In working with adolescents, I see that parents sometimes get frustrated that their teen has developed an entitled and ungrateful perspective on life. Often times, though, these young people have not been given the opportunity to serve and give back to their community. There is no better way to learn and experience gratitude and service, than to give one’s time and resources to helping others.
As we enter into the summer months and your teen takes a 3-month hiatus from academic life, explore some of these opportunities on Maui that can allow your teenager to give back.
Maui Youth and Family Services Project Venture Mentoring Program
The first is a mentoring program offered by the Project Venture prevention team at Maui Youth and Family Services. This opportunity allows adolescents ages 15-17 to pair up with middle school students ages 11-14, and to role model working through challenges that often come up during this developmental phase. The staff has organized weekly activities designed to encourage the teen and middle schooler to build a bond and develop a trusting relationship. The teen mentors the youth in areas such as effective communication, discovering their strengths, and community involvement.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Maui
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Maui community-based program also offers opportunities for youth to give back. In a group setting, high school-aged youth mentor elementary-aged youth during after school hours. Mentors, also known as “Bigs,” engage their mentees, or “Littles,” in homework help, games and various activities.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Maui
The Maui Boys and Girls Club has several clubhouses around the island to include: Central Maui, Lahaina, Makawao, Haiku, Paukukalo and Kahili Terrace. Teens are encouraged to volunteer to help staff with activities, organize community service opportunities, provide tutoring, and mentor younger youth. Clubhouses are open during the week, Monday through Friday, until about 7pm (depending on the clubhouse).
Yvonne Manupuna is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Ohana Wellness Maui LLC. She has been working with Maui families for almost 9 years. Her specialty is in working with Maui teens and their families to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Visit www.ohanawellnessmaui.com or call her at (808) 866-4892 for more information.
