my dream for when I won the lottery :-) was to make a place in the community for kids over 12, as so many programs are for kids up to that age. I think kids over 12 are too often left alone and while they aren't children needing a lot of supervision, they are lonely. And they need help to stay directed and interested in life.

I envisioned a place that served good healthy foods, had areas for art, music, games (electronic, cards, board games, etc), weekly dances, other special events at holiday times.... It would for anyone but would operate like a cooperative, where everyone who took part was also required to volunteer (preparing food, serving, facillitating games, clean up, etc).

Respectful behavior with concern for others would be expected, encouraged, and taught by example.

It would be a fun, safe, intellectually stimulating, relaxing place to be for anyone but particularly those who were not into sports, maybe not so much into school, not into unhealthy alternative activiites....

I think the ages of 12-16 or 18 are somewhat ignored in our society and we just want them to hurry up and grow up. Already they feel the awdwardness of being in between childhood and adulthood and I don't think that society does much to help them and tell them that they are wonderful, exciting, fun, intelligent kids.

okay. dream over. back to reality