Updated with new calendar-Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

I am currently working on my Master of Library and Information Science and I am taking a class this summer that is a crash course in Children's and YA programming. I have to create a calendar of events for a whole year (due this Friday) and my target audience is 16-18 year olds.

This is what I have so far. I would LOVE any other ideas. I need 104 total, allowing one reoccurring program a month. I am allowed to take ideas that are already being done in other libraries. I just need to have all my ideas tonight so tomorrow I can work on the descriptions of the programs and then work on the budget.

Thanks!!!

YA Programs

January

1.Gettin' Knitty-intro class in knitting basics. Participants will be taught how to knit a scarf to keep them warm in the winter months
2. Oddball Christmas Gift Swap-Teens are invited to bring their oddball Christmas gifts that they don't want and swap with other teens. If there are gifts that no one wants, they can be donated to charity
3.New Year, New You-teens will learn about diet, exercise, as well as share fashion ideas and be inspired to start a new hobby
4.Super Bowl-tizers-teens learn how to make popular Super Bowl snack foods like pigs in a blanket and potato skins
5.Defensive Driving 5-hour pre-licensing class.
6.Do You Fondue? Teens will learn the art of mixing cheeses to create the perfect fondue dip. Then they will get to dip veggies and bread into the yummy mixture.
7.Super Duper Super Bowl- Teens will use library's gaming consoles to create their own Super Bowl game.
8.Strong as an Ox-The Chinese New Year of 2009 will be on January 26th. Teens will share in traditional Chinese new year customs and learn more about the Ox.
February

9.Let me call you sweetheart-teens will come and share love poems and make chocolates in honor of Valentine's Day
10.Happy Singletons-Not everyone has a special someone for Valentine's Day. This group will munch on snacks and talk about the good things about being single.
11.Defensive Driving-5 hour pre licensing course
12.We Beat the Street (Book Discussion Group)- In honor of Black History Month, this book focuses on three black doctors who made a pact to get through college together and to go on to become doctors. Discussion questions available on Penguin website.
13.Groundhog Day-Movie night-teens will watch the 1993 movie and then make predictions on whether or not the winter will last another 6 weeks.
14.Mardi Gras Night-teens will be given beads and masks and encouraged to dress for the occasion. There will be snacks and New Orleans jazz.
15.Mid-Winter Blah's Party-Tropical themed gathering to help combat winter depression.

March

16.March Madness
17.Prom Fashion Show-teens will volunteer ahead of time to model the latest gowns and tuxedos for Prom
18.Make your own prom jewelry or hair accessory-teens will use stones and beads to create original jewelry.
19.St Patrick's Day Rootbeer Fest
20.Oscar Night-teens submit their predictions and stay late to watch the awards. They are invited to dress to impress.
21.Tax This! Taxes for teens
22.Defensive Driving 5 hour class
23.Self Defense for Teenage Girls ( in honor of March being Women's History Month)

April
24.When Flipping Burgers won't do (finding a summer job or internship that will impress the college boards as well as teach a thing or two
25.Minding Your P's and Q's-this program will discuss the Emily Post-style etiquette to help prepare older teens for going to college or joining the work force.
26.Create Your Own Website
27.Resume Writing for Teens-teens will be looking for summer jobs and many of them have no previous job experience. This is difficult but it is possible to draw on school clubs, church involvement and volunteer work to create a good resume.
28. Five Hour Pre Licensing Class defensive driving
29.Generation Bridge: Technology-High School Seniors will be paired with Senior Citizens and will share their technology knowledge such as help them set up voicemail on their cell phone, help them set up a free e-mail account in the library (and send them pictures and jokes periodically) and the eternal struggle: how to program the DVR (or VCR since many of them might not have DVR)
30.Plant a tree, watch it grow-in honor of Earth Day, teens will gather to plant trees at the library
31.Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!- Teens will be encouraged to dress as their favorite Shakespearean character, come and read some Shakespeare poetry and share a slice a birthday cake.
May

32.Cinco de Mayo Fiesta-Teens will join to celebrate this Mexican holiday and make their own fajitas and drink non-alcoholic Margaritas.
33.Hamburger, Hamburger-in honor of May being National Hamburger Month AND National BBQ month, teens will gather around a George Foreman Grill and make their own yummy burgers. If the weather permits, they will eat outside.
34.Babysitter Training-this age-old teen job has gotten harder in recent years due to the changes in standards of everything related to babies. This program will help teen babysitters know the right way to change a diaper, warm a bottle, burp a baby, and some fun things to do with a baby when you are watching them for a few hours.
35.Five Hour Pre Licensing class
36.Rock and Bowl-Using library's gaming consoles (Wii/PS2/XBOX) teens will divide into teams and bowl. Pop music will be played and gels will be placed on lights to give color.
37.Hurting on the Inside-May is Mental Health Awareness month. This program will talk about the various mental illnesses and disorders from which many teens suffer and will offer outreach options and hotline info.
38.Flower Power-teens will gather and plant pots of flowers in honor of May being flower month
39.Party Night, Party Right- In anticipation of the Prom and other year end dances, this program will address the importance of staying sober and drug free as well as practicing safe sex.
June

