Festivities for Teens Don't Stop With Weekend's End

The Fourth of July weekend is full of fun, frivolity and, yes, fireworks.

But for teens in Gulfport and the surrounding area, the fun keeps going throughout July, but, perhaps, not the fireworks.

Gulfport recreation director John Lapham noted that the fun just gets started for local youths. IN fact, July may be one of the busiest months for youth programs in the city. From field trips to wiffle ball tournaments, from music nights to mud wars, there is virtually something for every teenagers to do in the city's recreation department.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-9 p.m. the city hosts Teen Night. On face value it's a fun way for teens to gather three times a week and hang out and have fun. In the broad perspective, it helps the city.

"It keeps kids off the street, it gives them something to do," Lapham said.

And often, it's the teenagers who choose what to do.

"We have an open game room and gym and we have different activities," Lapham said. "Or, if they have an idea [of what to do], they can do that as well."

That also includes some outdoor activities such as flag football. The Teen Nights are monitored by staff of no less than three and more often then not, four, staffers always on hand.

Some of the other activities include movie night, a cooking class not unlike old home economics classes and community service where teens will build a flower garden or paint one of the city's buses.

When activities are held in the city’s recreation center, the doors are locked so that those not enrolled in the program cannot enter. Fees for each teen night are $2 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Just this month some of the activities are hip hop night, volleyball, wifffleball in the gym and two field trips, one to Walter Fuller pool and another Mud Wars, both in St. Petersburg.

The teen nights are open for youngsters from sixth grade up to 18-year olds provided they are still enrolled in high school.

Registration for Teen Nights begins July 6. For information contact Lapham at (727) jlapham@mygulfport.us.