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Free library of philadelphia
philadelphia, pa
When teens are empowered to organize their own event, the possibilities are infinite. This became clear at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit (Y.E.S.), held on May 16, 2007. Over 300 teens attended the Summit, where they jointly encouraged each other to make positive choices in the health and fitness aspects of their lives. As the culminating event of the Library’s Fit for Life program, the Summit was an effective way to conclude six months of fitness programming across the city. To date, more than 500 teens have attended the Library’s 38 Fit for Life programs, with ongoing events throughout the summer.
Planned and executed by local teens, this year’s theme, “Stand Up for Philly” combined a large variety of workshops to inspire teens to be more active in their daily life. With the power in their hands, the teens chose activities and workshops most familiar and interesting to them. From stress-reducing yoga lessons to informative sessions on healthy relationships & sexuality, there was never a dull moment in the library.
Without question, the most popular fitness workshop at the Summit and throughout the year was Dance, Dance, Revolution (DDR). This is a growing trend among kids, and has been a useful way to expose teenagers to the additional programs held at the Library throughout the year. The Saturday afternoon DDR programs at four regional locations drew record crowds. Many other branch libraries were so impressed by their popularity, that they initiated their own after school DDR programs. . The Summit was brought to an end with a highly anticipated raffle, where one lucky teen won their own DDR set to sharpen their dancing skills at home. The action didn’t stop at the Summit for the rest of the teens either. Everyone came out a winner, as each teen took home a pedometer to keep track of their steps wherever they go. The pedometers will serve as constant motivation to continue making healthy lifestyle choices throughout the summer. Fit for Life programming will continue during the summer, including a fitness course for underprivileged teens that highlights healthy eating, yoga, stress-reducing strategies, and dance classes, as well as DDR.
Fit for Life Program Development Coordinator, Theresa Ramos, says the key to the Free Library Summit’s success was in using resources that were already familiar and exciting to kids. Combining well-known, fun activities like DDR and yoga with cultural and educational programs already present at the library helps appeal to a broader group of teens. This wide variety of programs also encourages teens to continue coming to the library. |
Teen girls playing DDR at the 8th Annual Youth
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To read about more successful Get Real, Get Fit! and Fit for Life programs, visit the Library Showcase Archives by clicking here! |
