How people choose to spend their free time varies. At the William George Agency for Children’s Services (WGA), young people have access to exceptional recreational facilities and are encouraged to use them daily to support their mental and physical wellbeing.
“A teenager’s body is continually growing. We offer a variety of activities that engage their whole self. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Everybody has preferences. Some youth like team-oriented, court-based games. Others like to do puzzles. Some use their Rec. time creating music or learning to sew. Others might like to swim,” says Laurene Payton, B.S.E., Director of Recreation and Campus Activities at WGA.
Payton has worked at WGA for almost 30 years. In that time, she’s become quite good at motivating adolescent youth to try activities they might initially avoid. The goal is to engage youth with as many healthy activities as possible, that will aid their physical and mental growth in the moment and throughout their lifetime.
“Many young people we work with struggle with trauma-related self-esteem issues, anger, and anxiety. One of the rewarding parts of my job is watching them mature and make decisions to replace unwholesome coping behaviors, like vaping, with healthier alternatives, like strength training,” she says. “We want youth to take advantage of all our amenities while they are with us so that they can become more aware of the safer activities they can seek out when they return to their community.”
There are several recreational areas around campus that give youth dedicated space for activities that can increase their wellbeing, lessen anxiety and lift their mood. A popular space is the Music Studio, where they can write and record their own songs. This activity helps them get in touch with their feelings and process trauma. An indoor Adventure-based Ropes Course is designed to enhance overall trust with peers and adults and helps with goal setting and self-esteem building. At the Rec. Lounge, youth can play board games and participate in therapeutic arts and crafts activities. Those aiming to improve their physical fitness can swim in an indoor Olympic size pool or visit the weight training fitness center that opened in the fall of 2024 thanks to funding from a bequest. Payton says the center has been a big hit with youth and that one quarter of the campus has been signing up to use it regularly.
Always looking to improve, Payton appreciates feedback on recreational activities at WGA.
Martin* recently shared that he has, “learned how to do healthy things with peers. Play basketball and workout. I gained 15 pounds of muscle from working out and made a lot of friends in the weight room and gym. Playing basketball at Rec. made me want to join the team and I MADE IT!”
Adam* says, “when I first got here I did not know how to swim but now I do, so thank you for that because now I’m very good at swimming. I also got over my fear of heights at the Ropes Course program.”
One of the most popular activities that Payton coordinates at WGA is Olympic Days. The tradition was created in 1994 by a former director of the Recreation Department and has grown from one day into three. Individuals receive medals for gold, silver and bronze place and for Outstanding Sportsmanship. Everyone attends a celebratory barbeque at the end.
“There’s something for everybody. If running isn’t your thing, you can do the canoe race on our pond. Don’t like to canoe? You can participate in the swim relay or climbing wall challenge. It really brings the kids and staff together and creates fellowship and fun memories.” Other well-liked activities include movie nights under the outdoor pavilion and the campus-wide Mud Run.
“Ours is a holistic and varied recreation program that enhances the therapeutic process. Activities are designed to help youth be physically fit, mentally strong, reduce stress, and increase feelings of belonging, confidence, mastery and enjoyment,” says Helen M. Hulings, Executive Director at The William George Agency.
*names changed for privacy