East Freo Youth Meet Up
Last Sunday the Town of East Fremantle kicked off its inaugural Youth Meet-Up event with a range of local community focussed organisations. Some of the organisations included were: Royal Surf Life Saving WA, Skateboarding WA and LEO - a Lion's Youth Initiative whose projects include; Children of Courage, Junior Public Speaking, Peace Poster, Youth of the Year, International Youth Exchange.
This sort of event couldn’t be more timely, as a society we are increasingly being stretched at all ends and one crucial aspect is being left behind. The kids that are being neglected in teen years, more specifically; 12 to 17 which is never a good idea especially as it is such an important period of a humans development.
The busier parents and guardians are, the more teens will be left to their own devices where they are left questioning, do my parents love me, unconditionally? Whether it is keeping up to date with incredibly accelerated legislature changes, culture wars, ‘who’s right-ism’ or a shifting economic climate that behaves like a train you are trying to chase down there is no doubt distraction has become a serious health impact that we have to take into account and take pause with to see how it impacts our families lives.
Incredible support from professionals with a strong focus on adding value to the lives of the youth is more of what we need and I was thankful to be apart of it, sharing knowledge, practices and fun tips at the ‘Soul Gazing Photography Pavilion.’ Whether it came time for a fun game with the backbone of educating kids how to spot dangers in the water, giving teenagers the opportunity to work for a non-for profit company or play in a communal environment at the skatepark, getting social and creating contact amongst those who want to help and those interested to learn has yet again proving to be an ingredient for fast tracking a joyful life experience and increased personal development.
What is the next community focussed event you will be apart of? I highly suggest taking up the opportunity, what will be your reward? Adding value to hearts and souls that extends past yourself and your time. I didn't go in with any expectations, I went in open minded, open hearted and I was happy with what I came away with :).