Greetings!
Welcome to the September edition of TeenLife Boston Connections. TeenLife Boston is committed to providing middle and high school students access to rewarding and enriching opportunities beyond school, right here in Greater Boston.
We hope everyone's school year is off to an exciting start! Make a New School Year's Resolution to try something new, whether it be challenging yourself with a volunteer opportunity, exploring new interests at various arts and music festivals, or pushing yourself physically in a run for charity. Reward your efforts with a night at TD Banknorth Garden or the Boston Ballet - both organizations have offered us exclusive discounts on some of their upcoming events. These opportunities will extend your learning far beyond school, while still providing a relaxing and fun break from the rigors of the classroom. Your fall calendar will be overflowing with exciting new experiences!
Sincerely,
Marie Schwartz
TeenLife Boston |
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Choosing New Opportunities by Learning from Past Experiences |
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It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new possibilities at the start of a new school year. You want to make the most of your academic classes, try out a new internship, all while juggling your already busy extracurricular schedule. But don't worry! If you're feeling this way, it's a good time to be self-reflective and consider the new experiences you've had over the past school year and summer. Learning from these past experiences will help best direct your future one. What did you learn over the past year about yourself or your interests and abilities? How can you apply this knowledge to the new school year even better than the last one?
Academics are frequently a primary concern. You'll want to pick classes that not only fill your school's requirements and prepare you for college, but hopefully ones that interest you as well. What are you excited to learn about? Consider your summer: did traveling spark an interest in learning a foreign language? Did you take any summer enrichment classes that prepared you for more challenging academic work during the school year? Try to find classes that you find intriguing by relating them back to your learning experiences outside of the classroom. If your options are limited in terms of class possibilities, perhaps discuss your new interests with your teachers, and see if there are ways to integrate those passions into the curriculum. Your guidance counselors are always excellent resources for helping you select a class schedule that is right for you. Remember that, though challenging, your school work can often be as interesting as your extracurricular pursuits.
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Another important part of the new year is getting involved in either your school, community, or perhaps both. If you limit your learning to the classroom, you're doing yourself a big disservice. Extracurricular and community service activities allow you to explore your interests and discover your passions. If you are a freshman or sophomore in high school, you might want to try a variety of activities, even some that you know little about but may spark an interest. Over time, as a junior or senior, you will likely narrow down the activities to those that you especially enjoy and to which you want to make a more serious commitment such as becoming a captain of a team or an officer of a club. These activities might also include volunteer opportunities in your school or local community. Not only are such experiences rewarding ways to spend your time, but they may help you get a better sense of what career interests you'll want to pursue or what you'd like to study as you prepare for college. All of these experiences can give you a better sense of yourself and guide you in the future. If you're having trouble finding an opportunity that you're excited about, check your school's Career Center - they may have a listing of local jobs or internships. TeenLife Boston's Guide to Community Service is another great resource; your school may own the guide, otherwise it's available for purchase on our website.
Finally, when planning your schedule for the school year, don't forget time for yourself. Sitting down and having dinner with your family, relaxing with your friends, getting a good night's sleep - each of these are just as important in maintaining a balanced approach. Without them, you'll feel too overwhelmed to make the most of everything else you have on your plate.
Good luck with the upcoming school year! As long as you work hard and follow your interests, there's no doubt it will be a successful one. |
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
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| Serve on the Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Council |
Cradles to Crayons needs committed student leaders to serve on their Teen Leadership Council! We are looking for middle and high school students who share our vision of helping children in need in Massachusetts receive the items they need most. Through our Teen Leadership Council students will join together to make an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of other kids. To learn more visit their website or email Lindsay Jensen. Fall session applications are due on Wednesday, September 24. |
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Volunteer with Room to Grow
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Help Boston's new and growing families by volunteering with Room to Grow (RTG). RTG is an organization that works to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty by providing parents with one-on-one parenting support and essential baby items throughout their child's critical first three years of life. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help organize and prepare our inventory of infant and toddler clothing, toys, books, and equipment to help ensure that babies receive a healthy and secure start in life. A minimum of 2 hours per visit, from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm is required. For more info, email Golsa. or call RTG at 617-859-4545.
