Maricopa County Teen Leadership Experience

Last year I discovered a wonderful FREE, self-directed, self-paced leadership program for my 12 yr old. 

Participants must be between the ages of 12-17 years old and reside in Maricopa County. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from selected activities.

In this program he really enjoyed volunteering at Teen Court. By attending a session of Teen Court, participants can learn about the juvenile justice system, Restorative Justice, and the kinds of consequences used in Juvenile Court. As part of this experience, participants will participate in real Teen Court hearings. 

He learned back-office skills at the Gilbert Career Center, worked animal control at the Maricopa Humane Society and took tours of different County organizations. The Maricopa Elections Department was one of my favorites. 

The main purpose of the MCLE program is to expose teenagers to different aspects of local government and community services. The program runs June and July and teens are expected to volunteer at least 10 hours of service among the various areas of the program. At the end of the program the teens are recognized with a small celebration and certificates of completion. 

Registration is now open. Follow the link, register for a orientation date/time, and watch your child enjoy the summer in a whole new way.

http://myhsd.maricopa.gov/mcle.aspx

Girl Scout G.E.A.R Day

There is a little known website called Eventbrite.  While searching thru here you can find free and fee based events throughout the state. Yes, there is even an app for it on your iPhone.

I found G.E.A.R Day @ ASU.            Girl Scouts for Engineering Awareness and Retention. 
It is a free yearly event and the girls each received a patch, a t-shirt and lunch. Female ASU students from many different fields in engineering  came in talked to the girls about real world everyday examples of how engineers impact the world. Then they broke into groups and built solar cars, trebuchets, rubber band air planes, hydraulic lifts and more. 

My daughter has always wanted to be a veterinarian specifically working with elephants. After this she is now thinking of a career in engineering that helps animals.

Engineering medical equipment and life support systems for animals is a big field for engineers.  Business Insider reported that in 2011, Americans spent $48.3 billion on their pets. Pet care is a booming industry and a great field for engineers that want to help both small and large animals. 

In zoos, engineers are responsible for building new exhibits for endangered or rare animals such as a tiger. They ensure the animal is happy in its new home, that the animal cannot escape from its habitat and that the guests have a nice viewing area without encroaching on the Tiger’s personal space. To do this, engineers need information such as how high a tiger jumps, what’s the perfect climate and do tigers like other tigers. Once the information is compiled, they can design an exhibit that will keep the tiger safe, healthy and happy.

Architects usually design the face/aesthetics of the zoo but engineers are required to keep the animals alive and healthy. Engineers who work for zoos are called life support engineers and are usually educated in architectural, civil, chemical, biomedical, environmental and mechanical engineering. The work is similar to designing building systems but the equipment used in a zoo is unusual. Engineers usually have to go to special training, and it’s important to keep up with the changes in the industry. Not only do engineers have to research and design the perfect type of environment for each animal, they also have to keep the zoo visitors entertained by creating something that is aesthetically pleasing.  Zoos spend money to obtain new animals and build exhibits in order to attract more guests and stay in business. 

When looking for different ideas to open your child's mind, step outside the box. Look to all the many websites and free events your city has to offer.  Often calling a business can open the door to a tour that is not normally found thru your scouting or school website. 

(List source http://www.engineering.com/Jobs/JobArticles/ArticleID/4604/Engineering-Careers-for-Animal-Lovers.aspx)

California Science Center

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org

The first weekend in March I was fortunate enough to travel to Knots Berry farm to run a 5K. My husband and I took this little road trip alone, without kids. It was wonderful! While we were there we went to the California Science Center. It is FREE (yes I will be taking the children soon) and it also boasts the amazing Space Shuttle ENDEAVOR.  The fee to get in to see the Space Shuttle is only Two Dollars.

Yes! You get to touch stuff that has been in space!

The exhibit is amazing and you will lose all track of time while exploring. 

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/endeavour-info.html