Remember when you were a teen? Rules seemed overly intrusive, and new responsibilities began to pile on your back.
Whether it’s at school or home, teens need a safe environment to express themselves, while learning to take on the responsibilities of a young adult. For teens in Chandler, more resources are becoming available through the city’s recreation division.
“We’ve offered programs all over the Chandler,” Recreation Coordinator Erika Berry said. “We strive to give teens an opportunity to express themselves in an open environment.”
Beginning this September, Chandler Sunset Library will offer two teen programs aimed at helping local teens become responsible adults and giving them the environment to share interests, work on art and, most importantly, just be themselves.
“We have several coordinators who have been providing youth programs at junior high schools,” Berry said.
“With budget cuts, we can no longer keep them at the schools, so we’re utilizing city space to implement programs.”
Becoming a Man
A Becoming a Man program, popularly called BAM, is available for young males ages 12 to 15. The program is designed to intr0duce male teens to new responsibilities and social skills to be a respectful young man.
“They come together to talk about a variety of issues,” Berry said. “They talk about how they interact with their parents and about any girl problems they may have. We also address how the media portrays males and females.”
Berry said a cooking activity will comprise one night of activities, allowing teens to develop independent skills.
“They also have cooking activities, which isn’t as common with boy-only programs,” she said.
The BAM program runs 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays Sept. 9 through Nov. 29 at the west Chandler Sunset branch library. There are no fees.
Just Be You Crew
Boys and girls ages 13 to 17 will be able to explore their artistic side during the Just Be You Crew program. Young adults can pick up a can of spray paint and collaborate on a graffiti mural during weekly evenings. Junkyard creations, dancing and photography will also be on this program’s agenda.
“This program is about giving teens an opportunity to express themselves,” Berry said. “The only cost is $5 for paint materials.”
The Just Be You Crew program runs 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 7-28 and Nov. 2-30 at the Chandler Sunset Library.
For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/Content/teen-programs.pdf .
