By Tom & Carol Januski, F266041
Youth Activities Committee Chairmen
October 2010
A total of 70 children participated in the Youth Activities program during the “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!” convention, held August 11 through 14 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon.
As at past conventions, the youth were divided into four age groups. For this convention, we welcomed 34 TATS (also known as “Teen-Age Travelers,” ages 13 to 18); 18 Pre-teens (ages 10 to 12); 15 Tweens (ages 6 to 9); and three Tots (ages 2 to 5).
Tweens, Pre-teens, and TATS took off on a white-water rafting adventure on Thursday, August 12. The three-mile trip, called the “Deschutes Big Eddy Thriller,” included adventurous waves and splashes, “bull riding,” a view of Lava Lands National Monument, and a swimming hole. On Thursday and Friday, kids in these age groups went to Sun Mountain Fun Center to try their pick of bowling, mini-golf, go-carts, arcades, and batting cages.
Back at the convention grounds, volunteer supervisors staffed the four Youth Centers throughout the week. The Tots played with toys and books in their center and watched some G-rated movies. On Friday they enjoyed a McDonald’s Happy Meal and a special ice cream treat. Tweens, Pre-teens, and TATS chilled out in their centers as well, which were equipped with cards, board games, puzzles, crafts, remote-control cars, and more. They enjoyed a pizza party on Wednesday evening.
Elections were held on Saturday morning for the officers of the TATS program. The following were elected for 2010-2011: Ally May, president; Kaitlyn Brunius, first vice president; Alison Brunius, second vice president; and Savana Hardin, third vice president.
We had a wonderful group of kids who were enjoying all the events, helping whenever needed, and just making new friends. It is so great to see them come in, not knowing what to expect and perhaps a little apprehensive, and before you know it, they are having a great time, interacting with each other, and don’t want to leave. They are eager to get back early the next day. It is such a vital part of the future for FMCA.