Funtivities!

by Marissa Bidderman
One place where relationships between AYM and teens have suffered in the past is the summertime. AYM usually operates on a school calendar, and the summer usually consists of short-term missions groups coming out too. This has often resulted in a little bit of disconnection with the teens in the summer. With this in mind, the staff decided that this summer we would not only keep the Kennel open, but would extend hours and plan weekly activities to do with the teens. These activities were named: "Funtivities". There are even teens that have come to these events that do not come to the Kennel, so now, this school year, these teens may also come to our programs at the Kennel now that we have met them and gotten to know them. So far, we have taken them to Sedona (Slide Rock State Park), and tubing at the Salt River. Slide Rock is a natural rock "waterslide" area just outside of Sedona; it is so beautiful there with the green trees and red rock. There is even a cliff to dive off of (40 ft?) which a few of us took the plunge from. And most recently we went tubing for about a 3-4 hour trip down the Salt River in Mesa (outside of Phoenix). It was HOTTTT (funny, almost like you're in the desert :-) so being in the water was a most welcome relief. I think it has been good to take some of the teens off the rez for even just a day; most will not be able to take any summer vacations with their family so it's been good just to get wet and have fun with them.