VERO BEACH — Eleven adult volunteers were lucky enough to accompany 21 Youth Guidance boys and girls ages 10 and up celebrating their birthdays kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon Saturday morning, May 28. Each child was born in March, April, May, or June. After this exciting adventure, the children and their volunteers enjoyed a picnic lunch and birthday cupcakes at The Riverhouse in Vero Beach, then each child chose a birthday gift. Youth Guidance Silver Sponsor Kayaks, Etc. sponsored the event, attended by children both matched and unmatched with mentors. This outing is just one of many special activities sponsored by the Youth Guidance Mentoring & Activities Program of IRC. Opportunities for volunteers to participate in one or more special events, such as this outdoor adventure, occur frequently throughout the year. The monthly newsletter found at the Youth Guidance website, www.ircyouth.com, contains information about upcoming activities. The agency also needs volunteers to provide office help on a regular basis.Youth Guidance serves 700 K-12 at-risk children who live in low-income single-parent homes. Its primary purpose is to match each child with an ongoing volunteer mentor. Mentors seventeen years and older spend time each week participating in recreational and academic activities, sharing hobbies, and just spending time with their assigned child. INFORMATION: Persons interested in learning more about mentoring a child, volunteering at Youth Guidance, or donating to the Summer Camp Fund may visit www.ircyouth.com or call Barbara Schlitt Ford, Executive Director, at (772) 770-5040 for further information.
