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 Steps
to HOPE’s HOPE for Youth and Adolescent and Teen
Support Groups follow the “Positive Action” and “Good
Character” curriculum. Boys and girls between the ages of 12
and 18 have the opportunity to develop strategies for building
self esteem; learning appropriate conflict resolution;
developing life skills; gaining insight into getting along
with parents, siblings and teachers;
taking responsibility for their own actions; and
setting and achieving goals.
Special
events and activities have included: trips to Orchard Lake for
water activities and Pacolet Valley for rappelling; visits to
local bookstores, Columbus Fire Department and retirement
homes for caroling at Christmas and Valentine card and cookie
distribution; Halloween and Valentine dinners, parties and
performances for family and guardians. Both groups also attended a CPR
training in Columbus..
Rappelling: One
summer‘s final outing for the boys was an exciting
introduction to rappelling organized by Youth Advocate Mike
Carruth and his daughter/assistant, Maddie. Eight of the 11
boys, along with program facilitator Ruth Richardson and Debra
Backus, took turns harnessing up and rappelling the 50‘
cliff in the Pacolet Valley. Bagged lunches were enjoyed while
sitting on abandoned railroad tracks before nearby caves—
once occupied by some members of a mining community— were
visited.
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