SELCRA Looks to Brighton Teens for Input on Fun Activities

The Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority (SELCRA) is looking to local teenagers to come up with ideas to fill the void in teen programming in their age group.

Five students attended SELCRA's first Teen Advisory Council meeting Thursday night. Community Events Manager Ken Grybel and AFter School and Speical Events Coordinator Jessica Kilpatrick will act as SELCRA's advisers to the council.

"We've tried to do teen-based activities and programs in past but none of them have really been successful," Kilpatrick said. "Mainly its hard to program for that population just because they have so many after school activities - they've got their sports and they do thier own thing with friends once they turn 16 and can drive. They're the best people to go to in order to find what people in their age group want to do and think is fun. It's going to be a group to brainstorm ideas, involved in planning events and programs."

Some of the possible events suggested were open mic nights, a Battle of the Bands at Meijer Skate Park and mystery trips where teens would get text messages displaying a meeting date, time and items to bring to go to an unknown location.

Brighton High School Sophomore Mick Brege suggested having a film festival. Brege has a miniature animation studio in his home and has been making videos since he was 6 years old.

Kilpatrick said the community involvement will also be great for students' resumes and college applications because they'll be working with SELCRA.

"They will also work with  other community organizations and businesses," she said. "It's a pretty cool thing that they, as individuals, can build on their experience as well."

Both Kilpatrick and Grybel said they want to make the meetings fun for teens to attend so many of the meetings will feature games and activities after brainstorming sessions.

"It's really good for a resume," Brege said about attending the first meeting. "I'm really active and involved in the community as student council president so its always good to have connections. And I thought it would be fun to do with a friend. It seems like it's a really interesting group."

Grybel said SELCRA hopes to have about 10 teenagers on the council and they are looking for more participation.

The next meeting will be held on Feb. 15. Location and time have not yet been determined. For more information, visit http://www.selcra.com/Recreation__Activities/SELCRA_Teen_Advisory_Council__STAC_.htm