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Opportunities for teens

ACTIVITIES

Dance Express

This event happens on the last Saturday of the month, 7:15pm-11:30pm. There is a children's dance from 7:15pm to 8:00pm. Regular DJ set from 8-11:30pm. Cost $1-$7. The Church, Main and Grove Streets. Information: (802) 258-6475 or (802) 380-4221.

Brattleboro Music Center Programs Information (802) 257-4523, www.bmcvt.org

      Children's Multicultural Performance Ensemble (ages 7+), Thursdays through  

      Nov 15, 3:45-5:15pm. This ensemble explores music and songs from a variety of

      earth-centered peoples. Children will attune to the natural world through practices

      of listening and playful, creative movement exercises, done both indoors and out.

      Cost: $100.

      Individual Lessons Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm. Individual music lessons, for

     students of all ages and abilities, are available in 15 different instruments and voice

     taught by the Brattleboro Music Center Music School's 30+ talented and dedicated

     faculty members.

      Celtic Music Session Wednesdays Youth 12+ in age, 4pm. Learn traditional jigs

      and reels, and other dance music of Scotland, Ireland and New England. All music

      will be taught by ear, making this class an excellent opportunity to develop

      students' ear training abilities as well as introducing them to this exciting musical

      tradition. Cost: $100.

Creating with Clay Studio

Offers 3 summer sessions lasting 2 weeks each. Grades 1-4 meets three days a week from 9am-10:30a.m. Grades 5 and up meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-4pm.  Session I is from June 23- July 3, 2008.  Session II is from July 14- July 25.  Session III is from July 28- August 8. 

      Parents and children can work together in the summer workshop meeting

     Tuesday and Thursday mornings, August 5, 7, 12 and 14, from 9:30 to

     11:00 a.m. each day.  This workshop is geared for children 5 to 10 years old,

     with a grown up.

     The summer adult class will meet Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30pm for      5 weeks, July 14 through August 11. Beginners and experienced potters are

    welcome to join in hand building and wheel projects. For further details, call

    Bonnie Stearns at 802-254-8355 or visit: www.creatingwithclay.com

Flow Yoga, Break Dance Camp

Ages 5-16, July 7- July18.  9am-3pm (1pm pick up option for ages 5-7).  Performance on the second Thursday.  $340.  $290 if you register before May 30th.  $260 before May 30th for 1pm pick up. 

River Gallery School of Art, Townscape Drawing & Painting for Teens

Learning to See and Interpret our Downtown Environment.  Working outdoors (depending on weather) in various settings, exploring media.  12-18 year olds.  Three, 2 1/2 hour sessions, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, July 7, 8 and 10 from 2pm-4:30 pm. Materials will be provided.  Cost:  Brattleboro residents $75, Non-residents $90.  Instructor: Jason Alden of River Gallery School.  Meet at River Gallery School, 32 Main St., second floor.  257-1577 or rgsart@sover.net .  www.rivergalleryschool.org     

Maple Ridge Stable, Youth Horsemanship Camps

Offers three summer sessions. July 14-18, ages 12 & up; July 28- August 1, ages 10-13; August 18-22, ages 8-11. The days are filled with learning the many aspects of horsemanship and riding, along with swimming, training/communication games and horse related art projects. Camp is open to children ages 8-15, any level or discipline. 

To help ensure safety and the best possible experience, these day camps are limited to eight children per session.  Registration starts in February with each camp generally filling quickly and a waiting list established.  Please reserve your spot early.  Camp runs from Monday-Friday, 9-3:30pm.  The cost is $300 for the week.  A $100 deposit is required to reserve a spot and must be mailed in with the registration forms.  For more information call 802-380-3268 or email potter5@sover.net .

AnimeNiacs (ages 13+)

Teen club focusing on Japanese anime and manga. COST: free. Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls. Mondays, 5 pm. Information: (802) 463-4270 or bfyouth@sover.net.  www.youseemore.com/rockingham

Brattleboro Parks and Recreation Center Programs

Now offering summer programs for children and youth.  For more information call 254-5808. Downloadable program at www.brattleboro.org

Boys & Girls Club

Inspiring/enabling all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to be productive, responsible and caring citizens. 17 Flat Street. Information call 254-5990

Meeting Waters YMCA ASPIRE 

This is an after school enrichment program.Open Monday-Friday, 3-6pm and full days on vacations, holidays and teacher in-service days. Fees based on days/week and pick-up time. Financial assistance available. Child Care Subsidy accepted. For more information: Brattleboro (802) 246-1036, Bellows Falls (802) 463-4769 info@meetingwatersymca.org . Check out their web site at www.meetingwatersymca.org

Voltage - pro soccer academy

Providing the opportunity to learn and enjoy many aspects of the game of soccer in a competitive environment from a current professional player.  This program is open to youth ages 5-18 and has scholarships available.  For more information go to www.vermontvoltage.com or call 802-999-6303.