Another way to help is through your next celebration - in honor of your birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, or any special occasion - let your friends and family share in the fun while helping those in need. Have your guests bring a baby gift and learn about the services Room to Grow provides to its nearly 200 families in the Boston area. Contact us for more information on how to celebrate your special day by giving! |
| Work with the Samaritans to Prevent Suicides |
Samaritans is looking for TEEN volunteers to answer our TEEN HelpLine at both our Boston and Framingham locations. Samariteens is the youth peer leadership program at the Samaritans. It is dedicated specifically to the prevention of suicide among teens. Begun in 1986, this teen help line provides confidential peer support and understanding to teens who are struggling with feelings of depression, loneliness, and stress. The Teen Helpline is staffed by volunteers between the ages of 15 and 18. In Boston, please email or call 617-536-2460; in Framingham, please email or call 508-872-1780.
You can also join the Samaritans for the tenth annual "Run for Someone Else's Life" Run/Walk along the Charles on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Registration is at 8 AM, with the race beginning at 10 AM. There will be festivities to follow, which include live music, games, refreshments and a kid's race. Samaritans needs volunteers for the day of the race. For additional race information including registration, forming a team, or helping with the event, contact Garrett Owen via email or call him 617-536-2460. |
Build with Habitat for Humanity
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Teens 16 and older can volunteer for a "build day" at the Habitat construction site in West Newton. Those who are 16 and 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers - both groups and individuals - work under the direction of a construction manager to build affordable housing for qualified families. The project in West Newton consists of a 2-unit condominium. Build days with 8-12 volunteers are typically held on Wednesday, Thursday, and either Saturday or Sunday. Prior construction experience is NOT necessary, but first-time volunteers are required to attend an Orientation Session. You can register for an Orientation Session online or by calling 617-423-2223. The next session to be held in MetroWest is on Tuesday, October 7, at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple Street, West Newton 02465, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
You can also support Habitat for Humanity by participating in the 13th Annual Genesis Battlegreen Run to be held on Sunday, November 2 in Lexington. The event consists of 5K and 10K runs, as well as a 5K walk. Participants' entry fees of $20, plus any pledges they raise, are divided among local community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston. Register as an individual or family, or organize a group of friends to enter as a team. For more information or to request an entry form for the race, please call Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston at 617-423-2223. |
Volunteer at GREEN FEST
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Greenschools is looking for Middle and High School students to volunteer their time for a great GREEN cause! November 22nd is GREEN FEST, the first GREEN Festival for Middle School students looking to make a difference in their school community. We are looking for students to organize/lead sessions, guide tours, and participate in our Organic Fashion Show. GREEN FEST for High School students will be coming this spring. For more information, email Robin Organ, President/Founder, or visit their website. |
| Work with the Boston Ballet |
The Boston Ballet Volunteer Association is having a Fall Membership Meeting September 18, 2008 at 6:30 at 19 Clarendon Street, Boston. Please join us to learn about opportunities to volunteer with Boston Ballet! We'll have representatives from the Boston Ballet Volunteer Association board on hand to talk about the many ways you can participate: by working in the Wang Center and Opera House boutique, being a Nutcracker costumed greeter, helping out with mailings and events, providing tours of the theatre and studio, hand-sewing in the Costume Shop and many more exciting tasks! Mikko Nissinen, Artistic Director of the Ballet, will be our special guest. To volunteer, you must be over the age of 16, and have a love of ballet and the willingness to contribute your time. We'll train you for specific tasks...so don't worry about experience. Please join us at 6:30 for refreshments, and the program will start at 7:00pm. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP via email. |
| Make Strides Against Breast Cancer |
Volunteers are needed for the largest one-day breast cancer walk in the nation! Each year, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Boston attracts 40,000 participants and we need your help to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for all. On Saturday, October 4, 200 volunteers are needed from 3pm to 6pm at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell to help us prepare yummy snack bags for our walkers, as well as help us set up for the following day's event. On Sunday, October 5, 400 volunteers are needed to help us in a variety of roles including: finish line cheerers, route monitors, clean up and set up crews, water stops, T greeters, and snack distribution. These volunteer roles begin between 7am and 9am and run until approximately 1:30pm.
To sign up or for further details, please email Jennifer Gallagher to request your volunteer brochure or call 781-314-2659.
