Teen Summit returns

Published 9:22 pm Thursday, July 21, 2016

“Perseverance” will be the topic of the day when Suffolk’s fifth annual Teen Summit takes place on Aug. 27.

“Sometimes young people find themselves with something that can possibly hold them back,” said Lakita Watson, director of Parks and Recreation. “We want to share with them ways that they can deal with adverse situations and still come out positive.”

The Teen Summit is for youth as well as parents, mentors and others who work with youth.

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“The purpose of the Teen Summit is to bring parents or mentors along with youth to discuss issues and receive resources to assist them in creating a positive community and environment,” Watson said.

Parks and Recreation Director Lakita Watson speaks to teens and their parents and mentors during last year’s Teen Summit. This year’s event is coming up on Aug. 27.

Parks and Recreation Director Lakita Watson speaks to teens and their parents and mentors during last year’s Teen Summit. This year’s event is coming up on Aug. 27.

The summit will include breakout sessions and activities as well as a panel discussion with a couple of the youth and a couple of session facilitators, moderated by Watson.

“They will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance,” Watson said.

The Teen Summit is part of the Suffolk Initiative on Youth Crime Prevention Plan. It is for youth ages 11 to 17.

The summit will take place at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave., from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 27, Watson said. An after-party is set from about 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Booker T. Washington Joint Use Recreation Center, and transportation will be provided between the two locations.

“That’s where we have fun, we dance, we have additional giveaways,” Watson said.

A block party the night before, Aug. 26, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Constant’s Wharf Park, 110 E. Constance Road. It will feature fun, giveaways and music, including by high school musicians.

The block party is open to the public, and registration is also open for the Teen Summit. Registration is free and can be done on site at the block party and at the beginning of the summit; however, pre-registration is encouraged in order to get the correct T-shirt size.

Both events are free. Visit www.suffolkva.us/parks for online registration. Call 514-7250 for more information.