22 FOCUS - MAY 2017 Adrienne Grant is one of five of a core group who have been working towards finding a downtown location for kids ages 13-19 years of age. designated space that they would own and show respect- ful stewardship.” “We want to respond to their needs in a loving way,” said the mother of four teenagers herself. “We love Port Perry. It’s been great for my family and children.” A teacher at Port Perry High School for 14 years, a motheroftwo,andastepmomofthree,MeredithBingham also commented, “SYC is more important now than ever,” she feels, “because kids are making friends through tech- nology and losing that physical connectedness with their peers and other people.” SYC will be a place for youth “to be accepted and feel as though they belong to something greater than themselves. It will give them somewhere to go and something to do, in a positive environment.” Some teens have “lost the skill for personal relation- ships” and “look for alternative ways to deal with stress and cope, such as smoking pot daily,” Meredith has ob- served. “It’s scary,” she said. The idea of SYC is, “Everyone would be welcome. They can be themselves. There will be activities if they want, or they can just be.” Not all kids are academics or musicians or jocks or busy with programmed activities, and some have not found their passion in life yet, Meredith noted. SYC would be, “a place where they could feel like they belong.” With the demise of the local bowling alley and movie theatre many years ago, there isn’t much to do and no- where to hang out in Port Perry for youth who are not involved in organized sports, Adrienne echoed. Some local teens are “struggling,” and they end up getting into trouble. “I want to be clear that there is no judgement on teens who take a wrong turn,” Adrienne said. “There are emo- tions for sure, but it doesn’t change their worth or value. They are still loved. All kids experience angst in adoles- cence. Some suffer in silence and others exhibit outward manifestations for all to see.” “Navigating the teen years is more difficult than in previous generations,” Adrienne observed. A local youth centre is a good idea to help local youth through the trying teenaged years. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog SYC (continued from page 21) Adrienne welcomes enquiries about SYC at adriegrant@me.com or 905-439-2903. 1430 King St., Port Perry (Prince Albert) 905.985.2234 www.sunnybraegolfclub.com 18 holes for $25 9 holes for $16 Be sure to book your teetime today! SPRING SPECIAL! Tax included. CLEARANCE PRICING on all remaining street motorcycle, motocross and snowmobile apparel and accessories Family owned since 1971 Hours: Mon–Wed 9-6, Thurs 9-7, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-1 10 Min East of Port Perry, Take 7A to Durham Rd. 57, 6km south 905.986.4437 www.asselstines.com EVERYTHING ON SALE * ! * Oils and filters, tax included * Parts, 10% Off ALL SALES FINAL