After a promising start in the first half of 2004, the Hancock Youth Program really hits its stride in the 2004-2005 school yea. The number of youth nights increased from eight to 13; student participation rocketed from 187 to 521; and average attendance rose from 23 to 40 per night. The program is continuing its growth this third year with attendance of 43, 49 and 53 at its first three sessions this fall.

The word is clearly getting around that the Hancock Youth Program offers plain, unadulterated fun for 2 1/2 hours two Fridays a month. The activities – ball games in the school gym; students playing their own musical instruments in the music room; table tennis in the hall; board games in the library; video games, boom box, popcorn and drinks in a large classroom; and the opportunity to hang out with friends in all of these places – are strictly for the fun of it and something worth looking forward to.

The evenings are moderately structured, and there are reasonable but strict rules of behavior. Parents can feel assured their children are in a safe environment, engaged in healthy activities, and responsible adults are present. That is important these days, when it is so easy for children to ball in with bad company and get into serious trouble.

We believe this youth program has a constructive impact on the attitudes and activities of the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth grade students who participate, and we encourage other towns to consider doing something similar. From its beginning the program has been a cooperative effort, and official and individual support have been crucial.

A quick list of key elements might help others assess their chances of moving in this direction:

. The Hancock Youth Committee includes representatives of almost all civic organizations in Hancock;

. The town of Hancock has made this an official Hancock town committee and brought it and the program under the town’s liability insurance coverage;

. The Hancock Grammar School and the school board have allowed us to use school facilities;

. The Down East Family YMCA helped us draw up operating procedures and set the right tone for youth nights;

. We have a program coordinator who knows our students well, is conscientious, hardworking and dependable and is dedicated to the success

of the program;

. Our Students Steering Group, representing all grades involved, has provided students “ownership” of the program;

. Parents and other adults interested in our youth by the Union Congregational Church, the Hancock Point Chapel, and the many kind individuals who value what the program means for the youth of Hancock.

If you want further word about what it took to get out program going, our program coordinator, Todd Twombly, would be glad to fill you in. You can reach him at 422-2439 or at school, 422-6231. Good luck.

Oliver Crosby is chairman of the

Hancock Youth Committee.