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| Help Seniors at HRCA |
HRCA needs volunteers to help their seniors. The Hebrew Rehabilitation Center at Harvard is in need of students who can assist with wheelchair transport on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30-3:30 PM, helping residents to and from concerts, as well as on Saturdays from 9:15 am - 11:30 am helping residents to and from our on-site synagogue. We also would love students to participate on Thursday afternoons from 3:00 - 4:15 in an intergenerational current events group. Interested people can email Jodie Portman, Director of Volunteer Services, or call 617-363-8459. |
| Work with the Newton Symphony Orchestra |
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The Newton Symphony Orchestra is in need of motivated student volunteers! This opportunity is an excellent one for students who are passionate about music or simply interested in the nonprofit sector. Office assistance is needed in graphic design, writing copy, producing marketing letters, as well as help at concerts ushering, serving at receptions, and staffing the boutique. NSO would be delighted to have talented student volunteers play in the orchestra, as long as they commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule. For more information, contact Letitia Stevens, Executive Director, at 617-965-2555. |
| Help Disabled Consumers through Arc |
Greater Waltham Arc is seeking volunteers to work with our disabled consumers in two locations in Waltham. Volunteer hours are between 9-2 p.m. We provide training and volunteer activities but do not include personal care, nor are consumers left alone with volunteers. Volunteer activities include reading, crafts, simple cooking projects, singing, simple games, etc. At one location, there is opportunity for group interaction in assisting or leading a cooking craft, or learning project. Contact Heidi at 781-899-1344 ext. 4145 or our website. |
| Tutor in Cambridge Schools |
Become a volunteer at one of the twelve Cambridge elementary schools or high school. Opportunities available for one-to-one tutoring, classroom assistance, special literacy and math programs for early grade students, after-school homework help and more. For more information contact Cambridge Schools via email, by calling 617-349-6794, or visiting their website. |
| Volunteer for the World Computer Exchange |
The World Computer Exchange (WCE) needs volunteers for their Computer Testing and Packing Day on September 20. Students over the age of twelve are invited to help test computers and prepare them for shipping to young people in need all over the world.
The event will last from 9:00-4:00, and volunteers may pick their own hours within that time frame. The event is located at WCE's site 936 Nantasket Ave. Hull, MA 02045. No special skills are required, tasks may include turning on units and a simple protocol, counting mice, power cords, etc. or loading equipment onto pallets. You may sign up as a group or as an individual.
Lunch will be provided, and transportation charges can be reimbursed within Massachusetts, from your location to our location in Hull (if arranged beforehand with us). Those taking public transportation can be arranged to be picked up at the Braintree T station on the Red Line at 8:45 AM, some work will be outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress according to the weather. Visit our website or email Pam for more information. |
| Intern for Teen Voices |
Teen Voices magazine is looking for interns. Teen Voices is a biannual publication written and edited entirely by and for teenage and young adult women. Teen Voices is committed to providing a forum for girls to share their stories and discuss issues such as diversity, teen motherhood, sex, relationships, and women's health. Teenagers in the mentoring program will act as Teen Editors where they learn skills in editing, creative writing, media literacy, technology, and social justices while working in an engaging workplace. No experience necessary; all that is needed is a passion for writing and a willingness and enthusiasm to learn! To apply go to their website or email Saun Green, Teen Program Director. |
| Tutor through the Oak Street Youth Center |
The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center's Oak Street Youth Center is looking for volunteers to be tutors! We needs tutors in two different programs: homework help and ESL one on one. Homework help is Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15 to 5:15pm. You get matched with 2-3 students and help them with their homework or in subjects where they are struggling. ESL one on one is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30pm. You get matched with 1-4 students and work with them one on one for 45-60 minute sessions. The activities and curriculum are provided by the Youth Center. We ask for a commitment of at least one semester if not for the whole school year. Tutors can be high school aged and above! Please email Sophia Kim if you're interested. |
| Center for Young Women's Health |
Peer Health Educators are needed at The Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital Boston. This program is seeking interested teens, ages 16-18, who want to educate their peers on health issues, are skilled with computer programs, and are available to work after school and some Saturdays. To apply, email Adrianne your resume & cover letter. |
| Drumlin Farm Prepares for Halloween |
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln needs volunteers to help prepare for their annual Halloween event, Tales of the Night. About 20 helpers are needed to prepare 150 pumpkins for carving. The scooping will be done on Monday, October 27 and Tuesday, October 28 from 3-5pm. Teen volunteers are welcome to come for one of the two afternoons. Please email for more information. |
| Volunteer with BOOYAH! |
Booyah! needs volunteers for their September events. Booyah! (Boston Young Active Hands) is a volunteer initiative for youth and families through Boston Cares. Their upcoming September projects include: Organic Farming at The Food Project from 9am-12pm on September 27 and Creating Book Folders at Generations, Inc. from 11am- 1pm on September 27. To participate in a Booyah! project, click here to register and sign up by clicking here.
