Youth Development

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...

Introducing Young People to Mindfulness Practices

Contributed by Jennifer Bateman, Ph.D., National Vice President, Youth Development Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America In today’s hurried, busy, high-tech world, it is easy to for young people to become overwhelmed and overstimulated. Mindfulness practices...

Understanding the Effects of Trauma

Contributed by Anna Blount Imagine you’re hiking in the woods. Suddenly, a huge shape lumbers across the trail – a black bear has crossed your path! Your breathing becomes short, your heartbeat skyrockets, and every muscle tenses as cortisol rushes through your...

Evolving Teen Groups Into Communities

Contributed by Kim Aycock, MST “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” ~ Henry Ford Your teen group will most likely consist of kids of who decide to give this adventure a try or whose parents encourage them to...