Appalachian Youth to Youth
The student members of Appalachian Youth to Youth ended the school year with a sense of pride in their completed projects and memories to last a lifetime. From teaching younger students about the health risks of vaping in brightly colored animal costumes to reducing stigma by distributing their self-designed Mental Health Awareness Month posters, Youth to Youth students left their community better than they found it this school year. Other projects completed by Youth to Youth include a Sticker Shock campaign, in which students reminded adults not to provide alcohol to minors by placing informative stickers on packs of beer in local gas stations, a student-designed bulletin board on stress management and gratitude, and an animal adoption project at the Mitchell County Animal Rescue. Of the latter, one student remarked, “That was the best field trip I’ve ever been on.”
Though they require focus and dedication, the service and leadership projects in Youth to Youth are designed to be meaningful and enjoyable. Additionally, the program devotes time to simply having fun, fostering personal growth, and building relationships. “I like how everything is made into something fun,” said one student. Among the group’s fun activities this past year was a hike with Tal Galton along Bolen’s Creek learning to identify wild, edible plants, an ice-cream excursion at DT’s Blue Ridge Java, an interactive lesson on coping skills and fitness led by the Cougar Fit Club, and an end-of-year party at the Toe River Campground at which students from all four groups mingled, played volleyball, ate pizza, and dipped in the river. A small group of students even traveled to a YCMA Camp Thunderbird in Charlotte for a weekend-long leadership camp, which offered fun activities from watercolor painting to a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
The impression left on students from their time in Youth to Youth is evident—more confidence in their skills and abilities, new friendships, and broader horizons. End-of-year evaluations for the program revealed that 100% of students reported more confidence in their problem-solving skills, 94% reported more confidence in their ability to use healthy coping skills, and 88% reported feeling less lonely as a result of participation in the program. One participant shared, “I like that the leader and the other kids involved are there for me.” Another participant, who will be transitioning into high school this fall, remarked, “I don’t want to leave Youth to Youth; I love it too much.”
The feeling is mutual; PATH staff have enjoyed working with these incredible students and the supportive school staff who helped to make the program possible. We hope to keep the momentum going and continue the positive impact of Youth to Youth in the coming year.
Cougar Fit Club
Cougar Fit Club celebrated the end of a great year with a joint get-together with Appalachian Youth to Youth at the Toe River Campground on Thursday, May 25th. Students enjoyed water games, playing yard games, swimming in the river, and pizza! A total of 19 Mountain Heritage High School students participated in Cougar Fit throughout this school year, with an average rotating session attendance of around 8 students based on personal obligations and classes. Students and leaders had a blast exercising together using different fitness modalities such as yoga, circuit training, pilates, HIIT, strength training, and aerobic exercise.
They also enjoyed working toward individual fitness goals while using the equipment at Blue Ridge Fitness and Rehabilitation. Students and leaders played games together like basketball and volleyball as well as our weekly Wallyball competition! Over the course of these 58 sessions together, participants also enjoyed a healthy snack and time to discuss and reflect on decisions and choices that foster both mental and physical wellness. The camaraderie and discussions during Cougar Fit Club create a supportive, inclusive environment for youth. As one participant said, “The teachers are non-judgemental and listen. They try to include everyone’s choice and what they wanna do. They have supported all of us.” and another mentioned, “I enjoy being heard.” The group also enjoyed special events like roller skating, playing at the park, working with Appalachian Youth to Youth at EYMS and CRMS, and going on local, guided hikes.