New England Youth Theatre

Announcing....2008 Summer Programs!  Check out the variety of amazing opportunities at www.neyt.org

Kroka Expeditions Summer Schedule

Kroka Expeditions offers a variety of outdoor experiences including logging weekends, wilderness weekends, family camps, and white water rafting. Check out Vermont-Ecuador Semester.  Check out all the details on www.kroka.org

JOBS

United Church of Putney, Cleaning Position Available

United Church of Putney is looking for someone to help keep our church clean!  The position involves weekly and rotating cleaning duties.  Some light to moderate lifting necessary.  5 hours per week.  Somewhat flexible.  Availability with advanced notice for cleaning before and after special events (with extra pay).

Pay rate:  $15/ hour

Qualifications:  Reliability, good communication skills and references required.

Contact: 254-3667 or cp99@svcable.net for application.  Copies also available on the church door.  DEADLINE JULY 18th. 

Creating with Clay, Studio Pottery Assistant

Help organize, recycle clay, make glazes, perhaps assist younger students and help clean up after classes.   June 23-July 3, July 14-25, July 28-August 8, am or pm.  

Pay rate:  Volunteer position.  Benefits:  Work with clay, learn and gain skills. 

Qualifications:  Interested in ceramics or art, willing to learn and work, good around kids. Minimum age 13.

Contact person:  Bonnie Stearns, 44 Hillcrest Terrace, Brattleboro, VT.  254-8355 or bstearns@sover.net

Wog Harts School of Natural Magic, Counselor in Training

Assist with set up and campers in activities, be a positive role model including through participation, help provide a safe opportunity for children.  M-F 8:30am-3:30pm. 

Pay rate:  Volunteer Position. 

Qualifications:Willingness to be a team player, learn from adult mentors and to be a mentor to younger children.  Love of children.

Contact person: Darlene Jenson, 216 Williams St., Brattleboro, VT.  254-9528 or www.wogharts.org

Le Studio All Star Camp, Camp Counselor

Developing and implementing creative, challenging, fun activities for campers aged 5-12. Assisting in every aspect of creating strong, happy healthy children through self-esteem building activities. 

June 23-August 23, plus training sessions.

Pay rate:  Negotiable

Qualifications:  Ability to work independently, work as a team, be respectful, act appropriately and participate at all times. 

Contact person: Kathy St. Pierre.  6109 US Rte 5, Westminster, VT.  722-3535 or gymbiz35@yahoo.com

Deer Ridge Farm & Farm Camp, Farm and/or Farm Camp Intern

A variety of opportunities are offered to learn about sustainable living (solar energy, greenhouses, organic farming) and local foods, cooking and running a farm stand.  We also run an incredible, small Farm Camp where you can build your resume and learn about working with children from a teacher with 23+ years of experience.  After school March-June.  Summer 8:30am-4:00pm or 8:30am-1:00pm. 

Pay rate:  Housing (room & board), paid attendance at farm teen conference in August, training and end ofcommittment stipend (usually $100/week).

Qualifications:  We are flexible in arrangements if you are enthusiastic, have good sense and references.

Contact person:  Lisa Holderness, 4057 Hinesburg Rd, Guilford, VT.  254-3540.  lisahold@moomail.net (farm & camp), deerridgefarm@comcast.net (farm), farmcamp@comcast.net (camp).

UVM Extension Summer Work and Learn, Crew Member

Complete work projects on farm, run farmers market stand, mentor younger children, complete service projects in community.  July 1-August 21, 9:00am-3:00pm

Pay rate:  $7.68/hour

Contact person:  Amy Niemczura, 11 University Way, Suite 4, Brattleboro.  257-7967, ext. 19 amy.miemczura@uvm.edu

Meeting Waters YMCA, Activity Leaders and Group Leaders

This is a great opportunity for teens and young adults to go into the fields of recreation, education, youth services, human services, etc.  Come join our team of "Professional Role Models" and have  a great summer outside!  Transportation is available from various locations.  Staff Training, June 23- June 27.  June 30-August 22, M-F 8:45am-4:15pm.

Pay rate:  Based on experience.

Qualifications:  Must be at least 16 years old, fun, energetic, cooperative team player with interest in working with children ages 5-13.

Contact person:  Sara Chamberlin, 66 Atkinson Street, Bellows Falls, VT.  463-4769 or sara@meetingwatersymca.org .  Visit our web site at www.meetingwatersymca.org for more information. 

