Lessons, Laughter, and Life Skills: These youth Brought their “A” game
We shared our excitement about partnering with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for their Year-Round Youth Programs and the kickoff of UMBC’s Summer Enrichment Academy. We launched our Week-long Life Skills for Success Workshop with a room full of bright, bold, outspoken, and engaging youth. Let’s just say, they came ready to talk, ask questions, and teach us a few things too. They brought stories, strong opinions, and surprisingly sharp insights.
Here’s a recap of the core topics we covered and how we broke them down for our young thinkers:
Decision Making & Problem Solving
Youth Definition: Figuring out the best way to handle sticky situations, like who gets the last slice of pizza or what to do when your group project partner is missing in action.
We taught them how to weigh options, think ahead, and make choices that don’t get them grounded.
Digital Citizenship & Online Safety
Youth Definition: Being smart, safe, and not cringey on the internet.
We explored how to protect privacy, stay kind online, and avoid being “that person” in the group chat.
Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
Youth Definition: Knowing how you feel and not flipping out when someone eats your snacks.
We practiced noticing emotions and handling them in a way that doesn’t ruin friendships (or your day).
Healthy Relationships & Boundaries
Youth Definition: Treating people right and standing up for yourself, yes, both at the same time.
From “it’s okay to say no” to “how to stop ghosting your best friend,” we dove into friendship dynamics and respectful communication.
Time Management & Organization
Youth Definition: Getting stuff done even when you'd rather scroll YouTube.
They learned how to set priorities, manage time, and actually remember that homework exists.
Lesson Learned (for the Adults)
While we came to teach, these youth reminded us:
Don’t underestimate their minds.
Keep it real (and short).
Use real-life examples, because “time management” hits differently when it’s about Fortnite vs. chores.
Always adjust content for the age,just because they look like middle schoolers doesn’t mean they don’t talk like philosophers with WiFi.
We closed out the week feeling inspired, a lot more flexible, and even more committed to this work. As always, our goal wasn’t just to deliver information it was to spark growth, develop skills, and walk away a little wiser ourselves.
#YouthVoiceMatters #LifeSkillsInAction #UMBCPartners #BullockBrownYouth #LeadershipStartsYoung#NextGenReady #TimeManagementButMakeItFun
