GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — Bright Futures for Youth’s NEO program has a full lineup of free events in the coming weeks, including activities for Fall Break during the week of Oct. 18-22.
NEO, which merged with The Friendship Club to form Bright Futures for Youth in summer 2020, offers a range of activities for 11- to 25-year-old youth in Nevada County.
After-school activities, a class on how to look like a zombie on Halloween and a visit to a nearby pumpkin patch are just some of the events available during the next two weeks. And the very popular junior high and high school groups, and homework help nights continue from NEO.
“We’re always looking at new, educational and fun ways to connect with young people in the community,” said Jennifer Singer, Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth. “As we all know, it’s been a challenging 18 months with the COVID pandemic, and especially difficult for youth. So, getting them back together to connect, learn and have fun is what NEO is all about.”
Like many after-school and youth-oriented programs, NEO has been affected by COVID and the subsequent health requirements. But closely adhering to health protocols – including face masks and social distancing – have allowed activities to continue by limiting the number of participants.
Most NEO activities meet at Bright Futures for Youth’s offices at 200 Litton Drive, Suite 308, in Grass Valley.
Fall (Break) is in the air
NEO has announced a couple of activities for students during Fall Break, including a trip to a nearby pumpkin patch on Monday, Oct. 18, and a hike along the Cascade Canal Trail on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Also, local makeup artist Jessi Starr leads a Special Effect activity on transforming yourself into a zombie through makeup just in time for Halloween at 4-6:30 p.m. Oct. 15.
And NEO has an Art Maker Space Series 4-6 p.m. Oct 21 and Oct. 28. Artist Aandra Aabdock leads the series that combines art with fun.
Of course, NEO continues to hold its popular Junior High get-togethers 4-6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays, and High School groups 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. And Drop-in Homework Help is available 4-6 p.m. Thursdays.
You can learn more about the activities and register at https://bffyouth.org/neo/.