Haunted Trails and a Halloween tale (err, carol...)

On Thursday, October 27, SDAIHYC teamed up with staff and youth from Indian Health Council's Club 7 on the Rincon Indian Reservation for an evening of fright at Balboa Park's Haunted Trails. Nearly 50 youth, staff and parents braved the mile trek through the spooks and chills of the trail, which ended with Youth & Family Services Coordinator Christopher Scott being chased by a dude with a (fake) chainsaw. Unfortunately, we could not take pictures in the trail (although a picture of the formerly-mentioned moment would have been awesome). We do, however, have pictures of our dinner at Sanfilippo's beforehand, and the creeped-out faces of the participants afterwards! Check out pictures here. For some reason, only staff dressed up for the Haunted Trails (as evidenced by Melisa's nerd costume), but fear not! Come dressed up to the Youth Center on Halloween, when the staff members are dressing up as...each other!!! Also, for your viewing amusement, a little video our youth members made an hour before we closed on Friday:

Fridays are now TEEN DAY! (w00t)

Starting in November, Fridays are officially going to be "Teen Day," with programming focused on youth members ages 13+. So teens, come and join us on Fridays (we're only open one Friday in November, but you know, after that...)!  Let us know your suggestions!

"The Baldest Loser" ends

For those who didn't know, there was a little competition between Daniel and Gabe to see who would keep growing out their hair. First one to cut it lost. As you can see, Gabe was very happy when Daniel cut his hair.

We have a QR Code!

Thanks to Mr. Brian Hayes from Operation Samahan, we have a QR code! What us a QR code, you ask? Well, a Quick Response (QR) code is a fancy type of barcode originally used in the automotive industry, but now used in many businesses and fields! Our code will direct you to a page with a short description, Facebook link and link to our blog. OK, so you're already at our blog...but now you can share our info with others! If you have a smart phone (or other device with a QR Code Reader), simply enable the Barcode Scanner app, take a picture with your device's camera, and voilá! There you are...

SDAIHC at FilAmFest 2011

SDAIHC teamed up with fellow community clinic Operation Samahan and other community organizations at the 2011 Filipino American Arts & Culture Festival (FilAmFest).  Operation Samahan, a title sponsor for the FilAmFest and head of the Health & Wellness Area, spearheaded the program, the theme of which was "Healthy and Active Lifestyles."  In accordance with the theme, SDAIHC provided literature and giveaways on mental health, dental health, and diabetes prevention/maintenance.  The Youth Center also provided assistance in creating gift bags for attendees who filled out a health survey; the gift bags included goodies from all participating health organizations, including a frisbee and pamphlet from SDAIHYC!  The FilAmFest is among the largest one-day intergenerational programs in San Diego County, with nearly 15,000 people attending in 2010.

Thanks, Geoff!

These past few months, we have been blessed to have Mr. Geoff Godfrey (or "Coach," to one particular youth member) as our skateboard instructor.  earlier this month, Geoff left our organization to pursue other ventures in Los Angeles with Insomniac Events.  During his tenure at SDAIHYC, Geoff garnered quality skateboard decks, trucks and wheels at amazing prices, taught people (including myself) who couldn't even stand on a skateboard how to maneuver on the street and skate parks, stressed the importance of safety, and most importantly acted as a mentor and great example for all of our members here at SDAIHYC.  Geoff also did more than just teach the skateboarding class; he helped with outreach events, Culture Camp, beach outings, intergenerational dinners, and with parties where we needed a DJ.  We haven't seen the last of Geoff: he's supposed to join us for our Halloween outing at the end of October.  You're not leaving our family that easy, Geoff...Thanks again, Coach!

SDAIHYC visits with Club 7 at Rincon

Despite issues with traffic and getting moderately lost, members, staff and parents from SDAIHYC travelled to the Rincon Indian Reservation to join Club 7--a group provided by Indian Health Council for foster youth living off the reservation--in their programming.  After watching videos made by Rincon youth, the programs' participants combined for a night of games (such as the one Patricia and Daniella are playing), food (Indian tacos!), fun and fellowship.  The urban Youth Center kids greatly enjoyed their time at Club 7, and hopefully (without the traffic issues) we'll make our way up again!

New school year means school supplies!

Congratulations to our active members who earned new school supplies for the coming school year!  Keep up your academics, and remember: if you need help on your homework, school work, or anything education-related as the year progresses, don't be shy and ask for help!

Daniella's post to her 3rd favorite person...EVER!

Dear Head Tribal Member of Molded Nation,

I would like to inform you that you were the highlight of my summer... I don't know how many times I walked into the youth center with a sad look on my face but somehow you always knew how to make me laugh and smile no matter what. Also I wanted to say thanx for literally making my summer the best, your high energy is what made me want to walk into work everyday. Your always fun to hang around with and from when I first started talking to you on facebook every now and then, I really didn't expect you to be this amazing all around cool, hilarious, and weird person. I'm absolutely so glad I got a chance to know you and I wish you all the best at Stanford and your future whatever it may be. Anyways sorry for all the mushy stuff just had to get it out there because I fully appreciated being by your side and helping out the youth center this summer and the fact that I couldn't frown around you. Anyways, I really going to miss you Chandler and the way you would always be making me laugh my butt off and your silly, crazy self ;D. LOL by the way, the only reason I was picking on you so much was because I only wanted to be around you since you were my favorite person, shh don't tell anyone else haha...

Much Love, <3

Daniella Head Tribal Member of JaBooty Nation ;) <3