[MR] Giving teens something to do

[Baroness Rozsa]

I have been following this conversation on and off for the last couple of 
days, so forgive me if I express an opinion that has already been expressed.

I noticed somewhere that it was suggested that possibly a 'teen camp' be set 
up that included those around the approximate ages of 15-17.  On the 
surface - fabulous idea.  However..  Pennsic is not a youth camp and is not 
set up with the safety parameters that youth camps have - access to the 
entire campground by those not in camp, control of youth movements, set 
activities and time schedules, etc.  Pennsic is a camp environment that is 
set up for adults with rules, access, and activities geared towards adults. 
Even the most diligent of chaperones would probably have a difficult time 
keeping up with all the teens in camp.  Which would also open themselves up 
to a great deal of liability as the parents would not be the ones 'in 
control' of their teens during Pennsic and would most likely expect the teen 
camp chaperones to play parents (babysitters) that week while they check in 
from time to time.

However, I have noticed that apparently the teens tend to congregate around 
the bathhouse as their 'hangout' spot during Pennsic and, according to a few 
parents, the teens are quite happy with the arrangement.  Maybe an option 
would be to provide a more 'suitable' spot for the teens to hangout.  I 
don't know what the odds are for Pennsic to put aside a spot with a pavilion 
and some tables and chairs for the teens - or maybe even a merchant take the 
coffeehouse idea that many of the adults have had great fun in and open an 
"Under 21" coffeehouse.  At either of these places the teens could gather, 
play D&D, Magic, compare A&S projects, or just talk - as many of us adults 
do during Pennsic!

Rozsa