| For $1, young people ages 13 to 18 can swim, play basketball, use weights and learn leadership skills in a new program offered by the YMCA. Hours are from 4 to 9 p.m., and senior program director Kim Waldon says it's the only Saturday teen program in the city. The program began Nov. 4 and by Dec. 2, it had 57 teens registered. By Dec. 9, the number had increased to 78.
"Our goal is to have at least 200 kids in here by June," Waldon said.
Under new president and chief executive officer Addy Bonet, Waldon said, the YMCA is making a teen center one of its core programs."There were no programs here for teens," Waldon said.
Each evening's program depends on who shows up and what they want to do, but basketball is a clear favorite.
On Dec. 2, a basketball game was in full swing at 6 p.m. and more teens were coming in the front door to play. Cold weather on Dec. 9 brought even more teens to the YMCA. Waldon said 32 had signed in by 6 p.m."What better way to keep them off the street?" Waldon said as she gave a tour of the facilities.
News of the program spread by word of mouth, she said, a statement backed by Plainfield High School student Aaron Jackson, 15."I brought a lot of people here -- my whole street," he said.
The $1 fee was the right price for Jackson, who said other places charge $5 to play basketball.
Jackson found out about the new program because his sister is a YMCA counselor, he said.Another Plainfield High School student, Wayne Anderson, 14, told some of his friends about the new opportunity. "It's cheap," he said. "You can just go have fun."
Anderson said he lived just a block away and could walk over to the YMCA, where he appreciated words of advice from counselor Levarr Campbell on improving his game."The best thing about this program is that it's a nice place for kids to come," said visitor Shariff Stubbs, 16, a Plainfield High School student. You don't have to worry about anything." Waldon said participants are expected to observe YMCA rules of conduct, including respect for others and no bad language. Knowing that adults on hand have their best interest at heart, students respond in kind, she said. "This becomes home," she said.
Teens can register on their own, but parents know they are at the YMCA, she said.While Anderson walked over, Jackson said his mom dropped him off as a way "to get out of the house."
He said his mother appreciates the adult supervision at the YMCA."They know that there's people in here who care," Waldon said.
If you go* Teens 13-18 may sign in for Saturday activities at the Plainfield YMCA, 518 Watchung Ave. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (908) 756-6060. |
