With our summer camps filled to the max and just around the corner, Youth Odyssey is excited to turn its’ focus on our summer programming schedule. This summer Youth Odyssey has partnered with housing projects and recreation centers here in the Coastal Bend to provide five-full programs and five-pilot programs.
A full program generally spans three weeks and, in those three weeks, we provide life skills programming on-site right where the kids are. Later in the program, the kids are able to use those skills in outdoor environments like at our ropes courses and on the camping trips. By allowing the kids to practice and use the skills we focus on (leadership, communication, trust, goal setting, teamwork, and problem solving) it makes what we teach about in our programs relevant to their lives and it’s more likely that they will continue to practice those skills when we aren’t present. In order to sign up for a rec center program you will need to register online
Our full length programs for this summer are:
- Oso Recreation Center: June 20th-July 7th, 1pm-3pm
- Lindale Recreation Center: June 20th-July 7th, 1pm-3pm
- Solomon Coles Rec. Center: July 11th-27th, 1pm-3pm
- Oak Park Recreation Center: Aug. 1st-18th, 1pm-3pm
- Joe Garza Recreation Center: Aug. 8th-18th, 1pm-3pm
Pilot programs are shortened versions of our normal program length and are designed to see how our presence is received by the youth in the locations we service. Based on how the pilot programs go, it allows Youth Odyssey and our program partners to assess the impact and attendance to see if, next year, a full length program would be feasible.
This year, our pilot programs will be located at:
- The Palms: June 14th-17th, 3pm-5pm
- CCISD: June 14th-17th
- Samuel Place: July 11th-14th, 1pm-3pm
- Casa De Mañana: June 20th-30th, 3pm-5pm
- Lantana Square: June 20th-30th, 3pm-5pm
Both program styles, full and pilot, involve a ropes course experience at Youth Odyssey’s ropes course in Odem where the participants will push themselves and encourage others to get out of their comfort zones and try new things.
If any of these sound like an option to get your kids involved this summer let us know. The programs at housing facilities and apartment complexes are closed to those who do not live on site. The recreation center programs are, however, open to anyone who wants to participate. In order to sign up for a rec center program you will need to register online and express interest in the rec center(s) that have the location or times that work best for you.
We want our programs to be a success and grow even more for next year so we can reach as many youth as possible!!
