Teens Are a Treasure to Be Guarded

* On Thursday, June 23, I had the privilege of helping at the Undergrad Party, a community event hosted by Saddleback Church. It is estimated that more than 2,000 high school students were present at the Undergrad Party. There was no violence. no wild or crude behavior. There was, however, a group of kids having fun, socializing, allowed to be together without being told to “move on.”

As adults, it is up to us to understand how valuable these kids are. It is up to us to become committed and involved in providing these young people a safe and wholesome passage to adulthood. Work together within your communities to provide your teens with activities and places to socialize. Work together to make these places safe and fun. Open your hearts and minds to guide these kids through the often frustrating adolescent years. Become involved, listen to your young people, share yourselves with them. You will find that they have much to give back.

CHERYL MCELWAIN

Trabuco Canyon