| Youth Services The City of Thousand Oaks Youth Services include the Youth Commission, Childcare Center and Directory, and Thousand Oaks Alex Fiore Teen Center. Youth Recognition Awards Youth/teens play an active role in supporting the community. They volunteer time, talent, and creativity to benefit hundreds of clubs, organizations, and events. From working with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to assisting neighbors, tutoring, organizing fundraisers, and volunteering at events, their altruistic spirit is an example to all. The City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission hosts an annual event as a way to recognize and promote the outstanding efforts of the youth community. The Commission invites service organizations to nominate a deserving teen (age 13-19) that has made a significant voluntary contribution to the community. Nomination period for the 2008 awards ceremony is now closed. Nominations are typically accepted in March of each year. The 2008 Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony was held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the Alex Fiore Teen Center 1375 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks. 2008 Youth Recognition Pictures One hundred and thirteen teen nominee finalists were honored at the event. Recognition was given in a 3-tier award system in both the middle school and high school categories. The highest honor being presented to the most outstanding middle school and high school nominees by Mayor Jacqui Irwin and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Glancy. Nominees, their families, various youth services, school teachers and counselors who nominated the teens attended the program. Thank you to the Bluez Boyz, who once again, volunteered to play at the event and as always rocked the house. They are a fabulous group and many of them have also been honored at this ceremony. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in nominating these teens. The 2008 High School Volunteers of the Year are Nadia Safaeinili Amanda Young The 2008 Middle School Volunteers of the year are: Jacob Kohlhepp Ben Rogers Nicholas Rose Please contact the Community and Cultural Services Department (805) 449-2743 or e-mail YouthCommission@toaks.org, if you have any questions. Rock the Oaks “Rock the Oaks!” provides local rock bands with an opportunity to showcase their original music and gain exposure to the public at a major venue and provides a professional concert experience to local teens. This year's performance featured: Midnight Shakes, Big Brother, Cicada, and Kerascene. The event was held on February 29, 2008 at was a huge success. Band Application period for the 2008 performance is closed. Applications are typcially available on the website in October each year. Therapeutic Dance One of the many challenges faced by teens and adults with disabilities is the lack of opportunities to enjoy the same range of experiences available to those without disabilities. The Youth Commission has risen to the challenge and has historically shown sustained support for the needs of young people with disabilities. The Youth Commission is proud to sponsor the Annual Therapeutic Dance for youth with special needs. In the past, the Youth Commission has been able to provide participants with an unforgettable experience. On arrival, guests enjoy dinner and socialization with old and new friends, have their photos taken, and dance the night away! Teens and young adults ages 13 and up with are invited to attne the City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission’s Annual Therapeutic Dance. This year's event was on March 8, 2008 at Alex Fiore Teen Center. This year's theme was "A Night at the Oscars!" and it was an unforgettable evening full of surprises thanks to our community volunteers and sponsors. Youth Volunteer Opportunities The Youth Commission through the Youth Master Plan Summit learned from community teens that they were interested in one stop shopping for volunteer choices.They wanted informationabout different agencies - what they do, what type of work is available, and what type of volunteer they are looking for.They also wanted a place they could advertise their own group’s availability.In an effort to meet that request, the Youth Commission teamed with Conejo Coalition for Youth and Families to create a quarterly youth volunteer newsletter. If your agency would like to be included in this unique volunteer recruitment opportunity, send your story and pictures to YouthCommission@toaks.org and we will include you in our next newsletter. Guidelines and timelines are on page 4 of the newsletter. |
