The Answer to "I'm Bored" Part 2
By Mary Gaukel Forester
Read “I’m Bored” Part 1 HERE.
In this month’s article I will continue to share summer and on-going opportunities for career exploration. Many summer experiences, courses, clubs, events can help a young person learn more about their own interests, skills, talents, and values. Adults in their lives can help youth see the connection between their interests, skills, talents, values, and potential career pathways.
EV3 Robotics: programming, engineering, construction
Create Advanced mechanical devices and program motors with EV3 Lego Mindstorms. Ages 10-17 building, programming and commanding your own LEGO robots with materials provided in the class. Santa Cruz Public Libraries, www.santacruzpl.org.
Youth Writing Workshop- author, journalist: Join Debra Niemira’s Writing Workshops Wednesdays July 10th through July 31st from 1:00-2:30p at the La Selva Beach Library. Open to aspiring writers grades 6th through 12th. Santa Cruz Public Libraries, www.santacruzpl.org.
Elkhorn Slough – Naturalist, Biologist, Botanist, Environmentalist Camp SEA Lab fosters lifelong excitement, scientific understanding, and stewardship of our coasts and ocean by providing quality marine oriented programs that promote Science, Education and Adventure for youth. campsealab.org
Natural History Nature Camps – Naturalist, Historian, Archaeologist. Can you Dig it? Entering grades K-2 Unearth the fossils, rocks and ancient history of Santa Cruz! Spend a week exploring the many surprising things you can learn from digging in the ground.
Art and Science in Nature Entering grades 3-4Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers will join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns and curiosities in the natural world.
Biomimicry Entering grades 5-6 Explore sustainable solutions by finding inspiration in nature! Spend the week navigating challenges and engineering solutions that promote sustainable living. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, www.santacruzmuseum.org.
SPCA- Veterinarian: Volunteer (16 years+): Be trained and provide Canine TLC and Exercise, Feline TLC and Socialization, Dog Bathing and Grooming, Foster Care, General Animal Care. www.spcasc.org/volunteer/
Summer Camp (1st-7th grades) Every summer, the Santa Cruz SPCA offers eight sessions of Summer Camp (each session is one week long). Campers learn key elements of animal care, experience shelter animals firsthand, take part in animal themed arts and crafts, and enjoy a variety of animal “visitors” from other local organizations. https://spcasc.org/events/summer-kids-camp-2019/
Habitat for Humanity – Construction: (16 years+) Volunteering at a Habitat construction site is a uniquely rewarding experience. Under the direction of the site manager, volunteers work alongside our experienced, dedicated construction team and partner families to build affordable homes for low-income families, while having a great time learning construction skills. Volunteers assist with construction tasks as assigned, according to the progression of the build. No previous construction experience is necessary, however, willingness to follow Habitat’s safety standards and construction practices is a must. www.habitatmontereybay.com/volunteer.
Summer of Service Institute– computer science, agriculture, teaching.
This free, 6-week program helps youth recognize their passion, share their talents and realize their power to transform our community through service. Each year up to 20 Summer Service volunteers are hosted at local non-profits for dedicated youth in grades 7-11. Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, scvolunteercenter.org/programs/junior-volunteers-summer-of-service
Bike Church: transportation, engineering: The Bike Church is a community bicycle shop and tool collective where people (youth, also) can learn to repair their bicycles with the help of knowledgeable mechanics. We offer sliding scale services and affordable used and new parts. As a collectively run organization, we are committed to honoring the contribution of individuals while recognizing the importance of collaboration. thebikechurch@gmail.com
Whether your child is 8 months or 18 years old, I hope that the above offerings inspire you to look for activities for your child that you can help them connect to careers. Next month I will begin a series on the career awareness/exploration offerings at our local school/school districts. Knowing about them will help you initiate career conversations.
Reach Mary at marygaukel@gmail.com
