Teens find a way to socialize, help others

NORTH CANAAN — A beach ball and some balloons were batted wildly; older brains edged out younger ones in games of trivia; and snow sculptures amazed all ages. It was Giv2 Meets Geer on Feb. 27, and two or even three generation gaps were solidly bridged.Giv2 (pronounced Give Squared) is a relatively new program, started about two years ago in Hartford through the United Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC). It is spreading quickly, as teenagers in grades seven through 12 welcome a chance to find a faith-based, meaningful way to socialize beyond Sunday mornings at church.The meaningful portion comes in the form of community service. The new Northwest Corner Giv2 chapter had only gathered once prior to this weekend, for a “meet and greet.” There was some ice to break last Sunday, as 46 youngsters and 21 adults (youth leaders, chaperones and pastors) gathered first at Pilgrim House for a lunch provided by host North Canaan Congregational Church (NCCC). After a briefing on the planned activities and what to expect, they headed off to Geer Village and Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.The afternoon was organized by Gert Anderson, NCCC’s Youth for Christ leader, and Tina Olsen of Norfolk Congregational Church, the coordinator of the local Giv2 chapter.Most of the teens coming from North Canaan, Goshen, Warren, Cornwall, Norfolk, Riverton, New Hartford and Torrington had never been to Geer before. Trepidation and awkwardness were quickly overcome by a warm reception and the realization that they could find fun in the same things, despite the age gap. The teens took part in games, did arts and crafts and formed a wandering minstrel troupe to sing to residents of the nursing home. At Geer Village, snow sculptures by Garrett Rogers and Josh MacDonald brought a Bingo game to a halt as everyone stopped to watch in awe.Pulling it all together came easily, since the teens came in with a positive attitude.“I like to help other people,” said Shannon Molone of Torrington.She was sort of hanging back with a couple of friends, one of whom, Nat Clark, admitted, even before the beach ball came out, that hanging with the nursing home folks was “pretty entertaining.”“I came mainly because my youth group [from the Torrington UCC] was going. I figured I might as well go,” he said, nodding his approval at the revelation that it turned out to be a good afternoon. “I’m glad I came.”Paige Goodskey, also with the Torrington group, came with her trademark silver sequin hat and an open mind. “I don’t belong to a church youth group. I don’t go to church. I’ve only gone to Vacation Bible School. I’m here with a friend,” she said. “But this is very interesting. It’s a lot of fun getting to meet new people.”Paige, like all the other teens interviewed, said she liked having a way to socialize without peer pressure to “do the wrong things.” They are latching on to the notion that teens don’t have to live just for themselves, and that it’s OK to get out there and help others.Katherine Grayson of Falls Village and the South Amenia Presbyterian Church brings a background of community outreach. “I used to go with my dad to talk to seniors in nursing homes. It lifts their spirits to be with young people, and I discovered I liked talking with them.”“Awesome” was how teen Ryan Long of North Canaan and the Norfolk UCC summed it up. “It’s neat to bring people together from different churches, to work together toward a common goal: doing something good, whatever it is. Our goal is not only to bring kids together, but to make an impact on our communities. Hopefully we can bring more people into it.”Chapter gatherings will be hosted every two or three months by various churches, in their communities. Next up will be a late April or early May outdoor event. Plans on the table include clearing hiking trails, preparing a community garden or spring cleanup at Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon. Suggestions are welcome.Giv2 aims to become ecumenical, and invites any area churches to join. For more information or to learn how to participate, call Gert Anderson at 860-671-0663.

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