In today’s society we often hear of the negative things the youth in our community are doing: vandalism, bullying, and gangs are just a few things that are often linked to our youth. The City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board are working hard to change that perception. This group of New Port Richey middle and high school students believe the only way to have a successful community is to play an active role in it.
The members on the board learn leadership skills, event and program planning, community services, public speaking, and teamwork. This group has over 19 projects that they are involved with throughout the year. In 2012, they donated blankets to a soup kitchen, operated a booth at the Nature Coast Home Show to promote the Recreation and Aquatic Center, volunteered as “Counselor’s in Training” for the Summer Day Camp, completed an adopt-a-road project to clean Van Buren Street, had a Cardboard Campout event to increase awareness of the homeless situation in our area, and various other projects. This past year they volunteered 1,369 hours, gaining the attention of President Barack Obama who honored them with the Gold Level President’s Volunteer Service Award.
The New Port Richey Youth Advisory Board is building strong leaders of tomorrow that have civic pride and believe that volunteering is not only their right but their obligation. They are positive role models not only for the youth of our community but also for adults. If you would like more information on this group please contact Elaine Smith at SmithE@CityofNewPortRichey.org . Keep up to date with their projects by becoming a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nprparksandrec .
