Teens Helping Lead Youth Events At Ne Center

An innovative program that trains teenagers to lead summer activities for other kids is getting under way at the Northeast Community Center.

The program is part of a wide range of summer programs being organized in northeast Spokane by Educational Services District 101, the community center and such area agencies as the YMCA.

All the programs will begin June 26.

Unlike other programs, all the activities in northeast Spokane will be led by high school students who have been hired and trained in leadership. The 16 youth facilitators will earn $4.90 an hour for a 40-hour week.

Brian Magee, a VISTA volunteer coordinating youth services in northeast Spokane, said many ideas came from youths who are serving as part of an advisory committee.

Bemiss and Regal elementary schools will be open for recreation for 6- to 11-year-olds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Courtland Park will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with activities geared for 12- to 14-year-olds.

In all cases there will be a range of activities from flag football and soccer to programs related to violence prevention.

Throughout the summer there also will be special events such as horseback riding, swim and dance nights, and canoe and mountain bike trips.

Program organizer Phil Eager is also trying to put together a teen drop-in center and open gym weekdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Shaw Middle School. This would be a place for dancing and activities such as sports and job networking.

The West Central Community Center will launch its summer recreation programs for youngsters tonight.

Now in their third year, the evening programs open up the community center from 8 p.m. to midnight for arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball and social activities.

Program director Rick Harris said there are special events planned as well, such as a trip to a Mariners baseball game in Seattle and SplashDown Water Slide.

The center expects 40 to 60 kids each night and can provide transportation home. Four staff members supervise the activities, and a disciplinary committee of staff and youths will handle issues of conflict.

Also this summer, the Girl Scouts of the Inland Empire are organizing a summer jump-rope program at the West Central Community Center. The session begins June 22 and will run every Thursday afternoon for eight weeks.

It is open for girls ages 5 to 17, and registration will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the community center. There is no charge for the program.

For more information, call the Girl Scouts, 747-8091, or the community center, 326-9540.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: West Central The West Central Community Center will launch its summer recreation programs for youngsters at 8 tonight.