Teen Violence is a Call to Action for Fayetteville Parents
Over the weekend, the Fayetteville community faced a glaring issue as reportedly, chaos erupted among a group of around 50 teenagers near Cross Creek Mall, drawing the attention of local authorities, media outlets, and social media watchers alike.
This incident served as a wake-up call, not just for those present, but for all of us who are invested in the well-being of our youth. Reports highlighted a profound trend in public discourse: a surge of comments blaming parents for their children’s actions, with many people pointing fingers and expressing outrage. As a dedicated single parent myself, I understand the frustration behind the mantra, “Take care of your kids!” But let’s be real—parenting is rarely that straightforward.
In an increasingly complex world filled with various influences and challenges, we often find ourselves balancing the need for financial stability with the responsibility of giving our children the guidance they need. It’s not just about being present; it’s about being engaged and understanding the pressures our teens face today. From academic stress to social media dynamics, the landscape of adolescence has changed dramatically over the years.
Now more than ever, spotting potential dangers—both external and self-inflicted—is essential for protecting our youth while encouraging their independence. Let’s work together to foster open conversations at home about the risks lurking in both the digital landscape and their everyday lives. It’s vital for us to create a safe space where our kids feel comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences. From managing screen time to understanding the perils of cyberbullying, it’s crucial we educate our kids about responsible internet use.
Moreover, we must also address the emotional and psychological impacts of online interactions. Teaching our children about empathy and the importance of mental health can further equip them to handle the challenges of today’s social environment. And while we can’t shield them completely from the harsh realities of life, equipping them with knowledge and instilling boundaries can help them navigate these challenges confidently.
A solid support network among parents can also alleviate the burden, providing reassurance that we’re not alone in this journey. Sharing experiences, strategies, and resources with one another can build a strong community of informed and proactive parents. So let’s step up! By actively guiding our teenagers in recognizing red flags and making informed decisions, we can empower them to thrive in today’s complicated world. Together, we can create a community that not only supports our children but also prepares them for a successful future. Let’s take this challenge to heart and commit to being the positive influences our teens so desperately need.
Sometimes finding an outlet for kids helps channel that energy in a more positive directing as well. Here in Fayetteville there are a lot of underutilized resources and youth programs:
Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Aquatics Swim Camp
FCPR Swim Camps focus on developing the four basic swimming strokes, promoting water safety, and providing a safe environment for fun and leisure. Youth swimmers will develop their skills while experiencing a highly social environment fostered by positive role models in the community. The camps include swim instruction, games, and safety skills. Each camp runs for 4 days with two camps running per week.
www.fcpr.us Click on Programs & Activities and then Summer Camps
Cape Fear Botanical Garden – Summer Camp
This summer camp instills a love for nature in children ages 4 – 15 through outdoor explorations, science experiments, art experiences, and nature activities to nurture their creativity and boost their confidence. Engaging activities include catch-and-release of tadpoles, creating terrariums, making nature journals, and meeting a turtle. This year CFBG will also offer Therapeutic Horticulture Camps for the second year and new Culinary Connections camps for the first time.
910-486-0221
Cape Fear Regional Theatre – Summer Theatre Camp at CFRT
These summer camps provide local students age 6 – 19 with dynamic performing arts opportunities. Every year, hundreds of students participate in Summer Theatre Camp to learn about theatre disciplines including acting, music, and dance in preparation for live performances. In the process, they experience improvements in their reading and comprehension skills, public speaking, and collaboration, as well as their mental, social and emotional well-being. Especially in a post-COVID era, these screen-free camps cultivate all the intrapersonal skills that were the cost of the pandemic.
Summer 2024 camp titles will be announced soon!
910.323.2324
Communities United for Youth Development – Sports with a Twist
This camp (Math – Science – Reading) is a two week camp that is open to youth 1st through 12th grades. Campers will explore the important role that math, science, and reading play in sports. The use of mathematical modeling in sports will engage students to learn about different sports and open the path for participation. Areas that will enhance learning are: diet and nutrition athletes must follow; the misuse of drugs; endurance training; physical requirements and mental health. Exploring biographies of outstanding athletes will build reading skills. Campers will engage in sports activities for a fun camp experience while learning.
Cumberland County Public Library – 2024 Summer Reading Program
The 2024 summer reading program theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” serves children from birth through Grade 5 and teens in grades 6 through 12 at public library locations. Cumberland Community Foundation’s support makes it possible for the other Summertime Kids program participants to receive a minimum of two age-appropriate books and a book bag to use during future library visits. The summer reading program encourages children and teens to read over the summer break to combat the summer slide.
910-483-7727
Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Clark Park Nature Center, Lake Rim Park, and Mazarick Park
Children ages 5-13 years old are exposed to nature and outdoor recreation activities such as primitive survival skills, archery, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and geocaching. The participants gain a deeper understanding of the natural world while making new friends, building self-confidence, increasing science literacy and enjoying the outdoors.
