Monterey Club Teaches Parents New Tricks
By Steven V., 14, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Calif., HYDC
I thought that the class went great for our first time trying it. I think that we just have a few things we need to improve on like getting the lesson translated into Spanish and working on my presentation skills. Plus I feel like we could have more T3 members to help out.
When we started I fell a little nervous but as we went through it I gained more and more confidence. And I could not have made all the way without having Victor and Loren by my side to give ideas and comments.
By Brandon W., 15
Today we helped teach parents how to use the computer. The process was very enlightening. It was a time where both teens and parents could learn how to communicate to each other. I learned how to show parents how to use the e-mail setting on gmail.com. It was a challenging experience, especially when you’re teaching someone who actually doesn’t know how to use the computer.
In this instance you would have to be especially patient and put yourself in the parents' position. Once you do that, you can successfully teach a parent but that’s just my view on it. Hopefully we can keep the program running so we can reach out to other parents who don’t know how to work the computer.
By Andrew W., 13
The class went well and all of the parents learned about something they probably didn’t know. Personally, I thought the project was a success to both parents and me. It helped me communicate with people better and helped me learn how to teach people in a way I didn’t know about. The project also taught me patience with people that are slower in certain areas in technology.
Above Zero Roars Ahead With Teen Uplift
By T.J. (16) and Nicole (15), Andre Agassi Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas
In the Above Zero meeting yesterday we talked about what we have done so far and what we plan on doing in the future. We had an interview with Ms. Lori Wilk. Ms. Wilk asked about how we came to start Above Zero, and what do it mean to be in Above Zero.
Above Zero is trying to change the prospect of teens. What we have done so far is writing a script, a web site, and some interviews. What were doing at this time is preparing speeches for our web site launch event, collecting artwork for the web site and getting a real teen story. We are also planning the party for the grand opening of the web site and making a production plan for the script. What we plan on doing next is filming, getting publicity, and auditions for the Above Zero program.
The goal and vision of Above Zero is to get teens to be more positive and improve teen image and combat stereotypes of teen. We are also making a web cast series. Some of the staff in Above Zero includes: Austin, the team leader; Maurice, the web site manager; Cas, the Art &Talent manager; and Hannah, the production manager.
I am writing music for Above Zero. I am working on writing a theme song and songs about how kids express themselves. Through a friend with a studio, I will record the music so we can use it on Above Zero. The coolest thing I think about Above Zero is that it’s a group of kids expressing themselves. A lot of people think that teens are lazy. But Above Zero is proving them wrong and that teens can change the world if they put their mind to it.
Lansing Club Seeks Change In Many Areas
Kaylin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lansing
There are four different groups in our project and the name of their various projects are: Change (which is a documentary), Enviromental Justice, How to Wiki and The Capri Sun Recycling Project. The following people are those who are working on it: Justin, Amber, Chandler, Buddy, Julian, Eric, Tray, KG, Jorge, Adrian, Victoria, Samuel and I. A lot of us have done a lot so far. Although all of us have been creating movies they are all different. "Change" is all about the struggles of young Americans. By interviewing five youths about their struggles, they will be able to determine common things.
The Capri-Sun recycling project is recycling Capri-Sun wrappers and using them to make fun, new projects such as pencil cases, backpacks, homework folders and many more. The group has asked plenty of people if they would wear the garments.
The Environmental Justice group has done a lot. They have put up a picture on their Wiki page and looked up definitions for Environmental Justice.
Lastly is the How to Wiki group. They are telling what is a Wiki and how to make one.
There are reasons that each of these are important. Whether it is because recycling is good, because youth should care about the economy and the environment, because they could prevent it, or simply because it can help people be informed. Everyone should have the intelligence to know that we can all help the world in some kind of way.
Next I think that everyone should be proud of their project even if they did hardly anything. Groups have been feeling awesome about it and they each put how they feel about.
How to Wiki said, "We feel good about it cause it can teach use how to make a Wiki."
Capri-Sun recycling project said, "We think it's good because we are recycling waste and its good for the economy. and we are turning trash into cash."
The Environmental Justice group said "Yes we are proud. We think it should be a fun project.
Truckee Meadow Club's Game Project Blazing Away
By Alex A. (14), Allison W. (14), Echo T. (15) and Jake W. (14), Boys & Girls Of Truckee Meadows, Nev.
KODU is going well. We are getting better about working together and the games are actually coming along. We better understand the ways to work KODU and manage the game. The worlds that we are thinking of are now coming to life on the television.
KODU has taken some time to get used to because it is very unlike other games that we have today. (We have to actually think outside of the box.) We are starting to figure out what we can and cannot do in the worlds and what will and will not work in the worlds. Our games are beginning to have a purpose and the options for the games are beginning to make more sense in allowing us to create what we want to create.
We will continue on the progressive path that we are on so that at some point we can actually have functioning games. As we continue to the make the games we are learning more about each other, who works well together and what we like. We hope to be able to play a fully functioning game some time very soon. We have also enjoyed playing other peoples worlds and seeing what they have created. It has allowed us to think about the games we would like to create.
Despite Slow Start, Palm Springs' Business Plan Forms
By Justin M., 15, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Springs, Calif.
So far CLUB R.A.D.D. has been great. We are up to seven regular students with a couple new ones that have shown interest. Currently we are working with the instructor on an introduction to basic graphic design. He is showing us how to use Photo Shop, how to come up with a business plan and to make business cards.
The business card is our first graphic project. If this turns out well he will show us how to create other items used in the business world. The instructor seems very knowledgeable and enjoys showing us how the programs work.
It was a little slow getting started. Now we have a regular schedule every week. We have our own designated space which gives us the privacy to work on the project without being interrupted. Our equipment is a little bit out of date but it gets the job done. We have been telling our friends about the program and hopefully they will show up at the next session. Our plan is to eventually create enough projects to start making money for the club. This will help offset the cost for trips and programs.
We will continue to keep everyone up to date with our programs.
Teen Club Recording Studio Takes Shape, Seeks Name
Bubba, Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, Wash.
Wow! Just giving you guys the 411 on the Teen Tech project. A former junk room was cleared out for us! This room couldn’t be any more perfect. The sound is really secure and it’s big! I love it!
Everyone here is excited about the project and we are also excited for our new tech guy, Shawn Pack. Shawn is on board and ready to take sail on this project. The other teens and I are showing the students the ropes on the music programs. More and more members are getting interested and there are a couple that are starting to write their own music. We are hoping that this becomes a national project to bring music to every Boys & Girls Club so that we can hopefully spark some careers from talented members everywhere!
Well, that is the update on the project. Oh yeah, by the way, we are going to need a name for the recording studio so if anybody out there gets any ideas, throw them our way. OK, until our next blog this is a goodbye from the members, staff, and volunteers of the Bobbie Littrell Teen Center. Laters!