40.Juneteenth celebration
41.Digital Photography Basics
42.five hour prelicensing class
43.Life is a Highway-basic automotive class that teaches how to change a flat tire, change the oil, check the fluids and read maps.
44.Happy Feet-In honor of National Flip Flop Day, bring your clean feet in flips flops and leave with a pedicure and the necessary tools. This is NOT just for girls.
45.Money Management for teens- now that a summer job has been secured, teens need to learn how to manage their new income. This program will help them with saving
46.Longest Day of the Year-In honor of the Summer Solstice, teens will gather together outside and enjoy the daylight.
47.Keystrokes- in honor of the typewriter being invented on June 23rd, this program will teach typing basics and some helpful hints.
48. Tennis Anyone?- Another Gaming night, but this one is devoted to tennis in honor of June being tennis month.
July
49. National Treasure movie night and share apple pie.
50.Hot Dog Eating Contest- In the Spirit of Coney Island, teens will join in a (mini) hot dog eating contest in honor of July being National Hot Dog Month
51.You Scream, Ice Cream- July is Ice Cream Month. Teens will make their own ice cream.
52.Beat Boredom- teens will learn how to combat boredom during Anti-Boredom Month
53.five hour pre licensing class
54.Generation Bridge: Interview-teens will interview seniors and find out what it was like to be a teen in another time in history
49. Drivin' Around in My Automobile-program that teaches teens all they need to buy their first car, including insurance info.
55.Cyber Safety: How to Avoid Predators-This program will teach teens how to avoid internet predators. They will learn how to be safe and protect themselves.
August
56.Redo Your Room-teens will learn basic decorating tips, learn how to find a beam and hang a picture (safely and securely), and perhaps paint a piece of furniture.
57.Vacation in your own backyard- Teens will learn that they don't need to go far to have a great vacation, especially with gas prices making travel very expensive.
58.Southpaw Challenge-in honor of national lefthander's day, teens will be invited to try performing everyday tasks with their left hands. If they are left handed, they can try the reverse.
59.Back to School Fashion Show-teens will volunteer ahead of time to model the latest in fall fashions for guys and girls.
60.Get Organized-as the the new school year approaches, teens will learn how to get organized and stay organized to help them have a successful academic year as they balance school, sports, activities and jobs.
61.Sizzling Summer Sendoff-teens will join in an end of summer BBQ to say good-bye to friends who are heading off to college.
62.Make Your Own French Memo Board- Teens will learn how to make a French Memo board to put in their bedroom, locker or new dorm room.
63. Five hour prelicensing

September
64.Good Study Habits- teen will learn good study habits that will help them get and keep good grades.
65.Cyber Safety-how to avoid viruses. Teens will learn how to protect themselves and their computers against viruses.
66. Five hour pre licensing class
67.Teen Trivia Competition-teens will battle in a Jeopardy like atmosphere
68.September 11th Memorial Service
69.SAT Test secrets (through Kaplan)
70.Generation Bridge: Elementary School Homework buddy-teens will buddy with younger children to help them with their homework. Can count for community service credit.
71.Latin Dance Night-Teens will enjoy Latin dancing and music in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
October
72.Save the TaTas-Breast Cancer Awareness program, teaching the importance of self exams and annual check ups. It is never too early to start.
73.But He Loves Me- Teens will be advised on how to recognize an unhealthy relationship with a boyfriend/girlfriend, friend or even family member. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month
74.Essay it right!-a program on college essay writing.
75.Teen Yoga-teens will learn the basics of yoga while listening to relaxing music.
76.Generation Bridge-Haunted House-teens will volunteer to act as ghosts and ghouls in a Haunted House for elementary school children. This can count for community service.
77.You're SO sweet- in honor of Sweetest day, teens will make cards and prepare small packages of candy to be sent to local hospitals and nursing homes. This also counts as community service
78.

November-

Make the Perfect Apple Cider-teens will mix spices to make the perfect apple cider.

December



I still need to elaborate on a lot of these programs and if anyone thinks anything is ridiculous let me know. I won't be offended.

Message edited 6/25/2008 1:55:24 PM.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

How about a basic finance class - balancing a checkbook, saving, etc.

How to apply for college and search for scholarships

How to note take in college

What teens can do to be "green"

Maybe a multigenerational program of some kind - in HS I belonged to this group and had a partner and we grocery shopped for an elderly woman

You have lots of great ideas!

