With age and experience comes the knowledge that life can quickly change in the blink of an eye. As teens venture into adulthood and are faced with more complicated, difficult decisions, making the right choice might seem daunting. Unfortunately, the wrong choice can have life altering consequences. For more than two decades, Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership, Matforce, and Yavapai County Community Health Services have put on the Teen Maze, a life size, board game-style interactive experience that helps youth navigate tough choices, experience the consequences, and provide them with information needed to take the right path. This year’s 23rd annual Teen Maze will be held October 16-18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Grace M. Sparkes Activity Center in Prescott, with more than 700 youth expected to attend.
At the exhibit, teens make their way through the maze by drawing scenario cards or spinning a wheel that indicates a choice for them. As they navigate through the maze, they increase their understanding of personal responsibility, learn peer resistance skills, how to make more effective life choices, and tips to plan for a successful future. The paths are staffed by various professionals in their field who have a certain role to play and present the appropriate information to guide the teens through. The Teen Maze is a judgement-free zone that provides a creative, interactive and powerful method for delivering oftentimes life-changing information. Topics explored include drugs, alcohol, impaired and distracted driving, tobacco and vaping, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, online dangers, college, careers and goal setting, self-care strategies, and much more.
Teen Maze is generously funded this year by APS, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Matforce, North Star Youth Partnership and Prescott Sunrise Lions.
In addition to the event sponsors, various community groups and businesses make Teen Maze possible. A special thanks to Community Pregnancy Center, DEA-Operation Engage, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Granite Mountain Psychological Society, Matforce, Prescott Valley Police Department, Yavapai College, Yavapai County Community Health Services, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, and Yavapai Juvenile Probation.
The Grace M. Sparkes Activity Center is located at 824 E. Gurley Street, Prescott. Home schooled students are encouraged to attend Teen Maze on October 18. For more information or to reserve a spot, call Kasey Shaver, Teen Maze Coordinator at 928-899-7141. www.
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About Catholic Charities Community Services:
Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities provides care for the vulnerable of all faiths in central and northern Arizona through programs in foster care, early education, affordable housing (Housing for Hope), veteran services, refugee resettlement, and homeless outreach. Learn more by visiting www.
