Huntington Station – Building on the success of its initial year, Summer Youth Connection has begun its second season of offering a variety of free educational and recreational activities for the Town’s youth five evenings a week between July 11 and August 19.
More than 200 teenagers took part last year, and program founder Councilwoman Tracey Edwards said she hoped this year, that figure will rise to 300.The Town of Huntington is presenting the program with Suffolk County in collaboration with a variety of corporate and not-for-profit partners and community volunteers.
The program is held at Walt Whitman High School from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with activities ranging from basketball and golf to creative writing, photography and robotics. Friday night the program is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and is reserved for special needs youth sports activities.
“Not every kid goes to camp. No every kid wants to go to camp. They want to be in their neighborhoods. They want to be here and enjoy what we have to offer,” Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said in addressing the teenagers and the volunteers during opening ceremonies July 12. “I was here last summer. Everybody had a happy smile. Everybody was involved. Everybody was trying new things. We look forward to another great summer this year.”
“Summer Youth Connection is a remarkable cooperative effort encompassing government, not-for-profit groups, companies and community volunteers to help keep our youth engaged in positive activities during what could be a long, hot summer,” Councilwoman Edwards said. “I thank all of the participating groups and individuals, with a special thank you to the South Huntington School District for hosting us.”
Partners include the Huntington Opportunity Resource Center Leadership Council; the Suffolk County Police Department and Police Athletic League; the Park Shore Science Camp Academy; the Huntington Manor Fire Department; the Huntington Ecumenical Ministers Alliance; Tri-CYA; REACH-CYA; David W Parker Lodge #72, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York; Chapter 64, Order of the Eastern Star; the Huntington branch of the NAACP; the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Integrity Golf and Canon USA . Water and snacks are being provided by 7-Eleven.
Also attending the opening ceremony were Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and Suffolk County Legis. Dr. William Spencer. County Executive Steve Bellone toured the activities later in the evening.
“You are going to have so much fun,” Councilwoman Berland told the youth. “My suggestion is to take a class of something you have never done before, so that way you can learn something new, and it will be a great and exciting experience for you.”
Legis. Spencer told the students, “You are our most precious resource...We are invested in you. This has been an extremely tough week in this country, when we look at the violence and hate and the things that try to divide us. But this room is an example of what is great about this country.”