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SAVE THE DATE!
TeenLife Boston Conference:
Explore the Possibilities
November 16, 2008
10am-3pm
Bentley College
More info coming soon!
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Sponsor of the Month
Subscribe to your local Community Newspaper Company and receive a Dunkin Donuts gift card. For details, visit our website or call 888-MY-PAPER. |
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Exclusive TD Banknorth Garden DISCOUNTS for TeenLife Boston |
TeenLife Boston is excited to announce special DISCOUNTS for its members at TD Banknorth Garden!
2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars
Oct 26, 3pm
Just back from China, the country's most celebrated gymnasts including reigning World Champion Shawn Johnson, 9-time World Championship medalist Nastia Liukin, 2005 All-Around World Champion Chellsie Memmel, and Olympic medallist Morgan Hamm will join Paul Hamm, Shannon Miller, Blaine Wilson, and the U.S. gymnastics team for The 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars coming to the TD Banknorth Garden!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Bellobration, Oct 8-13,
a high-energy circus extravaganza featuring the mischievous, yet endearing, comic daredevil Bello, whose iconic tall orange hair, hilarious antics and fearless approach to daredevilry have prompted his meteoric rise in popularity. Circus-goers will witness jaw-dropping stunts, high wire high jinx, adrenaline-pounding trapeze, and more. Throughout Bellobration, audiences will witness performers, human and animal, joining forces and taking their skills to the limit of possibility.
RECEIVE $5 OFF SELECT SEATS FOR SELECT SHOWS! To order, please go to the ticket website and enter the promotion code: teenlife. If you have any questions, please call Kerry Brown at 617-624-1809. |
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Save on Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker! |
| Order by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 to receive special group discounts for the following Boston Ballet performances of The Nutcracker!
Friday 12/19 at 12:00pm
Section A $46 (usually $98)
Section B $34 (usually $73)
Section C $25 (usually $56)
Tuesday 12/23 at 7:30pm
Section A $59 (usually $98)
Section B $43 (usually $73)
Section C $32 (usually $56)
Section A $90 (usually $98)
Section B $65 (usually $73)
Section C $48 (usually $56)
Reference Group Code 10540264 for the discount and contact Boston Ballet, Group Sales, at 617-456-6343. Payment due upon ordering. |
| Boston Music Festival
September 8-14 |
| The Boston Music Festival will be showing performances by at least 100 bands at 15 different venues in Greater Boston. Tickets are $10. |
Fashion Prep:
A talk for teens about the fashion industry
Sept 13, 2-4pm
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The School of Fashion Design and the Boston Public Library invite teens to a panel discussion exploring many of the diverse ways to work in fashion. Learn about how to get started and meet professionals making their mark on fashion in Boston. Moderated by Boston Fashion Week Founder & Executive Director, Jay Calderin.
Panelists will include:
-Alison Barnard
Injeanius/Twilight Boutique
-Erica Corsano
EricaCorsano.com
-Alexa Davis
School of Fashion Design
-Gina DeWolfe
School of Fashion Design
-Sam Mendoza
Mendoza Mendoza
-Sophie Zunz
The Moxie Agency
Boston Public Library, Copley Square Branch: Johnson Building, Mezzanine Conference Room. Complimentary admission.
Arrive early. Space is limited. For more information, please visit our website.
