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TEEN PROGRAMMING <br />Teen programming is something that is needed in most cities but is <br />very difficult to establish without certain resources and criteria <br />that is critical to the teenagers need and desires. Professionals <br />in the leisure services field have 'tried many options in <br />programming for teenagers. Many surveys and studies have been done <br />and findings used to incorporate activities that are desirable and <br />of benefit to the teenage population. <br />There appears to. be five criteria necessary to successfully <br />establish Menage programs.. These criteria are: <br />1. A place for teenagers to gather and socialize. This could be <br />a community center, a teen center, space in a library for studying <br />and visiting, a game room or any place which offers a wholesome yet <br />open atmosphere for simply "hanging out"'. <br />2. Adventure programs such 'as canoe trips, ski trips, bike trips <br />and other such adventure trips are popular amongst teenagers. <br />3. Risk activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, go - <br />carting, skateboarding and other exciting and somewhat scary <br />activities tend to be'favorites of some teenagerq. <br />4. Sporting activities which are played for the fun of it and non-• <br />cc--pet-itiia nature are an activity that is fr2gLi2ntiy engagau <br />in by teenagers. Such activities as "shooting hoops" and throwing <br />the ball around, running a few laps, playing sand volleyball and <br />passing the soccer or football around,.is typical lingo heard from <br />teens referring to time spent in unorganized, spontaneous physical <br />sporting activity. <br />5. Finally, entertainment is a popular activity during leisure <br />hours Such activities as going to movies, going to concerts, <br />playing pool or foosball, watching high school games or attending <br />school, church or other local functions as a group is a typical <br />past -time activity for teenagers. <br />It has been experienced by those who have been successful in <br />teenage programming that a key element is facilities. Teenagers <br />are usually free for leisure activates right after school and on <br />weekends. Schcol facilities are typically unavailable during these <br />ti lei because? aiterschool aC_wv? tas SliCf: as 57Crta and CillbS <br />and Other schCcl associated aCt;`T1t1eS _a:e place. i place t0 <br />"hang out" during these tyres is crucial for those teenagers who <br />do not participate in school activities• <br />Secondly, the leader or supervisor of teenage prograrnming :rust be <br />someone who is mature and responsible yet is able to relate t. <br />teenagers. It is i;iparative that the leadership role be one of <br />continuity and consistency to establish raport and instill an <br />dtmOS.here Of ileX-,bi!Jty and Creative wh4m.-4ng while advocating <br />responsible behavior. <br />