Editorial: The importance of ‘feeder programs’ for our youth
There are several directions that parents take to keep their kids active in today’s world to make sure that technology doesn’t consume their everyday activities. It’s time for entities to assist with programs to help these children continue to grow in this area.
Feeder programs (as I call them) helps shape kids at a young age. Feeder programs aren’t limited to a specific area or genre. They are a bridge and a gap-filler for children to mold them into well-rounded people.
Several civic organizations provide this opportunity. Joining the girl or boy scouts allow children to work their way up to the ranks, taking on more responsibility while interacting with peers their age. In sports, youth programs help young athletes garner interest in one or more athletic programs to become physically fit. Even programs at libraries or other community facilities introduce kids to fields that they may grow up to work in as adults.
The biggest problem today with feeder programs is the opportunity to find one that is appropriate and available, especially with small communities. In Charles City, the number of youth programs fluctuates on a yearly basis. In New Kent, youth organizations fill-up quickly as the influx of families continue to flock to the county.
Regardless, these programs are needed. Financial backing of these programs is provided through county allocations or registration fees for the private entities. There are several ramifications for a program becoming non-existent as it trickled upward to the older generations. In a neighboring jurisdiction, the lack of a feeder program led to the cancellation of a high school sports season. And while that program is coming back this year, the thought of not having a program for students can be detrimental to not only the students, but to the community.
Outreach programs are there to pull kids into a group of organization. As parents or guardians, we attempt to hone onto the interest of our kids. Whether they want to become an artist or want to tumble on gymnastics’ mats, we as caring adults make every effort to offer opportunities to our kids because we want them to do things that we couldn’t do.
As technology evolves, we battle everyday to continue the promotion of living an active lifestyle for our children. In fact, we continue to battle to have an active lifestyle in our everyday living (i.e. self-checkouts and kiosks).
When an activity arises in the future and a kid shows interest, see if there is an organization that offers it and can make it work. Joint efforts by parties make communities grow. And as community grows, so does more opportunities for a better future for everyone.