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New Prince George’s plan considers all youth to be ‘at risk’
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(Greg Whitesell/Examiner)
Camp Counselor Caleb Baum, 24, plays a fast-paced game of Flag Tag with the children in his Track and Field Acitivity Camp at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center on Wednesday in Landover. A new Prince George’s County Youth Action Plan is based on the notion that all young people are “at risk,” not just those from low-income areas. “The newer, revised [philosophy] is that all young people are at risk for kind of getting off track, for doing unhealthy and unproductive things,” said Anita Pesses, spokeswoman for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “And we need to provide activities and places for them that are healthy.” The new plan, Pesses said, represents “a shift in thinking.” Increasing opportunities for health and wellness, developing partnerships within the community and creating programs with measurable outcomes are all components of the plan. On Tuesday, representatives from Parks and Recreation briefed the County Council on the initiative, directed at youth between the ages of 10 and 17. According to Parks and Recreation Director Marye Wells-Harley, the plan was developed over 12 months with input from youth, staff and community members. “We surveyed young people and their parents,” she told the council. “We held community hall forums, and we heard from staff and youth workers at workshops.” “The process,” she said, “has resulted in a shared vision ... centered around six objective actions.” During formulation of the plan, Pesses said, Parks and Recreation nearly doubled its Xtreme Teens program, making it available in all 40 of its community centers. Every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m., Xtreme Teens offers activities such as plays, sports, game nights, speakers and homework help. In the future, Pesses said, the community can expect Parks and Recreation to offer more physical fitness activities, nutritional programs, healthier snacks at functions and joint ventures with other groups. “We are including something for everyone,” she said. The objectives » organization and program structure » staff education and training » health and wellness » community outreach » marketing » outcomes and evaluation measures. dfowler@dcexaminer.com |
