Our Blog
Thank You Festival of Trees Commitee
Everyone at the KYC would like to say a huge thank you to the Festival of Trees Committee! The KYC was one of three non-profit beneficiaries of the 2019 event. Proceeds from the event will support the purchase of a new shuttle bus for the KYC. The KYC bus gives local youth the opportunity to serve our community, take advantage of local attractions, see other parts of our state, visit colleges and businesses, and enjoy the natural beauty of our region; these are opportunities that many of these students may not otherwise have.
Gettin’ Outside!
Kingswood Youth Center’s members, staff, and volunteers never shy away from getting outside, even during these dark and cold months. Throughout the last few weeks we have made great use of the equipment we have, and the areas surrounding the KYC!
Last week a group of KYC’ers hopped on the bus and took a five minute drive to The Nick. We went sledding and even snowshoed TO the sledding hill!
This week a few of us strapped on snowshoes and checked out the KYC trail, which is a short loop we made on our property! We practiced following trail blazes, and navigated some short and steep inclines, ice, and even a small wooden plank! The KYC’ers did an amazing job, and didn’t fall once! We hooked into the Cotton Valley trail as well, and trekked to a small bridge, with a beautiful view of Lake Wentworth.
The KYC provides snow-pants, coats, winter boots, hats, and gloves for members to borrow. There is no reason for us to not get outside and play! See you outside!
The KYC Presents: The Butterfly Circus!
On Monday we showed one of the KYC’s favorite inspirational videos: The Butterfly Circus! It’s only a little over 22 min. and absolutely worth watching. Click the title to go to YouTube for full screen. Enjoy!
https://vimeo.com/17150524
Tumbledown and Santa’s Hut!
Last week the KYC hosted a BTAS! program, where we went on a beautiful hike, and then got into the holiday spirit with a visit to Santa’s Hut and a fun gift exchange game!
The weather was beautiful, which put everyone in a particularly cheerful mood. At the top of Tumbledown Mountain in Brookfield, we basked in the warm sun and beautiful views! After the hike, we visited Santa and Mrs. Clause, who added to the holiday spirit! Back at the youth center, we ate a delicious dinner, watched a movie and played a game. We all had wrapped gifts, and Zachary read aloud the poem, “T’was The Night Before Christmas.” Every time the word “the,” was mentioned, we had to pass our gift to the left. And every time the word “all” was mentioned, we passed to the right. We made it even more complicated by placing a blindfold on one participant! Lots of laughter and confusion ensued… and then we opened our gifts!
We hope everyone is enjoying their winter break, and we can’t wait to see you all when the after school program resumes this Thursday. Happy Holidays, and see you next year! 
Spreading Cheer
Throughout December participants have been working hard to make holiday cards for KYC supporters (we didn’t even come close to getting everyone)! Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who support the KYC.
As if the opportunity to spread holiday cheer wasn’t enough of a reward itself, we rewarded those students who made cards by entering their name in a daily prize drawing. Many students won candy through these drawings!
Last week we took a short field trip to spread cheer! We visited just a few of the businesses who support the KYC. Happy Holidays!
Holiday Help’n Out!
Our Saturday program focused on one thing: Christmas trees! The KYC is one of three non-profit beneficiaries for the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees. Thank you Festival of Trees committee! In the afternoon, we toured the museum, enjoyed some wonderful live music, and helped to serve cookies and punch to patrons. However, first we spent the morning selling Christmas trees for the Rotary Club of Wolfeboro. The money raised through the trees sales will fund scholarships for Kingswood students! Between our fun holiday obligations, we grabbed pizza at Anthony’s. What a great Saturday out with the KYC! Happy Holidays!
Prevention and Spreading Cheer!
We had a fun day in our afterschool and BTAS! programs yesterday! Eric and Zachary presented some important information focusing on cocaine awareness. We talked a bit about the difference between a depressant and a stimulant and a student correctly identified cocaine as a stimulant. Zachary talked about the basics and Eric covered some of the current trends related to the dangers of cocaine.
We are working on making holiday cards for the KYC’s many generous supporters! Students who make thoughtful handmade cards will be entered in a prize drawing during our afterschool program. We look forward to ‘spreading cheer’ later in the month when we hand out these cards! Happy Holidays!
Youth Center Unite!
The KYC is becoming fast friends with the Pittsfield Youth Workshop (PYW) in Pittsfield, NH. Last spring Zachary made an appointment to take a tour. Shortly after, Zach and Paula of PYW headed north to check out the KYC! In July, the two groups met for a hike up Pine Mountain in Alton. Then in October PYW brought a group of their youth to visit the KYC.
Last week, it was our turn to check out PYW’s afterschool program. Our schools were closed last Monday for conferences, while Pittsfield had school, making it the perfect day for a trip down! We played a fun game of introductions, enjoyed PYW’s table games, ski ball, wii, and piano, shopped at the PYW store, enjoyed their spaghetti, and learned a whole lot about PYW! The most important takeaway was that PYW is a whole lot like KYC! Thanks PYW for hosting us! We look forward to the continuation of our friendship!
Thanksgiving at the KYC!
Last Thursday, the KYC enjoyed our annual Thanksgiving meal! We had a large turn-out of hungry teenagers. As teens walked through the doors, they were greeted with the smells of roasting turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more! The tables were set and everyone picked a seat. We passed a pumpkin around, and when you were holding it, it was your time to share one thing you were thankful for. Many members shared they were thankful for their friends, their families, food, and… the KYC!
After a delicious and filling meal, we enjoyed a lot of time outside! All that food gave everyone extra energy to enjoy games and running around. Basketball, tag, “Volcano,” biking and skateboarding were all popular choices. Then apple crisp and pumpkin bread were served, before students hopped on the bus to head home.
The KYC wants all of our supporters, and our KYC members, to know that we are incredibly thankful for them. We couldn’t do what we do without all of you!
A Visit To Hope House!
On Thursday, a small group from the KYC took a field trip to Hope House! Hope House operates in Wolfeboro to help families living in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District and experiencing homelessness make sustainable transitions. We were greeted by Hope House, Philanthropy Officer, Jeannie Burns. Burns shared some important facts about homelessness in NH and had some great advise to help our students support others. Hope House provides diverse support to help local families make successful and sustainable steps.
The KYC has embarked upon ‘Project Linus,’ an effort through which we will make 15-20 tied fleece blankets to contribute to Hope House. During our Thursday visit, we presented eleven blankets to Burns, which she accepted with gratitude on behalf of Hope House. The blankets will be presented to Hope House residents throughout the colder months. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to Hope House’s mission in this small way!