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| The Boston Arts Festival
September 12-14 |
Visit the Arts Festival at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park for a showcase of Boston's best performing and visual artists. The festival runs from noon to 6pm each day. Please call 617-635-3911 for more information. |
| Allston Brighton Parade
Sept 14, 1pm
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| Arts in the Park
Sept 13, 10am-5:30pm |
Check out this annual festival featuring over 70 visual artists and artisans in City Square Park, Charlestown. More information is available at their website. |
| The Heart Walk
Sept 13 |
Support that American Heart Association at the Annual Heart Walk along the Charles River Esplanade. For more details, please call 508-656-2022 or go to their website. |
| Jimmy Fund Walk
Sept 20 |
Join us for the 19th Annual Jimmy Fund Walk to help raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. You can register or make a contribution online or by phone at 866-JF-1-WALK. |
| Franklin Park Fall Festival
Sept 20, 10am-6pm |
Open to all ages! Activities include a landscape painting workshop, volunteer activities in the woodlands, an edible plant walk, rock climbing, and trail blazing. For more information, visit their website. |
| Hub on Wheels Bike Ride
Sept 21 |
This ride is fully supported and safe, with three routes: 10, 30, or 50 miles of harbor views and hidden pathways, river greenways and Boston's wonderful and eclectic neighborhoods. The ride begins at 8am and departs from City Hall. The cost is $45. For more information, visit their website. |
Roots & Shoots Youth Summit
Sept 20
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Roots & Shoots Youth Summit to be held on Saturday,
September 20. The Youth Summit's theme is, Get Together. Act Together!
This year's workshop themes are Peace and Conflict, Nature in Our
Communities, Effective Advocacy and International Connections. The
Youth Summit is open to 100 Roots & Shoots New England members ages
12 through college age, as well as group leaders and partners. It will
be held at The Nonprofit Center and other venues near South Station.
We'll also present recognition awards and announce upcoming mini-grant
opportunities. The cost is $25 for the day, but partial and full
scholarships are available. (Cost includes workshops, snacks, lunch and
evening party.) Email or call Caitlin 617-439-9090 for a registration packet. More information is available online.
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| FREE Planning Workshop for Parents of Special Needs Children
Sept 22, 6:30pm |
Arc of the South Shore invites parents to attend a free workshop on planning for the future of your child with special needs. The workshop will address issues of Government Benefit Eligibility, Guardianship and Conservatorship, Financial Security, Special Needs Trusts, and Funding Options. The workshop will take place on Monday, September 22 at the Thayer Library in Braintree from 6:30-8:30 PM. Please RSVP to Katie at 781-413-2227.
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| It's All About Arts
Sept 20, 2pm |
Sponsored by the Boston Public Library, this is a workshop for teens with artists from the Roslindale Arts Alliance. Please call 617-536-5400 for more information. |
| GoGirlGo Week
Sept 22-26 |
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Learn more about the Women's Sports Foundation by participating in their event to encourage girls' involvement in sports. Visit their website for information about events. |
| Beantown Jazz Festival
Sept 25-27 |
Running from 12-6pm each day, the Beantown Jazz Festival features three stages of musicians, and food and crafts from local vendors.
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| Boston Green Fest
Sept 26-27, 10am-5pm
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Join exhibitors, performers, and speakers celebrate a greener Boston. Learn and share new technologies and ideas that can immediately change our daily lives and help our planet at the same time. Located on City Hall Plaza. For more information, visit their website. |
| Run for Someone Else's Life
Oct 4 |
Participate in this charity run (or walk) along the Charles River to raise money in support of the Samaritans suicide prevention programs. They also need volunteers to help work at the event! For more information, visit their website. |
| Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Oct 5 |
Help the American Cancer Society in their fight against breast cancer by walking in this event along the Esplanade. You can help by participating in the walk or volunteering at the event. Visit their website for more information. |
Social Entreprenuer Competition
Due Oct 15
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Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition is
accepting applications. Young entrepreneurs (ages 12-24) are invited
to submit applications for their social enterprise organization. Enter
to receive feedback, find supporters, win prizes, and even secure up to
$1,000 in funding to advance their project. Applications are due by
6pm on October 15, and may be submitted online.
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Get the Definitive Guides to Summer & Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Place your order now for the 2008 editions of the Teenlife Boston: Guide to Summer Programs and the first Guide to Community Service.
 
These two guides list hundreds of interesting summer programs and non-profits in the Greater Boston area that welcome students in middle and/or high school. Order Now!
About TeenLife Boston
TeenLife Boston connects middle and high school students in Greater Boston with "opportunities beyond school" such as summer programs, community service, internships, and others that they never knew existed. We publish printed guides, manage online discussion groups, offer presentations for parents and students, help schools to implement internship programs, and organize face-to-face events that make it easier to find the right opportunities for teens.
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