Vero Beach, FL (April 14, 2021) …Youth Guidance (YG) has joined forces with the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) to offer an amazing educational and fun experience for Youth Guidance children this semester. ELC is providing a series of eight, hands-on lessons for children ages 5-9 and ages 10-11. The program is taking place twice a week and is being facilitated by ELC educators alongside Youth Guidance staff and volunteers.
The program includes a total of sixteen, two-hour sessions on the 64-acre ELC campus. The children are learning about birds, insects, pollinators, fish, animal ID and tracking, the lagoon, its watershed, water quality, being a scientist, and more.
“This program and partnership with the Environmental Learning Center will teach our children to be active and educated stewards of the environment,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “We believe this is an important concept for our kids to learn, particularly in our community where so much depends on taking care of our local ecosystem.”
“We are thrilled that the Youth Guidance children are here at the ELC experiencing our hands-on, feet wet adventures!” added Barbara Schlitt Ford, ELC Executive Director. “This is an awesome partnership between two great organizations collaborating for the benefit of our youth and shared environment.”
The ELC is underwriting 50% of the cost to deliver this program. But Youth Guidance needs to raise the other 50% ($1600). To donate go to www.youthguidanceprogram.org and click on the donate button.
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families.
Youth Guidance is open all day, providing a safe place where students receive three meals a day and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs. From 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the children complete virtual school. From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., they engage in group mentoring programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), life skills, recreational activities, and vocational training. All programs and meals are free for families. Youth Guidance serves approximately 250 children every year.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance, please call 772-492-3933 or visit our website at youthguidanceprogram.org.
