Jaden is a bright, vivacious teenager who spent this past summer in youth programs like L.O.C.A.L. Adventures, a Richmond-based organization that empowers young people to explore their inner and outer landscape through mindfulness, the arts, and outdoor adventures.
Paddleboarding on the James River was a first for Jaden and many of his peers, and it quickly became a favorite new outlet to unwind.
“Once you get in that water, something hits you therapeutically. This [program] helps you focus on one thing. We get so stressed out with everything going on our phones… or things going on at home. As a teenager, I’m starting to realize there’s a lot more than doom scrolling and being on my phone,” says Jaden.
NextUp helps expand the capacity of partnering organizations, like L.O.C.A.L. Adventures, to offer their programs to more Richmond youth, so they can explore their interests and future career paths at no cost to families.
Exploring Richmond L.O.C.A.L.L.Y. All Year Long
Since founding L.O.C.A.L. Adventures in 2021, Preston Slaughter has grown her organization to serve youth at multiple Richmond Public Middle Schools (RPS) through the Middle School Alliance and across the city through the City of Richmond’s Positive Youth Development Initiative, with partners like NextUp, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, and Peter Paul Development Center.
Funding during the school year and summer, provided through NextUp, creates opportunities for youth to participate in L.O.C.A.L. Adventures programs every season, and experience the long-term benefits of high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs, including:
- Connection with trusted adults and peers, fostering:
- Leadership, resilience, and self-confidence
- Fundamental social-emotional and life skills youth need as they enter the workforce and adulthood
- An increase in positive feelings about school, which can lead to higher grades, attendance, and graduation rates
Creating Space for Youth to Take a Break from Screentime
L.O.C.A.L. Adventures creates opportunities for youth to unplug after school, connect with themselves and peers, and explore Richmond’s park system.
“The core of each program is mindfulness. We practice mindfulness outside, creating art and relating to nature through yoga and movement. It’s the thread that ties all our programs together,” says Preston.
Like adults, kids are spending more time in front of screens, whether it be on TikTok, video games, or TV. Taking breaks from devices is becoming increasingly positive for young people’s mental health and wellbeing, both in and outside of school.
Eliminating Longstanding Barriers to Attending Programs
Greater Richmond families note that cost, transportation, and availability of programs are the top barriers to engaging in OST programs consistently. Program deserts are most prevalent in Richmond’s Southside, East End, and Northside, and there’s a growing desire for more programs with bilingual staffers.
By offering a variety of free programs directly in schools and neighborhoods, and supporting transportation needs, NextUp and partners are connecting more youth to engaging after school and summer activities.
Increasing the Quality and Quantity of Youth Programs
Program providers in the NextUp Network, like Preston and her team, strive to not only serve more youth but also practice continuous quality improvement.
There’s often a lack of resources and funding for youth program leaders to get the training and coaching needed to expand their programs’ capabilities and capacity. NextUp offers free standardized professional development opportunities as well as quality monitoring, data management and reporting, and program registration support for its network of more than 150 youth development partners.
When youth development professionals have the tools needed to help youth thrive, these community leaders can focus on what they love: delivering quality programs to more youth.
“Youth have a level of authenticity that allows them to be more vulnerable. It’s fun and entertaining and brings its own set of challenges, but it drops me into the present moment. Which is funny, because that’s what I’m teaching,” commented Preston.
NextUp is grateful to work with trusted partners like Preston and her L.O.C.A.L. Adventures team to expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer programs for Richmond youth.
Use NextUp’s Program Locator to connect with Richmond youth programs, including L.O.C.A.L. Adventures. You can also learn more about how to support more than 150 program providers through NextUp and upcoming program funding opportunities.
