Our Focus ~YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

We are realizing more and more the power of assets for all youth but especially youth without access due to economics.  The Power of Developmental Assets (based on Search Institute’s study of 220,100 6th – 12th grade public and private U.S. school students during the 1999-2000 school year) to protect and guide youth in positive development, behaviors and attitudes is evident across all socioeconomic and cultural groups.  The more assets young people experience, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of risky behaviors, and the more likely they are to engage in positive behaviors.  We are maximizing our resources to provide out of school time activities to support, empower, and model constructive, enriching opportunities for young people to grow through creative activities and leadership development.

Programs

Homework Factory

FREE after-school program offering homework support and tutoring

NEW NAME  & NEW PLACE!

Tuesdays &  Thursdays from 3:30-5 @ Meridian Park Elementary

We are so excited to be on site at Meridian Park this year! With 500 students of rich cultural diversity and over 30 languages spoken in the home, 60-70 students in ESL, and a high percentage of disadvantaged children, Meridian Park qualifies as a Title 1 school faced with some of the greatest challenges in the Shoreline District. Because the demand for additional support is growing while budgets are shrinking, we are thrilled to partner with the school community and families to support at-risk youth. Students will be identified and recommended by their teachers for our free program, and we are partnering with Lakeside High School and Washington Association of Retired Teachers to provide volunteer tutors. If you would like to invest in youth by volunteering to resource healthy kids and families in Shoreline, contact us.

Summer Explorers
Turning Point's Summer Explorers is an educational summer day camp for kids in grades 1-6.  Academic activities include math, reading, science, and art projects.  Kids also participate in indoor and outdoor physical games and field trips.   Healthy snacks are provided.  All Summer Explorers participants are welcome to come early and receive a free lunch through the Summer Lunch program. 

Community Giving Garden

We cultivate a Giving Garden at Shoreline's Community Garden at Twin Ponds, partnering with Lakeside and Evergreen Schools to grow organic vegetables and herbs for Hopelink Food Bank. The Giving Garden is an extraordinary opportunity for those who love to garden to give something back to their community--helping hundreds of people living on limited incomes supplement their diets with fresh, organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables, supporting community connections and a healthier urban environment.

Co-Ed Soccer Camp

We are excited to launch a NEW Soccer Camp this fall 2010!  We will be offering camp to 5th and 6th graders attending two elementary schools in the Lynnwood (South Snohomish County) area.Kids participating will learn new drills and ball handling skills as well as play short games. Leadership skills and team building dynamics are also a large part of each sports program Turning Point offers. Check back soon for dates and times for soccer camp winter 2012.

Co-Ed Basketball Camp

Developed as part of Turning Point's 'At Risk' focus, this fun, relational and healthy program is for youth in grades six through high school. Already a winner as demonstrated by the participation of 16-25 youth per camp, this program provides an opportunity for basketball skills training, as well as conflict resolution, problem solving skills and natural leadership development. Basketball Camp is free for participants, however the cost to Turning Point averages $75 per youth per camp for gym fees and supplies. If you love encouraging sports in youth, be sure to support this program! Check back soon for dates and times of basketball camp winter 2012.

YMCA Summer Camp

The purpose of the YMCA summer camp initiative is to send at-risk young people ages 12-17 to one week of summer camp. The YMCA summer camps (Camp Orkila and Camp Colman) provide young people with experiences that can be life-changing for an at-risk young person.  The resident and leadership camp experience includes exploring nature, learning new skills, gaining respect for the environment and making friends. Research has shown the profound benefits of outdoor adventure experiences: a recent Yale study found significant improvement in self-esteem, confidence and initiative. The cost to send each youth to camp is approx $700.00 for camp and transportation fees. Turning Point raised funds to send 7 youth to camp this summer. If you would like to donate money to this cause and help send more kids to camp this summer go to our donations page.

Back to School Consortium

Turning Point partners with the community effort to assist low income and/or circumstances-challenged families in the Shoreline School District and South Snohomish County. The annual Back to School Events provide thousands of students with school supplies, haircuts, and clothing to begin their school year with confidence, dignity and smiles. You can join the effort to provide supplies, funding, or time to make this event an inspiring success. For more info, visit www.btsconsortium.org