Page 8 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - July 2019

8

YOUTH

The Youth Program invited International Youth Fellowship to host a three-day camp teaching leadership, global awareness and intercultural tolerance.

Helping kids learn, grow, thrive

Meet Youth Center get off of the school bus.
“They always greet me with a
employees who share smile and give me hugs,” Medina
enthusiasm and energy said. “I just like interacting with
them. They are always a lot of
During summer vacation, the Tony fun.”
Youth Center holds a six-week Medina He can tell, just by the looks Talisa
program to keep tribal youth on their faces, how their days are Baker
active and engaged. YOUTH going. Medina does his best to
They make sure the kids CENTER create smiles and laughs for the YOUTH
receive breakfast, lunch and a MANAGER youth. COORDINATOR
snack in the afternoon. They “It’s not work when you love
take various trips to locations ‘IT’S NOT WORK it,” he said. ‘IT’S COOL TO SEE HOW
across the region. WHEN YOU LOVE IT.’ The youngsters help Medina DEEP THEY ARE INTO
This summer, the schedule maintain a youthful spirit. He
is filled with numerous admits that working with them THEIR IMAGINATION.’
ventures to keep youth active Tony Medina has worked for for years gives him an excuse to
and involved. Throughout the the program for 26 years. His not grow up. Youth Coordinator Talisa Baker
months of July and August, they responsibilities include coming up He has a collection of vehicles, has worked for the tribe for four
organized outings such as going with activities for the program. mainly motorcycles, and classic years and with the Youth Center
to the movie theatre, bowling, Medina said the kids really cars and trucks. for three.
swimming at Great Wolf Lodge loved the bowling trip this year. “When it’s sunny outside, I She described herself as
and a visit to Northwest Trek. They take over the whole alley for like to drive a different Harley Medina’s “right-hand man.”
On tap for August: the afternoon as the youth knock every day,” Medina said. “I feel Baker fills in for Medina at
Boomshaka, a Tacoma Rainiers down pins and enjoy a day of really lucky.” various events and represents the
game, swimming and a hotdog friendly competition. He drove a ’68 Shovelhead Youth Center at gatherings he’s
roast at Millerslyvania Park. “They are exercising and they on the day of the interview. He unable to attend.
On the days field trips aren’t don’t even know it,” Medina said. said “I bought that one two years Along with taking care of
on the itinerary, the youth play “We try to keep them exercising ago. I bought myself my own the financial aspects of the
dodgeball and kickball, swim and having fun.” Christmas present.” department, she helps plan and
and enjoy arts and crafts. They Medina and his staff host an He explained it’s significant handle the logistics prior to field
also participated in a three-day annual back-to-school event, this because his first Harley in 1974 trips, ensure the program has
leadership camp. year on Aug. 14. was a ’68 Shovelhead. “I bought enough food monthly and come
Meet our Youth Center staff: During the school year, that one to take me back to when
Youth Center Manager Medina greets the youth as they I was young.” See STAFF, page 9