Santee Youth Love the Community, But Older Teens Are Bored

Three local students, from age 13-17, met with the Santee Collaborative last month to discuss what they like about Santee and what could be changed to make it a better place for youth. The main issue brought up was the lack of local positive activities and a place to hang out for older teens.

The Santee Collaborative is a group of local leaders, parents and nonprofits that work to promote a "healthier more proactive community that builds resilient children and families." 

The youth that came to speak with the group were very active in local school, volunteer, and sports activities, and spoke from their point of view and that of their less active peers. Jenny is a senior at West Hills High; Crystal is a senior at Santana; and Tevin is an 8th grade student at Rio Seco.

Notes from the QA:

What do you like about Santee?

Tevin: It's a close knit community. Love the local parks, trails and activities.

Jenny: I like how clean it is.

Crystal: Safe, everyone knows each other. You feel like everywhere you go you'll know someone.

What would you change about Santee?

Crystal: A lot of youth feel a bit bored, not as much to be involved in, a lot of peers don't know what to do with themselves, lack of organized events and activities. Need a place to hang out.

Jenny: Bored youth want something more... need to reach out to older 16 to 18-year-olds. Teen Center is geared to 6-9th graders. She mentioned that the entertainment complex she heard was being planned in the Town Center area would help occupy their time safely.

COMMENT: What's missing in town for Santee youth? What's going on in town that teens should know about?