It’s that time again–school is out and the kids are bouncing off the walls with boredom. Never fear! There are plenty of ways for kids and teens to stay active and have fun in Pinellas County all summer long!

From free options like volunteering, to summer camps and park programs–there is something for everyone! Check out these ideas for keeping kids and teens busy (and out of trouble!).

Give Back to the Community
Volunteering is a wonderful way for teens to make use of their free time over the summer. They will learn a valuable lesson in helping others and may even earn volunteer hours toward the high school graduation requirement that many schools have. Visit this link to search for volunteer opportunities in Pinellas County.

• VIP: Volunteers in Pinellas

Visit a Park or Volunteer at One
There are so many options for beautiful parks to visit in Pinellas County, but you can volunteer at parks as well. Visit the county’s website to learn more.’

• Volunteer in Parks

Join the Y
The YMCA of the Suncoast has 10 locations and offers various programs from summer camps to fitness classes, swimming lessons and sports programs for kids and teens of all ages.

• YMCA of the Suncoast

Enroll in a Summer Camp
Summer camps are a great way for kids and teens to stay active, make new friends and continue learning over the summer. There are a variety of summer camp programs in the Pinellas County area, but here are just a few to check out:

• Pinellas County Summer Camps 2012
• Tampa Bay Watch Summer Camps

• American Stage 2012 Summer Theater Programs
• City of Largo Summer Camp Programs

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium Summer Camp

Whether teens want to make the most of their summer by giving back to their community, making new friends or learning life skills, there are plenty of options in Pinellas County. LiveFree! is an organization focused on educating people about and ending substance abuse in Pinellas County. Our goal is to make the community a better place for us to live in and for our children to grow up in. Learn more about our goals by visiting us online.

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Prom is something you’re going to remember for the rest of your life; it’s the highlight of your high school career, and YOU make the choice on how you want to remember it. It should be a time when you are surrounded by friends, fun and dancing–an all-around celebration. You are graduating high school and moving on to college, leaving your longtime friends and entering the next big stage of your life. As you invest in YOU and your future, you have an opportunity to make important decisions and evaluate personal choices. Please consider choices that avoid underage drinking, prescription drug use, tobacco use, marijuana use and other drug use.

When alcohol and drugs become involved, prom can also be a dangerous time for teens. Alcohol and drug use can lead to other risky behaviors like driving under the influence, physical or emotional violence, sexual mistakes and accidental overdose. Prom should be a celebration that you remember forever–it should never end in tragedy.

It’s up to you to make healthy decisions this prom and celebrate without drugs or alcohol. When you look back at this memory years down the road, you’ll be proud of yourself and the positive choices you made.

Pledge to make healthy decisions this prom by tweeting to @LiveFreeFL and encourage your friends to do the same. Friends are the most powerful influence over other teens–make sure you are a positive one.

How to Tweet your LiveFree! Prom Pledge

Use our pre-written tweet: @LiveFree: I pledge to have a safe, fun prom, free from alcohol and drugs. #LiveFreeProm

Or create your own, making sure to tweet @LiveFreeFL and include the hashtag #LiveFreeProm

You’re invited … to a party! Parties are a time for socializing, games, and fun. However, some people like to ruin the carefree atmosphere with drugs and alcohol. Many teenagers are curious about the altering effects of drugs and alcohol. They may want to fit in with a crowd or seem cool.

The problem with using drugs or drinking alcohol is the loss of control and the risk for dependence. When you drink or do drugs, you are no longer yourself. You can’t truly experience and enjoy anything while under the influence. Don’t live behind a hazy cloud. Be yourself and really enjoy a party. Here are some ways you can have fun and throw a great party above the influence.

• Choose a theme. Dress in costumes, styles from a particular era, or just more formally than usual. The potential for fun starts in the wardrobe planning. You can hold a contest for best outfit or even a fashion show. Having something fun to focus on will give everyone something in common to talk about. No need for drugs or alcohol to take the runway.

• Provide a great spread of food. There’s nothing better than a good meal with good friends. Plan a menu with exotic and comfort foods, go pot luck, or splurge for a fancy caterer. Make the meal the central focus of the party.

• Some people like the idea of drinking because of the interesting concoctions and mixtures that can be made and garnished with a little umbrella. Go fun and healthy with smoothies or other frozen drinks that don’t need alcohol to perk them up.

• Plan some games to amp up the fun. Interactive video games let you have a tennis or bowling tournament in your living room. Want to gamble, but not with your health and safety? Set up a poker game with the losers having to clean up. You’ll need all your wits and focus to win. Don’t “deal in” drugs and alcohol.

• Hook up your iPod and blast the latest tunes. Get everyone on the dance floor. Once you start moving to the beat, you’ll get that natural high. Drugs and alcohol don’t come close to your own natural happiness. Afraid you don’t have the moves? Start the party with some simple lessons to put everyone at ease.

• Search online for other fun party games that don’t require drinking. Try card games, sports or outdoor games, swimming and pool games, even games that let you swap secrets and dares.

