news

Announcements
2021 Summer Camp information and sign-up packets for The Wolf Building and Nathan’s Place are coming soon. First day of camp is scheduled for May 26th.

AOK Classic
Mark your calendars, open your wallets, and bust out the cleats.

On June 12th, AOK will be hosting the AOK Classic—an adult flag football tournament PLUS auctions for Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia and a painting by famed Chiefs performance painter Mike Debus. More details to come.

COVID-19
AOK has tentatively lifted their mask mandate. If circumstances change we will implement wearing masks again. AOK reserves the right to see what we feel is in the best interest for all staff and youth.

Drug-Free Message of the Week
You'll likely have multiple conversations with your teen about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you're unlikely to be interrupted and set aside phones. It's also important to know when not to have a conversation, such as when you're angry with your child, you aren't prepared to answer questions, or your child is drunk or high.

To talk to your teen about drugs:

• Ask your teen's views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you.
• Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to your teen—such as sports, driving, health and appearance.
• Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears.
• Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.
• Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think about how you'll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.
• Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities your teen is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.
• Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who's been using drugs. If your teen breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.
• Know your teen's friends. If your teen's friends use drugs, your teen might feel pressure to experiment, too.
• Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.
• Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your teen succeeds. A strong bond between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.
• Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don't use illicit drugs.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know needs information or treatment in a confidential, safe, judgment-free atmosphere, please contact AOK directly by calling or texting 417.682.6002 or visit aokyouth.org/rcc-project.

Follow this newsletter to learn more about this crisis and how it can affect those around you.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Chimichanga

Each building will participate in an activity that involves the sampling of Chimichanga, along with an educational piece.

States Culinary Learning Tour
AOK is excited to embark with our kids at The Wolf Building on a Culinary Learning Tour of all 50 States, lead by Janet Dermott!

This fun and interactive weekly tour of each state in alphabetical order. It will help teach alphabet, capitals, facts about each state and sample a culinary treat (or two) representative of each state.

This week kids will pack the bags and head to Arizona. In Arizona, the kids will sample chimichangas.

Next week we will head to Arkansas for a tasty treat.

 

 

NATHAN’S PLACE

Awareness
The month of April is Stress Awareness Month.

Social stress is a growing problem in our world. While we once focused mainly on physical and mental health, we now have this growing social health situation.

It’s seen the most often in teenagers and young adults. The constant pressure to fit in, an overwhelming sense of anxiety, and continually being accessible is turning us into overly stressed and unhealthy human beings. But considering a social life is the main life of teens, what can really be done about it? Providing an ongoing open line of communication with your teenager will encourage them to report negative experiences to you.

However, sometimes your teenager may not feel comfortable sharing this information. In these cases, parents should be aware of any changes in your child’s behavior, mood, social interactions and school performance.

Open discussion about the stressors that can occur from the use of cell phones, social media and other online interactions will enhance the coping of children and adolescents with these now important methods of communication.

Food of the Month
April is National Pecan Month

When comparing nut varieties, pecans have more antioxidants than any other. Pecans can help to reduce cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, too. They are also naturally a high-quality source of protein.

This week, the VolunTeen's will be learning how to prepare Candied Pecans.

Try the recipe for yourself here.