SOAR adds Teen Program Coordinator

SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation) recently added a new member to its team. Anne Heath has assumed the position of Teen Program Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience to a position that SOAR identified as very important to the teen population.

"I have 10 years of program development experience in Springfield/Eugene, kindergarten through twelfth grade, with an emphasis on building leadership teams and leading kids through developing retreats, conventions, camps, etc. for other kids," said Heath.

With five children of her own, ages ranging from an eighth grader through a 25-year-old, Heath has both the personal and professional experience to enhance the new goals of the Teen Center.

"The teen center used to be a drop-in location, mostly a place to hang out. A few years ago we decided we really wanted to change that. We wanted to offer more opportunities for teens and to develop a Teen Leadership Council where kids could be involved in deciding, organizing and actually leading new programs," said Carrie Ward, SOAR Executive Director.

SOAR's Teen Center facility completed a remodel two years ago, funded by gifts and donations. Grant monies from the Deschutes County Commission on Children & Families enables SOAR to work toward three programming goals: To offer a wide variety of organized activities with an emphasis on middle school kids, basically to give kids a chance to try activities ranging from arts to cooking to outdoor activities.

Second, the development of a Teen Council to involve kids in the actual programming of activities and to develop leadership skills.

Third, to give kids an opportunity to plan and get involved with community service activities.

These three goals were a perfect fit for Heath's skills and passions.

"I love programming, developing activities for kids that are going to help them grow as individuals," she said.

The recently reported juvenile crime ring activity in Sisters is one of the things that Heath believes can be eliminated through involvement in the new teen programs.

"Middle-school-aged kids especially, are at risk," she said. "Parents think they are old enough to leave them home alone, or on the computer all day, but it's so much better to have them engaged in the community, in an environment where they are introduced to positive people and experiences."

The Teen Council is an important element of the total program.

"There are always kids who stand out as leaders within the school system. However, if you offer a different venue for leadership outside of the school system, kids who aren't the norm for leadership can turn out to be great leaders," said Anne.

Teens can apply to be on the teen council and, once accepted, are expected to provide leadership during 10 center hours and at planned activities. The council will also come up with marketing ideas that expand participation at SOAR events. Teens are expected to serve by example, exhibit a spirit of leadership and a willingness to get involved in the community.

Anne has seen first-hand how leadership opportunities can turn around a youth's life. "Just because a kid doesn't look like a leader, doesn't mean they wouldn't make a good leader," said Anne.

She relates a story about a boy - an outcast - who was introduced to the guitar through a teen program. This became his vehicle for connecting to kids and group leadership.

"David eventually became an adult leader and, one night after a retreat several years ago, shared with me that the only reason he was alive was because we gave him something to believe in," Anne said, holding back tears.

For more information on the summer SOAR programs, visit http://www.sistersrecreation.com or call 549-2091.