CBY Empowers Youth through Developmental Assets

The Coalition for Bedford Youth (CBY) is involved in many local community activities including the fall clean up of Camp Allen in Bedford before it closed for the winter. Camp Allen is a comprehensive summer camp for people with special needs and extraordinary challenges. Special thanks to Eastern Bank who sponsored this fall clean up with a $500 donation.

CBY has its roots in the “40 Developmental Assets” identified by the Search Institute. These assets have a powerful, positive impact on young people. Children and teenagers who have high levels of these assets get involved in fewer risky behaviors and are much more likely to exhibit the positive values, such as leadership, good health, diversity, and success in school. CBY incorporates these assets (e.g. family and school support, communication, positive peer influence, self-esteem, integrity, personal power, service to others) in the meetings, and works on building these assets within youth through different types of leadership activities and community service.

The pace of everyday life varies depending on the activities young people participate in. As long as young people don’t consistently have too much to do or not enough to do, they’re right on track. Problems arise when the balance begins to tip too far to one side or the other. Too much involvement can lead to stress or anxiety. Too little involvement can be a sign of depression or isolation. Ensure that young people constructively use their time for both fun and learning. Constructive Use of Time is one of eight asset categories that make up Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

For many young people, youth programs at school and in the community are the highlight of their day. They meet new people who share their interests or introduce them to new pursuits. They spend time with adults who also enjoy the activity. And they boost their skills. Youth Programs is Asset 18 of Search Institute’s Developmental Assets. Research shows that young people who regularly spend time in sports, clubs, or other youth programs such as CBY have higher self-esteem and better leadership skills, and are less likely to feel lonely.

To build this asset, young people should be encouraged to join a school or community activity that matches their interests, or try one they have never considered before. People can learn a lot about themselves by taking a chance on something new. Clubs and programs can also help young people make new friends of all ages, give them leadership opportunities, and make school more fun. Many groups also let them choose how much time and energy to commit. For example, since CBY teens are involved in sports, music and arts, there is no policy that requires them to attend all CBY events and meetings. They can help out whenever their schedule allows it year round.This flexible policy is what makes this organization so unique.

Membership to CBY is still ongoing and encouraged for all Bedford youth. There are many exciting opportunities for Bedford teens to participate in activities such as student-led workshops at Stand By Me, collaborations with the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department including Halloween and Easter events, Annual Rotary Club Races, and working with the Salvation Army Kids’ Cafe Program.

CBY youth usually meet once every two weeks on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Ross Lurgio Media Center. To learn more about CBY visit our website, www.cbynh.org. To learn more about Search Institute, the 40 Developmental Assets and acquire ideas for helping young people build these assets, visit www.search-institute.org.