The energy was high and the competition was friendly at this year’s Ontario County Youth Court Member Appreciation and Recruitment Event at Roseland Bowl, and our EPIC Zone crew showed up strong.

In total, about 17 youth participated in the event, coming together with an upbeat, supportive vibe as kids and staff hyped each other up and cheered from the sidelines.

Of course, no appreciation event is complete without food. Attendees enjoyed pizza and soda while spending time together outside of the courtroom setting. Youth Court swag was also handed out, giving members something fun to take home.

Beyond celebrating current Youth Court and EPIC Zone members, the event also served as a recruitment opportunity that worked, bringing the current total to 17 applications for our Seeds of Change Youth Court Spring Training.

Events like this remind us that our youth programs are fostering community in our youth, and research shows “approaches to youth development that enhance connectedness and opportunities for young people are key to adolescent health and well-being.”