any occasion that includes youth, it might seem overwhelming to make sure...

Building Youth Resistance Strategies and Skills

Contributed by Aspen Brown Major transitions are risk periods for drug initiation and abuse.[1] Transitions from elementary to middle school and so on are paired with unfamiliarity and new social settings. Knowledge of risk factors for drug abuse versus protective...

50 Things to Do Besides Drink Alcohol: Stay-At-Home Edition!

While many teens and young adults perceive drinking alcohol to be the norm, it’s important for our youth to hear the message that MOST teens actually choose NOT to drink. Even though most youth don’t drink, alcohol is still the #1 drug of choice for our teens....

What Youth Development Professionals Need to Know About Gender

Contributed by Jennifer Bateman, Ph.D., National Vice President, Youth Development Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America There is a lot of buzz around the concept of gender these days. Despite how often the term is used in the media, in education, and in...