News Update 12.05.2008
Skatepark
- We had our 1st ever “Smoke the Bowl” event in the skate park. Now, before you get scared and begin to question the play-on-words here, allow me to explain… This event featured some local “smoking hot” bands that performed INSIDE the Sixth Ave. skatepark “bowl”. It was geared toward an entirely new demographic of kids in Nashville, they were all the “crusty punk” and “punk rock” vein of fashion, music, and lifestyle. These are kids that usually never come here. It was a free event and there were over 130 kids that came out. All the bands were booked by one of our regular skatepark boys. It was an incredible opportunity to empower him, and give him the means to create, and plan an event. Definitely one of the highlights of the month of November!
Skatechurch
- November has been a great month at Skate Church. We are averaging 35 kids a week from every area of Nashville, from all walks of life, and faith. We recently conducted what we call “The Bob Marley Experiment” with much success. We listened and dissected two Bob Marley songs and then discussed what the lyrics meant to members of the group. We quickly realized that his songs had different meanings to different people. These open discussions created an environment where kids feel comfortable sharing, and now we are able to go into deeper topics. All the kids are speaking up and none of the kids are criticizing anyone for their beliefs.
Volunteers
- On November 6th we had 9 new kids come out for Volunteer Orientation! This is such a vital part of what we do here at Rocketown…developing relationships with kids and getting them involved in every aspect of the programming and outreach. Once they are a part of our volunteer program they are instantly thrown into positions of responsibility, as well as lending their voice and opinions to the events that take place at Rocketown. This takes them out of the “spectator” mode, and places them into the weekly, “behind the scenes” responsibilities of every show.
Facility News
- For those of you that don’t already know, Rocketown is facing a move. MDHA is expanding the gateway blvd and it will run directly through our building. We are searching for a new facility within the same vicinity. It is so important that we remain downtown, to serve the diverse young people who walk through our doors each day. And by “walk” we literally mean “walk”. So many kids walk to Rocketown the moment they get out of school. Many do not have the luxury of having parents drive them to and from Rocketown. Some take busses, ride skateboards, or bikes, so being centrally located in downtown Nashville is vital to our mission.
Opportunity for Involvement:
- We have recently begun our “R.E.A.C.T” program. R.E.A.C.T is a new tutoring program, in conjunction with our unique afterschool classes. We need volunteers who can mentor, tutor, and encourage participants.
- Lastly, every year Rocketown selects a few of our regular kids in the greatest need, and tries to make Christmas special for them. This year we have selected 30 kids to purchase specific Christmas presents for. While we wish we could buy gifts for every “Rocketown kid” these are just a few in the greatest need. If there’s any way you’d like to be a part of this, with us…PLEASE let me know! We’d love to involve you in this, whether you actually know the kid or not! Thank you again for all that you’ve done to pray, support, encourage, and be a part of our lives here at Rocketown, in 2008!