910-433-1579
www.fcpr.us Click on Programs & Activities and then Summer Camps
Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Fayetteville Flyers Track Program
Fayetteville Flyers provides programs annually for youth age 7 – 18 with low costs (only $25) for the program. Participants work with coaches to develop their athletic skill set, while also enjoying the opportunity to develop interpersonal relationships, skills in conflict resolution and leadership, and the chance to mentor/be mentored. A competitive mindset is taught, along with the ability to understand an individual’s own skills, possible limitations, and areas for growth.
www.fcpr.us Click on Programs & Activities and then Summer Camps
Fayetteville State University – 2024 Space Camp
This camp for rising 7th -12th grade students. The program is part of the NASA Astro Camp and will focus on space exploration with the Rockets & Robots program. During this week-long camp (9:00 am – 4:00 pm), students will learn how rockets work, build, and launch them. Students will program robots to perform missions in a simulated lunar environment, and design objects for the 3D printer. Students will also explore space in the updated FSU Planetarium. FSU Space Camp is out of this world!
910-672-1926
Fayetteville Urban Ministry – Find-A-Friend Summer Achievement Camp
This camp will celebrate the achievements and enrich the lives of at-risk and court-involved youth on a weekly basis through a variety of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. This camp will allow youth to experience activities that will be a mixture of education and fun activities. Such activities include field trips to the zoo, aquarium, the African American Museum, and college tours. The achievement camp runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for 6 weeks and the time of operation for the camp is from 7 am – 6 pm.
910-483-4661
www.fayurbmin.org Click on Programs then Find-A-Friend
First Tee-Sandhills – Summer Golf Camps in Cumberland County
This summer, First Tee – Sandhills will offer multiple half-day camp options in Cumberland County. Youth will learn new golf skills and valuable life skills, have fun through creative games, and get the opportunity to make new friends! Some camps will also incorporate STEM education, exposing participants to all the different ways Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are involved in the game of golf! Golf equipment is provided, and scholarships are available.
910-255-3035
www.firstteesandhills.org
Greater Life of Fayetteville – “I Am YOU-nique”
Since 2016, the organization has hosted a five-week I AM YOU-nique Summer Academy for rising 1st through 8th graders who are struggling academically and socially throughout the school year. The program hosts 20 to 25 youths with two educators, three assistants, one counselor, and a program director. The program includes academics (math, reading, science, and social studies), interpersonal behavior skills, event planning, team collaboration, cultural and historical art, and vocals. This is accomplished through a community art project, an Etiquette Affair gala, organic gardening, and various field trips, to help change lives through these various activities. The program also includes visits from community leaders and collaboration with other organizations, one community parent & child workshop, and concludes with “Through My Eyes Street Fest”, displaying the artistry of each youth. The program is available at no cost to eligible families.
910-364-9531
www.greaterlifeoffayetteville.org
Moore Street Foundation – Adventure Zone Summer Reading Camp
This camp (AZSRC) provides a secure and nurturing learning environment on a four-week journey dedicated to instilling a love for Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math (STREAM). Specifically tailored for elementary school children, AZSRC distinguishes itself by placing a strong emphasis on character education and fostering the essential 21st-century skills of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. The camp brings the summer to life with exciting enrichment classes, activities, and field trips, sparking creativity through exposure to arts, music, and crafts. Ample outdoor play and physical activities are complemented by daily servings of breakfast and lunch for the children.
910-483-6505
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex – Summer History Camp: Carolina Cultures
This 5-day camp will explore the cultures of the people that make North Carolina great. From American Indians to Scots Highlanders, European and Spanish immigrants, to the Gullah Geechee of the southern coast, North Carolina is a melting pot of heritage and tradition. Each day of camp will feature special guests, presentations, and hands-on activities as students embark on a cultural journey that includes the exploration of history, folkways, nature, the arts, language, and recreation.
910-500-4243
www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov
Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center – 2024 Summer Time Kids Day and Resident Camps
Camp Rockfish offers a dynamic, adventure-filled, Christ-centered, small-group summer camp for campers of all faiths and backgrounds. Day Camp is offered for campers ages 5 – 14, and Resident Camp has offerings for children ages 5 – 18. Whether campers are flying through the air on the zipline, enjoying the multiple water-based activities, or practicing their patience with target sports such as archery, Camp Rockfish ties together faith, friendship, and fun for an unforgettable summer experience. All campers also participate in daily worship, an outdoor/environmental education class, crafts, sports, and age-specific games that you will only find at camp.
Salvation Army – Red Shield Summer Day Camp
This summer day camp provides a safe place for kids to play, learn, and socialize in a loving, Christian environment. This camp is an enrichment program for school-aged children in grades 1st – 4th that aims to help build character, and improve/build self-confidence, and includes educational activities, weekly themed activities, arts and crafts, weekly field trips, daily organized recreation, and daily motivational/devotional thoughts.
The camp runs for 10 weeks (June 3-August 9), Monday through Friday, 7:45 am-5:15 pm
910-483-8119
www.salvationarmycarolinas.org