Being a teenager doesn’t last long. Make real memories with your friends that will last. When you’re older looking back, it won’t be much fun to say, “Remember that big summer party…” “No, I don’t remember it because I was drinking and doing drugs.” Make every party one to remember. Be a leader and party without drugs or alcohol. LiveFree can help you get involved.

Sources:
101 Ways to Party Without Drinking
How to Enjoy Yourself at a Party Without Drinking

Related Posts:
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Being a big brother or sister is a big responsibility. Your younger siblings look up to you, even if they don’t always act like it. Being a good older sibling means leaving footprints to follow along the path to success.

School
It’s important to set a good example at school for your siblings, whether you attend the same school or not. Your family may discuss your grades or assignments at home. You want younger siblings to hear a message of excitement, positive attitude, and dedication. School may not be your favorite place, but your attitude will inspire younger siblings. In today’s competitive workforce, the dream jobs are going only to people with the highest levels of education and the best work ethics. You don’t want your siblings to miss opportunities because they didn’t think school was important.

A bad attitude surrounded by bad behavior could leave your younger sibling in a real mess when he or she meets your former teachers. Leave behind a positive legacy so your siblings will be proud to share your name.

Social Scene
You didn’t get to choose your siblings, but you do get to choose your friends. Choose people who share your values and goals. Surrounding yourself with good friends will show your younger siblings how to foster positive, meaningful, and lasting relationships with their peers.

Drugs & Alcohol
Monkey see, monkey do. If you experiment with drugs and alcohol, your siblings may want to be just like you and do the things you do. Talk to younger siblings about the importance of saying NO so they can grow up healthy and strong.

Around the House
Your home is the center of your family. If you have chores or other responsibilities at home, make sure you keep up with them. Help younger siblings learn how to do their part to make your house a safe and comfortable home.

Your siblings will be flooded with new ideas and information from school and friends. Middle school is an especially impressionable time where kids may choose a path to success or a big mess. Help your younger siblings to navigate the world and become the best people they can be. Check out the Community Resources from LiveFree! to learn more about how to be a good role model and older sibling.

Sources:
How to Be a Good Brother or Sister
Study Offers Parents New Insights into When and Why Teens Choose Drinking, Drugs and Sex

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Getting a part-time job can be a great and exciting experience for any high school student, as it brings new responsibility, new freedoms, and a little spending cash! But finding and interviewing for a first job can be a daunting task for anyone.

All it takes is a little research, preparation, and a dash of courage. So here’s how you snag that job:

Finding Your Niche … or Interest
Your hopes and dreams may not be to bag groceries or wait tables at the local diner, but even a part-time job should be one you enjoy. When beginning your job search, be sure to check out all of your options and find one that suits you well. If you are on the shy side, working as a server may not be your best choice. Here are some ideas of part-time positions you can look for:

· Server or hostess

· Grocery store clerk/ bagger

· Movie theatre staff

· Sales clerk at clothing store

· Camp counselor

· Library assistant

· Receptionist

· Fast food staff

Applying in Person
Applying over the Internet or by mail doesn’t make an impression. Going to apply somewhere in person connects you with the employer and puts a face with the name. When applying in person, you don’t have to be dressed for an interview, but you should be dressed appropriately. Usually business casual is appropriate for going to fill out an application and possibly meet a prospective employer.

Interview Prep
If you’ve never had an interview, you may not know what to expect. Search the Internet or check out a book from your local library on interview tips. Practice general interview questions with a parent or sibling so you can be prepared for questions that may come your way.

During the Interview
Dress the part. Even for a part-time job, you should wear business-appropriate clothing such as dress slacks and a shirt or blouse. Bring a copy of your resume or related experience to the interview. Speak clearly, make eye contact, and be courteous during the interview. Don’t interrupt the interviewer, and try to answer questions to the best of your ability. Be honest when you are answering questions. Always thank the interviewer for his or her time after the interview, and later that day send a thank-you note via email or snail mail.

Following Up
About a week after your interview, you should call to follow up with the person who interviewed you. Express your sincere interest in the position and ask if the interviewer has any more questions for you. Thank the person again for taking the time to interview you.

Make sure employers are aware you are in high school at the time you apply. School should always come before your part-time job, but with the right hours, you can fit a job into your schedule. Getting your first job may seem like a lot of hard work, but it will give you a good sense of responsibility and some solid work experience.

If you’re a high school student looking to make good use of your free time, volunteering is another wonderful opportunity. Volunteering can help you build a better future for yourself and those around you. Join us at LiveFree! and see how you can help out!

Sources:
How to Land Your First Job
How to Find a Job (During High School)

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There are many reasons why children and teens begin to use and become addicted to drugs, from being bored to seeking social acceptance. Illicit drug use among youth aged 12 to 17 increased from 9.3 percent in 2008 to 10 percent in 2009. Often, young people who use drugs are simply looking for something to occupy their time.

You should discuss drug use with your children and help them in choosing alternative activities or healthy “addictions” that they can participate in. There are many great ways to keep kids active and help them avoid peer pressure or situations that could lead to trying or abusing drugs.

Sports. Playing sports is a great activity for children and teens. They must devote a lot of energy to practice and to games. Participating in team or individual sports will not only make youth less likely to become involved with drugs, but it is also good for their overall health.