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

My parent's library had a cute program in which teens helped senior citizen program their cell phones. Could be any month, but maybe in Sept. around Grandparent's Day?


ETA December- multicultural holiday- Christmas, Hanukka, Kwanza.

Message edited 6/24/2008 5:56:34 PM.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

June- FAther's day, graduation, end of school year, beg of summer ideas- summer reading program kickoffs

July- 4th of July, summer activities

Sept- back to school, end of summer


Any activities that go with these themes.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

You know I love this stuff.....

Sept- back to school study habits, organization

July- Show National Treasure- talk about US history etc

Oct- Host a trick or treating thing for younger kids w/ teens dressing up giving out candy (I did this in HS- had a ball!)

Nov. create a family tree in time for Thanksgiving

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Tutor an elementary kid-this could be a monthly thing

Baking/cooking for yourself

safe sex ed (might go over great, might be the worst idea ever, who knows!)

Babysitting tips

Safety-tips for staying safe in any situation, from shallow diving to simple self defense

typing course (again, could be monthly)

Digital Photography basics

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Internet Safety - could be a different topic every month: avoiding predators/cyber bullying/how to avoid viruses/spyware

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Summertime- Take a vacation at home (purloined from various local tourist groups) talk about stuff you can see/ do on LI.

Do you have a trivia competition on there?

ETA March is Women's history month- have a night of women who have made a difference and/or local women come to speak

Message edited 6/24/2008 6:54:02 PM.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

ANOTHER idea for you, Jules

In Oct. a Scary story night. My library did an old time radio show type thing one October that was fun.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

You have awesome ideas here!

Not a fun topic but how about a program on healthy relationships and teen dating violence? October is domestic violence awareness month.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

In Sept/ Oct you can have a voter registration for 18 yr olds and maybe even a meet the candidates night.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

How about a video game/LAN party? Lots of local libraries are now hosting Wii/PS3/Xbox parties where the teens compete against each other. So far I've heard they're a hit.

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

My library also did a poetry cafe where kids could come in & read their poems/writings and their favorite pieces by other authors. Refreshments were served & the kids loved it. It was done like a real coffee shop poetry reading...

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

You've got me thinking now

How about an S.A.T. prep course?

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Thanks for all of these suggestions. Keep'em coming!

And remember, I am focusing on 16-18 yo's so anything that you think would bring them in would be great.

Thanks for the heads up on October being about domestic abuse awareness. It reminds me that I think it also Breast Cancer Awareness which could be something good to mention to young women who may think they are too young for breast cancer. Maybe offer a GC for Victoria's Secret or Gilly Hicks.

Like I said, keep'em coming!

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

Definately something on healthy relationships (parents, boyfriends, friends)

What about computer topics (using photoshop, making music programs, creating websites, etc..)

Resume writing and other letter writing (their writing is so bad)

Ettiquette class (Emily Post)

HIV education...

Parenting realities (have teen moms/dads come in and talk)

Babysitting training

Senior/Senior pairing (pair up a senior citizen with a senior in high school for a generational exchange)

Travel workshop (Explore certain areas in the world)

Budget & Finance Realities

How to read/play the stock market

Class Film night

Self Esteem boosters

Interior Design tips (maybe a guest speaker from a local college)

College Life 101 (what is it really like in college)

Job fair (for those not going to college)

I would also try to do more book discussion groups!

Good Luck, this was fun!

Re: Those who work with older teen in ANY capacity-need help please

These ideas are great. I am having so much fun and you are helping me think of others with your suggestions.

Now what would be a catchy title for a Safe Sex Program or one on Domestic Violence Awareness?

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

Any more ideas? I need about 25 more programs.


Thanks for all of your help!

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

CPR class

How to write college application essays

Off to college? How to survive without mom and dad - how to cook basics, call doctors, do laundry......

How to avoid the freshman 15? Teach healthy eating habits, etc.

Don't get caught up in the credit card whirlwind. Teach them how to be responsible with their money and how credit cards lure you in, high interest rates, etc.

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

Holocaust rembrance day is in late April (I believe) maybe a survivor could come to talk to them....

Shakespeare's bday is also late April - something with that?

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

Maybe basic car maintenance like changing a tire. Not sure if dance lessons were mentioned? Or yoga? This sounds like a great calendar so far!

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please

At Kaplan in the fall, we do a series of seminars for libraries. They include:

College Admissions 101
SAT Test Secrets 101
Personal Statement 101
A Parent's Guide to College Admissions
SAT Essay Seminar
PSAT/SAT/ACT Practice Tests
Financial Aid 101

Best of all, all these events are free to both the library and your students, which should help your mock budget.

Message edited 6/25/2008 9:26:06 AM.

Re: Those who work with older teens in ANY capacity-need suggestions please