It's a perennial problem in the suburbs, and especially in Parker. Tucked far south of the distractions of downtown, it can be hard for kids, particularly teens and tweens, to stay occupied.It was with that in mind that Youth for Parker, a local nonprofit, was created.
"It is sponsored by the mayor," said Youth for Parker mentor
Nathaniel Quintana. "A bunch of kids came to him and said 'there's nothing to do.' He said 'well what do you want to do?' That's how Youth for Parker was formed."
The youth-run group aims to put on safe, fun events in Parker at low or no cost.
Twelve-year-old
Eric Thomas, of Sierra Middle School, is Youth for Parker's youngest president.
"There wasn't a lot going on for the youth," Thomas said. "There was the rec center and a few skate parks and fields where you can run around but there weren't really events going on specifically for the youth.
"Parker does offer lots for kids through the rec program," Quintana added, "but sometimes it's focused on younger kids. Youth for Parker focuses on the junior high and high school students."
Thomas, along with the other members of Youth for Parker, break into committees at monthly meetings to help plan upcoming events. Past Youth for Parker shindigs have included dances, teen nights at the rec center, kickball tournaments and a masquerade dance, which Thomas says was Youth for Parker's biggest success, bringing in 83 kids.
In addition, Youth for Parker has organized recycling drives and plans to supply mural art for a skate park slated to open in Parker. The community service projects, Quintana says, help kids fulfill their mandatory service requirements for school.
Sponsorships have come in the form of services, monetary donations and volunteering as mentors. Thomas was quick to name TQ Photography in Parker, Staples, Big D's Barbecue and other businesses for their contributions.
A precocious eighth grader already versed in the adult world of business speak and professional courtesies, he has helped Youth for Parker in soliciting the support of future sponsors.
"I'm learning stuff that will follow me for the rest of my life," he said. "Accountability, managing time, learning how to have a budget, working with a team of kids."
To learn more about Youth for Parker go to
www.youthforparker.org.