Jennifer Karowe, Nederland. Hey teenagers! Hey parents of teenagers! 

Did you know that TEENS, Inc. runs fun field trips throughout the summer? They do! TEENS, Inc. has a Summer Venture program that offers day trips to places like Lake Dillon, Boulder, Elitches, the aquarium, rafting, and golf. Trips are open to students who have completed 6th grade and up.

Ariella Hubbard, Summer Program Assistant says she took this job to form strong meaningful connections with youth and model good, motivational behavior. The Summer Venture program is meant in part to allay boredom by going to new places, pushing boundaries, practicing healthy risk taking and part to foster non-parent, adult relationships. 

A group recently ventured to a Boulder Escape room where they had a great time evading a “psycho killer”. The experience was good practice for communication skills, comradery and respect. Hubbard said it was great to see the kids show their natural leadership roles. 

Althea Abruscato, TEENS, Inc. Restorative Practices Coordinator, said it was the first time trying an escape room. She said it was a great demonstration of team work and with a 35% overall success rate, they were proud to make it 75% of the way through.

“It was challenging for the kids and adults!” said Abruscato. “We had to collaborate with each other to solve the puzzles. Everyone felt connected. The kids felt good about themselves and recognized each other’s individual strengths.”

The purpose of this program is to provide well-rounded, healthy risk-taking opportunities to youth in the peak to peak region. It gives kids the chance to branch out and have fun.

Field trips are run on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Some trips fill up fast so register at least the Monday before. Activities are subject to change. 

Advanced registration is required. Register at TEENS, Inc. or email althea@teensinc.org.

Fees vary per activity. Reduced cost available. No student is turned away for financial reasons.

July 17 – Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding at Lake Dillon $35

24 – Casa Bonita & Movie $40

31 – Rafting in Idaho Springs $TBD

August 7 - Elitches

TEENS, Inc. is a safe place where teens can socialize while strengthening peer and adult relationships. Teen Center programming aims to incorporate mentoring, recreation, employment, leadership/character building, and crime, violence, and substance abuse prevention. 

Jennifer Karowe is a former TEENS, Inc. Board member and local mom of two.

Originally published in the July 11, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear. You can buy a low resolution, downloadable pdf of this paper at https://themtnear.com/product/2019-07-11/