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Having worked with Universities and schools as well as being a Peace Corps Volunteer I can say there are a lot of community programs that can promote youth development. They crucial as the youth are the future. These programs can be found not only at the Public Library, but at county, city, state and national parks as well as schools and colleges. There are also church programs and groups such as the Boy or Girl Scouts. Individuals can even set them up, developing our youth should be everybody's priority.

The Public Library promotes reading programs, not only in the summer but throughout the year. It is not only fun and helps increase the vocabulary, but is a good form of social interaction. And youth always need to develop better vocabulary and social skills. Check out the community library!

And then there are park systems found in every country of the world. There are city parks, county parks, state parks and even national parks, all run by the government and mostly paid for by taxes. These parks all have programs for youth development. There are swimming programs, sports programs and even nature camps. They develop physical fitness, team building and often environmental awareness. All of these are important to the youth of today.

Community Schools and Colleges are filled with programs and opportunities for the youth today. They have drama clubs, computer classes, history lectures, social and political debates. The programs and opportunities are endless at these institutions and many are either very inexpensive or free.

And one can't overlook or forget the churches found in communities around the world, they all have programs for youth development. Most is religious, but there are many that have other activities as well, such as the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). They often have gyms, free sports teams and numerous other programs all free to the community.

Last but certainly not least, of organised groups, there are the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (though in some places they are referred to as "Guides") teeming with youth development programs. They have hundreds of merit badges, all teaching different skills and interests. They do camping and hiking trips for teaching independence and social skills. There are soap box derby's and groups that visit the elderly or sick, these programs definitely help with youth development.

What can individuals in the community do? Try and sponsor community programs such as Clean Ups, developing a sense of responsibility for a clean environment. Visit a Nursing Home or place for the physically challenged and help the youth learn about aging or caring for the less fortunate.

So looking for community programs that help with you development is easy. Check out the usual places: libraries, government, churches and the Boy or Girl Scouts in your area, or set something up yourself. The youth are around us, everywhere around the world, and they all will develop in the right way given a chance.

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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