Letter to the editor: Working with churches to create opportunities could help area youth

I went to a meeting today, Sept. 20, and a topic came up about youth not having anything to do. Now, in my mind there is a lot to do, including homework and chores. But that won't solve anything concerning this problem.

I automatically thought we can't solve this problem because there is an excuse that, how would youth get to the activity? Then I thought there are so many churches in the Sumter area. I bet there is a church within a mile of any youth. I guess it would be further in the county.

I will give you my thoughts hoping that someone or many someones can make it work for the youth in Sumter County. I will break it down into emotional/mental, physical and spiritual.

Emotional/mental - Maybe pastors or counselors could have something like classes in the church. This could also include starting "12-Step Programs," or what might be better within churches is a program called "Celebrate Recovery." Maybe the adults already in these programs could help start them in churches.

Physical - Those churches with a gym could have basketball games. Those with space outside could have baseball games or maybe soccer games. When I moved to Sumter in 1998 there were baseball teams in churches that played other baseball teams in churches. Could that happen again?

Spiritual - The big problem is that we don't teach right from wrong anymore. I wonder if adults even know right from wrong these days. We could start by teaching the 10 Commandments. That is simple enough. I am sure that the police and deputies would come in and give classes on expanding the wrong that we do to our friends, family members and neighbors, not just in Sumter, but also in South Carolina and the United States of America.

Some events that would include all three would be helping the elderly in some way, like yard work or some kind of chore. Helping clean up the litter in Sumter County. Don't forget helping our churches in some way.

This doesn't just have to be in churches. There are HOPE centers that already have these ideas in motion. Civic groups could dream up something to help with this. Maybe even schools could join in with some ideas.

Could there even be something like a dance once a month that youth could go to and meet their friends to have a good time? It would be a time that youth could meet other youth and communicate.

I would love for the pastors of Sumter County to get together and come up with something that can grow as it catches on. I believe that it could really make a difference with the youth of Sumter County. I believe it's time for this to happen. What do you think?

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES

Sumter