Music. Learning to play an instrument or being a member of a choir is tough work, but it will occupy your kids’ time and reduce the possibility for risky situations where drugs may be introduced. With music, your children will see the outcome and reward of their hard work and practice. You can remind them that drug use will only lead to poor health and usually poor choices.

Volunteering. Volunteering will keep your children active and engaged in the community, and can even help them get into college. Many colleges look favorably upon applicants who have given their time to helping others. Remind your teen that drug use would only push them farther away from their family, friends and future goals.

Hobby. If you child isn’t interested in team sports or music, a hobby can be great for using that excess energy. It doesn’t matter if your teens want to build model cars or take up gardening as their hobby—just remember that any hobby is better than drug abuse. You should support and reinforce their choice of hobby, so they feel a sense of accomplishment and reward.

Club or Civic Organization. Joining a club or civic organization for young people is a great way for teens to meet other like-minded teens who are also seeking to make a positive impact. You can rest assured your teens are spending time making good choices and being around people who wish to do the same.

If you would like to find out more information on addiction, or keeping your children from experimenting with drugs, visit our website here: Pinellas Coalition. Or read our weekly blog: Livefree!

Sources:
Healthy Alternatives for Students (FCD)
Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics (Adolescent Substance Abuse)

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Volunteer work is about spending time doing something to help others out but not expecting anything in return. While the payoff doesn’t come in the form of cash, like most summer jobs, volunteering can be rewarding in so many ways.

College Applications: The most practical benefit of volunteer work is as a resume builder. The competition for top colleges is steeper than ever. Applicants with volunteer work experience are valuable to any college or university. It shows a commitment to making the community a better place. You will stand out among other students if you have volunteer work listed on any application.

Real-Life Experience: Many volunteer opportunities require teenagers to learn new skills. Volunteers may learn carpentry through Habitat for Humanity or cooking through a soup kitchen. The skills learned through volunteer work may be useful later in life. Volunteers might also discover a calling to a career they had never thought about before. For instance, volunteering as a candy striper in a hospital might reveal medicine as a future career. You can get a true feeling of what the real world is like without making a full commitment to an area of work.

Emotional Satisfaction: Volunteering gives you a sense of well-being. Knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life is inspiring and comforting. Volunteer work can build self-esteem and pride in yourself. These positive emotions are bound to rub off on those around you as well.

Meeting New People: Through volunteering, you will meet many like-minded people. You can make new friends who share your same values. The time you spend together doing good work will create a special bond. You may meet some of the most important people in your life through volunteer work.

Professional contacts can also be made through volunteering. If you coach a youth sports league, for instance, you become part of a whole network of families in the community. The more people you know in different areas, the more resources you have when looking for help, information or even a job in the future.

So use some of your free time this summer to volunteer. Make a difference in the lives of others, build your resume, learn real-life skills, feel proud of yourself and meet new people. Volunteering is one of the best things you can do to build a better future for yourself and those around you. Join us at LiveFree! today and take a step in the right direction for yourself and your community!

Sources:

Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits (Help Guide.org)

The benefits of volunteer work (Working.com.)

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Finding the Right Activities for Your Kids

Keeping your kids out of trouble and focused on healthy activities in today’s world can be a daunting task for any parent. However, by encouraging your kids’ interests, you will increase the likelihood they will stay involved with healthy, positive activities and out of harm. If your child is involved in extracurricular activities, you will be able to rest assured that he is having fun while in a supervised setting.

Sports. Sports can introduce your child, even at a young age, to the joy of physical activity. Children can learn new skills that increase hand and eye coordination and improve endurance levels. However, in addition to the physical benefits, your children will learn discipline and hard work and become introduced to another group of kids who have those similar interests. It will teach them the value of teamwork and help them to focus on something outside themselves, all while in a safe, supervised environment.

Volunteering. Volunteering is also a way to help your child focus on positive activities outside of himself, keeping him out of trouble. Taking your child’s interests into consideration, find a volunteer project that he can get involved in, whether it be visiting patients at a local hospital, volunteering at a food pantry, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, or getting involved with the local animal shelter. If you encourage your kids to find a volunteering activity that is relevant to their interests, they will be more likely to remain involved in that activity and avoid unhealthy habits.

Religious activities. Churches, synagogues and mosques all offer youth programs and activities to keep kids involved and focused. While spiritually based, these programs offer fun outlets for your children to get spend time with youths their own age in a learning environment. Religious institutions also offer summer programs for children to keep them busy during long summer vacations. In addition to providing activities, religious organizations help to teach your children the values that you would like instilled in them according to your beliefs.

Pinellas County is full of sports leagues, volunteering opportunities, and religious institutions. Talk to your kids about what they might be most interested in to help spur some excitement and then get them involved. LiveFree! is a community-focused organization that is dedicated to educating people about and ending substance abuse. We work every day to make our community a better place to live and grow up.

Sources:

20 Ways for Teenagers to Help Others by Volunteering The Teenager’s Guide to the Real World Online)

Welcome to Odell Rec Sports (Odell Rec Sports)

Do Sports Keep Teens Out of Trouble (LiveStrong)

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