The MYC Youth Council has had a very educational month this past February at the Milford Youth Center. Members typically meet every Wednesday but there was a snow day! The youth council decided to have mini meetings on the 8th and 9th to get things done! On the 8th, youth council members put together Valentine’s Day goodie bags for the Milford Senior Center’s Valentine’s Day Tea Party! The treats consisted of chocolate, mints, gummies and heart-shaped candies. The kids had a great time doing this together. The youth council also helped out with organizing video games for the game room at the youth center.
On the following day after school, youth council members got together upstairs to create some signs for Milford TV’s Grand Opening of Studio B! The kids really enjoy the opportunities provided to them by Milford TV. During the Grand Opening, youth council members volunteered by managing the coat check, showing guests where to find food and drink, holding signs outside and cleaning up. The youth council members had a fantastic time! They got to spend time with community members and the awesome staff members of at Milford TV. The event was free and open to the community. There was a great turnout! The next day, youth council members who volunteered at the Milford TV event went out for breakfast with their Youth Leadership Coordinator and SCI AmeriCorps member, Victoria!
The following week, youth council members had their own Valentine’s Day Party! It was from 3:30pm-5:00pm during the after-school program. Some members brought treats, others brought Valentine’s Day cards! The youth shared conversation and laughs over treats and pizza, reflecting on their service since it was basically the midyear point. Jen Ward, the Director of the Milford Youth Center, came upstairs and thanked the youth council members for their service and shared some thoughtful words with them. Over February break, youth council members also went to Milford TV to volunteer and help with a shoot.On the 26th, youth council members went to Milford TV and participated in free Camera and Editing Training fun by Liz who has always been super helpful and encouraging to kids when it comes to spending time in the studio!
Liz had the youth edit some footage that other members had taken over the past few months. The kids adored the experience and went back the very next day on their own terms to do more volunteer editing for the youth center with Liz! Youth Council members also volunteer with the United Way of Tri-County and their “Ready to Read Program” which helps promote early literacy. On the last day of February, the 28th, youth council members participated in a training workshop concerning Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Awareness. The workshop was run by Cheylsea Federle, an advocate from New Hope. New Hope is an organization that works throughout Massachusetts to build an anti-violence movement to end sexual and domestic violence. However, they also work to educate youth in a variety of topics including bullying, internet safety, mental health awareness and more! New Hope aims to create open, safe environments for youth to discuss these mature topics. We are so thankful for organizations like Milford TV and New Hope for helping us provide education opportunities for our youth. See you all next month!