Great River Arts Institute, Summer Internship

We are offering three, 6-week internships in:  Marketing, Arts Administration, Art Education.  Dates and times are flexible.  One day a week for six weeks except for Art Education which would be one full week in July.  All interns will be able to participate in one of our art intensives for free. 

Pay rate:  Volunteer position

Qualifications:  An interest in art!

Contact person:  Jackie Fehrenback, 33 Bridge Street, PO Box 48, Bellows Falls, VT.  463-3330

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS

Open Art: Creative Opportunities for Youth

The Great River Arts Institute is creating a radio project and needs your help!.  The radio program would air on WOOL FM in Bellows Falls.  Learn how to put a radio show together and share your stories.  Paid and unpaid internships are available through the Great River Arts Institute for students interested in art and working with younger children and their peers. For more information call 802-463-3330 or emailgreatriverjack@yahoo.com or visitwww.greatriverarts.org

Youth Leadership Program

Are you a young person between the ages of 15 and 25 who has a disability and would like to be a part of an exciting, fun and educational program? Join the Youth Leadership Program through Vermont Center for Independent Living and learn your rights as a person with a disability, how to speak up for yourself, how to live on your own, set goals, make decisions and become a mentor. For more information or to apply call 802-229-6413 or 7-800-639-1522 (voice and TTY) or email dvora@vcil.org

Safe Sitter Babysitting Class

What to be a more confident babysitter?  Learn basic life saving and safety techniques that will help you feel more comfortable taking care of someone else's children.  This class is for youth ages 11 to 13 and will beheld at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.  Call 802-251-8425 for dates of upcoming classes.

Young Writers Project

Visit this interactive web site to share your writing and learn how to improve your writing.  Weekly writing prompts are provided and you could have your work published in the local newspaper!  Check it out @ www.youngwritersproject.org

The Global Youth Fund

“This I Believe” essays, The Global Youth Fund (GYF) -- a youth-driven initiative to create the world's first democratic fund -- is compiling the collective wisdom of youth (ages 15-25). Focused on personal philosophies, core values and beliefs that serve as a day-to-day guide, these essays reflect what young people have to say about our world's most critical challenges, and the solutions they have to offer. Sample “I believe in” titles: The Active Soul, Borderless World, It All Starts with Yourself, Liberating your mind. Read on to hear the voices of tomorrow.  Check it out at www.globalyouthfund.org

Got an opinion?

The Brattleboro Reformer is seeking teens to write editorials for the paper.  What are youth talking about?  What is important to you?  What do you think about local issues, politics and world wide issues?  This is not a social studies paper - this is your voice being heard.  For more information or to submit at editorial contact Sabina Haskell,Editor, at 254-2311 ext.106 or shaskell@reformer.com.

Teen Nights

Youth ages 13 to 18 can hang out at the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro from 7 to 11pm on Friday nights. Come hear local bands, DJ's, or watch skate jams and movies. or more information call 254-5990.

Volunteer with the Local Habitat for Humanity Chapter

The Brattleboro Area Habitat for Humanity Chapter is working on houses and welcomes volunteers to come help build! Work is usually done on Saturdays at their workshop on Putney Rd/Rt. 5. For more information contact Dean at 802-254-5222 or judean@together.net.

Volunteer at Experienced Goods Thrift Shop for Brattleboro Area Hospice

77 Flat Street in Brattleboro. Please stop by the Shop or call us at (802) 254-5200, to learn more. Ask for Victoria.

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Professional Trainings & Parent Education

Learn how to support your children in school and at home; meet other parents and share what works and what doesn't!

Free Computer Classes at Vermont Adult Learning

Check out class dates and topics at http://vtadultlearning.org/blogs/grant/

Collaborate with Greenwood School

The Greenwood School is a boarding school in Southern Vermont dedicated to taking bright and talented boys with learning differences and learning disabilities (LD) such as dyslexia, attention difficulties (ADD / ADHD), or executive functioning deficits and empowering them with the skills and strategies necessary to bridge the gap between their outstanding promise and present abilities.

A comprehensive 3-year pre-preparatory middle school academic program, including science, history, art, literature, music, and athletics, assures our students are intellectually challenged, creatively inspired, and factually informed.

