Youth Development

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...

The Power of Family Mealtimes

Contributed by Wendy Palmer, MS, RD, LD, CHES It seems like such a simple part of life, but it’s one that many families are not prioritizing: family mealtimes. Many of us are overbooked, overscheduled and find it hard to fit in a time where the whole family can sit...

Remembering the “Prevention” in National Bullying Prevention Month

Contributed by Katherine Raczynski If you follow the news, you are likely very aware of the challenge of addressing childhood bullying. We know that it happens and can have devastating consequences, but sensational media coverage can leave us feeling disheartened and...

Be A Poser: Strike Your Power Pose

Contributed by the Walton County Youth Advocacy Board As members of a Youth Advocacy Board, we find ourselves doing a good bit of public speaking. Sometimes it’s in front of peers at school, other times county commissioners or state legislators. In any case, it can be...

Give Your Program a Praise Makeover

Contributed by Jennifer Bateman, Ph.D., Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Vice President, Health, Wellness & Gender Praise is a powerful motivator for youth and one of the most efficient tools staff can use to shape desired behavior in out-of-school...