Investing in Our Youth

 

How do we make profitable investments in our youth?  Youth and community prosper when: children on the wrong track get a chance to avoid prison and finish their education, children have positive, age- appropriate activities with adult supervision when school is out, a snack after school keeps a child awake for his tutoring session; math and reading scores improve because a teacher works with a child after school, a business person takes time out to read to school children, youth learn about their environment through outdoor education programs, vigorous physical exercise reduces childhood obesity, character building activities offer an opportunity for community service, safety and self reliance are learned through exciting group activities, children and youth know that adults who care about them will take time to listen and talk about sensitive issues.

 
Agencies that invest in our youth:
 
Baton Rouge CYO
Baton Rouge Marine Institute
Big Buddy
Big River Council of Camp Fire, Inc.
Boys and Girls Club
Boy Scouts-Istrouma Area Council
Boy Scouts-Southeast Louisiana Council
Camp Fire, USA - Boys and Girls
Community Association for the Welfare of School Children
Girl Scouts Louisiana East
YMCA of the Capital Area
Volunteers in Public Schools
 
 
A PROBLEM:
·          Children and youth are more likely to experiment with sex and illicit drugs when unsupervised.
·          This behavior typically occurs weekdays between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 p.m..
   
A WAY TO HELP:
·          Adult supervised after-school programs are offered by United Way agencies.
·          After-school programs include tutoring, recreation, exercise, and nutritious snacks.