As we exited the bus from our last B-SAFE field trip, I realized the impact that the B-SAFE program has on the youth enrolled. Less than a few weeks ago, I pictured the last day of the program being: 1) a series of slow teary goodbyes, 2) teenagers loitering in the front of the building in fear of having nowhere else to go, and lastly, 3) me not wanting to give the keys of the building back, because doing so would mean that the program has officially ended.
On the contrary, the last day was filled with laughter, confident teenagers (with places to go), and me holding on to the keys until further notice. The young people of the B-SAFE program confided that the program is a summer safe haven for them; a place that they can return to year after year.
I thought of all of the support we received for the five weeks, particularly the support received from a certain group of individuals who have long-existing relationships with the B-SAFE program: Our teenage CITs who were once B-SAFE campers themselves!
As we entered the building, and the students were exchanging “See you laters” (as opposed to “Goodbyes”), I saw the individual impact the program has on these youth. Week Five was not the last week of the program. Instead, Week Five was yet another safe week at a very familiar place that feels big, safe, and connected. There will be many more such weeks.
Posted by Marilyn Jean Nazaire, Site Director for St. Stephen’s LEARN
