At The ROCK, we believe in creating meaningful, engaging programming is through holding space to listen to the young people we serve. That belief comes to life through our Youth Advisory Board, a dynamic group of teens representing all of our afterschool sites. These students don’t just participate in our programs; they help shape them.
Starting with Connection
Our most recent Youth Advisory Board meeting began with a simple activity: a “connection check-in.” Program leaders and students shared three reflections:
• 🌹 Rose – something they love
• 🌵 Thorn – something that frustrates them
• 🌱 Bud – a wish or hope for the future
This activity set the tone for the meeting, creating a space where every voice mattered and every experience was valued. It also provides an easy, meaningful way to build connections, and something families can try at home. Next time your teen says their day was “fine,” asking about the rose, thorn, and bud from their day can open the door to deeper dialogue, whether you’re driving home from practice or connecting around the dinner table.
From Sharing to Shaping
After the check-in, students got right to work. With honesty and creativity, they shared what makes them want to come to The ROCK’s programs:
- Which activities they enjoy
- What makes them feel seen and heard in program
- How to help all students feel included
Their insights were thoughtful and actionable. They reflected a genuine investment in making The ROCK a better place, not just for themselves, but for their peers and the next generation of students.
Imagining What's Possible
One of the most exciting parts of the meeting invited students to imagine themselves as program leaders. If they were in charge for a day, what would they do differently?
These ideas are more than suggestions. They become blueprints for building a more engaging, positive environment grounded in youth experience.
Why Youth Voice Matters
This Youth Advisory Board meeting is just one example of what makes The ROCK’s Out-of-School Time program so impactful for the teens we serve. Youth voice is built into every step of how we design, plan, and deliver our programming.
When young people have a seat at the table, they develop leadership and communication skills, programs become more relevant and responsive to the students they serve, and the students, in-turn, develop a stronger sense of belonging and ownership in their experience.
Most importantly, when youth have a voice, it shows that their opinions matter. They are not just participants, but also partners in our programs.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to plan for summer camp and 2026-27 school year, we remain committed to amplifying youth voice across all of our programs. The ideas shared by our Youth Advisory Board will directly inform future planning, ensuring that The ROCK remains a place where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered, because when youth lead, everyone thrives.
That’s our bud for this school year!
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