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Berkeley,
California (Monday, July 30, 2007) - Wanna
play pool? How about
ping-pong, air hockey or foosball?
The “After Spot,” for Berkeley
teens, started at the end of June and already has more than 50
regulars. Teens have a blast competing in “Dance Revolution”
where they can practice their coordination and dance technique, play
games, or simply hang out and watch DVDs on a big flat screen TV.
The idea for the program started with
Berkeley Organizing Congregation for Action (BOCA) after parents
complained about the lack of activities and “safe space” for
teens. Community meetings between BOCA, Mayor Tom Bates, and City
Department heads and staff led to the idea of a pilot program for
teens.
The Program began in February at
West Berkeley Senior Center. Teens from Berkeley United Youth in
Action (BUYA) started talking to other teens, planned their own
program, and the “After Spot” was born.
“It’s been very rewarding seeing
youth enjoy the program and now having the support from the City,”
declared Kimmie Cox, 16.
“It’s been a learning process and
exciting to see our work pay off," Maria Garcia, 18, chimed in.
Cox and Garcia both work as Youth Organizers for the “After
Spot.”
The program currently operates at two
locations:
Fridays
nights, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
- West
Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 6th St.
Thursdays,
5:00-9:00 p.m.
The
program is free, except for the monthly special events.
The “After Spot” program agenda is established by
Berkeley teens with the support of City recreation staff. Teens have
“hip-hopped” to the beat, sang karaoke, competed in slam poetry
contests and attended monthly workshops and special events.
Summer special events have included both Water Rafting and a
Ropes Course.
“By
providing teens with a safe place and the mentors, resources, and
empowerment to establish their own programs, Berkeley is on the
right track to prevent teen violence and create a healthy
environment in which teens can flourish,” said Scott Ferris, Youth
& Recreation Services Manager.
Upcoming
events include:
Aloha
Swim Party
Hawaiian
fun, food, swimming, dancing, games, and prizes on Saturday, August
4, 1:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at West Campus Swim Center, 2100 Browning
Street. Cost: $3.
Must attend Berkeley school.
School I.D. required. ($5.00 without I.D.)
Echo
Lake Camping Excursion
A
fun trip to Echo Lake Camping grounds, near the Sierra Nevada
Mountains. Teens have
an opportunity to explore the great outdoors hiking, fishing,
canoeing and more for overnight camping, August 10- August 13.
Cost is $45 per teen. Deadline
to sign-up: August 7.
Contact Ginsi
Bryant, Assistant Coordinator, at 981-5147 for information.
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