With events ranging from poetry nights to paintball, Fort Benning teens should find something to participate in this summer Child, Youth and School Services school liaison officer Tawanna Brown said.

"We're trying to fill the void so teens won't participate in things they shouldn't be involved in," Brown said. A working group of post leaders called STOP (Saving Teens Outreach Project) was formed for this reason.

"This summer will be fun, adventurous and all about teens," she said.

Brown said the staff got a better idea of what youngsters want to see during a recent teen town hall. Now, they can look forward to events like pool parties, basketball tournaments and game nights. There will even be a local version of The Amazing Race, a television show that features teams competing in extreme sports.

The winner will receive a laptop computer, she said.

"There will be a lot of out-of-the-box activities," Brown said. "Teens want to do loud and crazy things, and it's going to be really exciting."

During March and April, Brown said nearly 470 teens participated in the events, and she is hoping to see that number increase as the summer continues.

The staff has also established a Facebook page just for teens, CYSS functional technology specialist Kuturi Edwards said. Although they are still working to avoid potential privacy issues, those who currently have a page can search for "Fort Benning teens" to find the site.
"This is just another easier way people are connecting," Edwards said. "Participation has increased since we started it."

Upcoming events as well as pictures and videos from past events can be found there, and content can be submitted to the staff to be uploaded. They also offer safe social media training.

For more information on how to get involved, call 706-545-3062.

Vote on proposed changes to the current teen curfew by visiting http://bit.ly/curfewsurvey.





Today: Spoken Word & Open Mic Night - 6-11 p.m at Java CafAfA
Saturday: Teen COSMIC Bowling & Karaoke - 6-11 p.m. at Main Post Bowling Center
June 4: McGraw Pool Party
June 9: Kayaking the Chattahoochee
June 11: 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament
June 17-18: Camp Out at Kings Pond
June 19: Family Day at the Park
June 23: Paintball at the Woodlands
June 25: 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament
June 26: Fright Night Movie Night
June 30: Biking the Riverwalk