The Greenwood School is looking for organizations to partner with in our Community Service Learning (CSL) Program.
Goal of the CSL Program:
Expand confidence, increase empathy, foster trust and tolerance, and improve the socialization skills of the students at the Greenwood School Purpose:
Impact the Greenwood students by introducing them to service work – thereby starting the process of witnessing the inherent value of “giving back” to one’s community. Build mutually advantageous partnerships with local and distant communities.
Some of Greenwood's existing partnership organizations:
The Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation
Windham County Humane Society

University of Vermont Agricultural Extension, Youth Horticultural Project

If you are interested in helping us build a more interconnected community, please contact:
Adam Jones
The Greenwood School
14 Greenwood Lane
Putney, VT 05346
Community Service Learning Director
802.999.0066
ca_jones@mac.com

The Center for Health & Learning Log onto www.healthandlearning.org/ for details on all trainings and workshops including strategies on suicide prevention, improving health education, research based curricula and more.

Planned Parenthood Professional Trainings

These trainings are designed to assist professionals in getting the skills, knowledge, support, and confidence to address the sensitive topic of sexuality. Check out the calendar of trainings for 2006-2007 @ www.ppnne.org

Research-based Interactive Programs Teach Children Critical Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Skills.

Eugene, OR- Health Comm Interactive, Inc. announces release of two multimedia CD-ROM programs, Walk Smart and Bike Smart. Both programs are designed for children in grades K-3 and were produced, with support from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, by the Oregon Center for Applied Science. Using animations and video demonstrations, these self-paced programs are fun and engaging. They teach children the basic skills and knowledge they need to be safe as pedestrians and on their bicycles.

Concerned parents, educators and safety officials were directly involved in the design and evaluation of Walk Smart and Bike Smart. Pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death from trauma for children 5-9 years old. These accidents most often occur while the child is walking along, playing in, or crossing the street. Non-fatal bicycle accidents represent one of the most common causes of serious brain injury in children--with more than 138,000 children under the age of 14 sustaining bicycle-related head injuries each year.

"What differentiates the Walk Smart and Bike Smart programs from traditional safety curricula are their emphasis on breaking down complex skills such as street crossing into component parts: responding to signals, discriminating dangerous vehicles, and understanding traffic distance", noted Ann Glang Ph.D., Principal Investigator. "The program then teaches each of these skills to mastery before integrating them into the more complex task of walking safely across a busy street. Pre-teaching the component skills involved in a complex response is a critical feature of effective instructional programs".

Both programs were thoroughly evaluated in studies involving several hundred children. The studies demonstrated that after children used the program, most did a significantly better job of identifying hazardous situations than they had prior to using the program. The studies also demonstrated that even children with no computer or reading skills were able to use the programs.

Detailed information, including research evaluation reports and program sample clips are available at http://childsafety.hcimarketplace.com . Each program costs $19.95. They are available directly from Health Comm Interactive through the web site or by calling 866 846 4880 Toll-free.

Good-Touch/Bad-Touch Professional Trainings

Good-Touch/Bad-Touch provides a 3.5 day, 21-hour Facilitator Training to certify adults to facilitate the Good-Touch/Bad-Touch Curriculum with PreK - 6th grade students.  The Curriculum is research-based, comprehensive violence prevention education, with information about preventing abuse, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, internet safety rules, stranger-danger rules and character development. It is educationally and developmentally appropriate, and is in its 11th revised edition, with by-stander discussions now included in the 5th and 6th grade curriculum.
For more information visit www.goodtouchbadtouch.com

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Grant Opportunities

Vermont Action for Healthy Kids wants to encourage after school programs to give students opportunities to acquire skills in a physical activity they can enjoy throughout their lives. To support this, we are offering $200 grants to 5 schools to offer students four dance classes (in a single dance genre) in after school programs. The grant application is due January 21, 2008 and funds will be available in early February, 2008.

Contact: Nicole Lukas, 802-288-8305 Download grant application: School application.

Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition Mini-Grants BAPC mini-grants provide funding to projects that support the prevention and reduction of youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in the Windham Southeast area.  Grant amounts range from $250-$1,500.  Download the request for proposals.  Email: bapc@sover.net  or phone: 802-257-2175

Hamburger Helper's MYHOMETOWNHELPER.COM will provide support to initiatives that help hometowns across America.   Awards will be based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within the community. Examples of fundable projects include the purchase of playground equipment, community clean-ups, and training volunteer firefighters. All requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal agency,civic organization, or public school. Applicants can request a one-time award for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $15,000. Multiple awards may be given out each month depending upon the number of applicants and the amount of money requested by each applicant. There will be two application phases: Phase 1 August 1, 2007-September 30, 2007 and Phase 2 February 1, 2008 - March 31, 2008. Applications from Phase 1 will not carry over to Phase 2, but can be submitted again. Applications will be collected only via online submission. Visit the web site listed below for more information.  www.myhometownhelper.com/

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What's new with the Youth Initiative?

   Updates coming soon!!!

* GETTING THE WORD OUT!

A short guide to publicizing youth related events

Download this easy to use guide