> Xtreme Teens > Safe Summer Blog

Late-night Lessons: Just Us Boys all-night event

0 Digs

The teens came to Just Us Boys for the all-night fun, a no-sleeping sleepover with the guys. However, they stayed and experienced much more than that. The 47 young men aged 10 to 15 years had the opportunity to have fun together, but also learn important lessons about growing up. During the 11-hour event, staff members from various parts of the county helped to facilitate fun activities like team building, a campfire, and games, as well as informative workshops. One of the workshops that impacted the boys was about gangs—how and why to avoid them. For attendee Dasan Brown, this workshop was one of the best parts, because it gave him the confidence to say no and keep walking if a gang member approaches him. “You want to be safe, you want to be part of a family,” said Officer Greg Ford, at the end of the gang prevention presentation. “That’s what you’re doing here. Don’t let anyone change that.” Other important lessons taught were about body image and hygiene, science, avoiding drugs and alcohol, teamwork and bonding. Eleven-year-old Dakari Wilson, said this camaraderie is exactly why he was at the Just Us Boys event. “I really wanted to spend some time with guys my age,” he said. “You have to bond and spend time and figure out about other people to make your goals,” he said.