Adult volunteer mentors spend at least eight hours each month for one year with a youth, participating in both one-on-one and group activities that help the youth to build self-esteem, strong character and friendship as well as to help strengthen ties at home, at school and in the community. Friends of Youth mentors come from all walks of life. They open their hearts and are willing to share a lifetime of experience to help guide a young person in need.
Kamrin G. and his mentor Lydia Courtright were among 56 volunteers and youths from the Friends of Youth program who participated in a fun day of fishing aboard the Crystal Dawn. The group activity was sponsored by the Pirates Cove Big Game Tournament Series.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Friends of Youth uses donations from individuals and community sources such as the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, to provide scholarship opportunities that further help to promote the social, educational and cultural development of the young people involved in the program.
This summer, youths involved in the Friends of Youth program have had the chance to participate in numerous activities including day camps at Jennette's Pier, soccer camp, watersports camp, cheerleading camp and swimming lessons through Dare County Parks & Recreation, and 4-H & YMCA summer day camps.
The Friends of Youth program is a true collaborative of community members who strive to make a difference in the lives of young people in Dare County. For more information call Program Coordinator Bonnie Bennett at 252.475.5753 or Program Assistant Jennifer Wooten at 252.475.5754