Weekly Kiwanis News 3/9

Posted by Tim Buenz

There were 28 members and two guests present today including Bob Ehrig of the Nevada Kiwanis Club. Board meeting minutes were read by President-Elect Heater. A report on the Kiwanis grilling effort for the JS Football Coaches Clinic was heard. Hollie reported on the upcoming Aktion Club meeting.

Bob Smith had the program today. Barb Mittman, Prevention Specialist from Story County YSS in Ames explained the Teen Maze project to members. The Teen Maze involves 4 booth tracks that 7th grade students rotate through. The 'maze' is really more like a board game, a really big board game. Mittman likened it to a life-size version of the game of Life or Monopoly, where students would be given the chance to explore the impact of life decisions.

"The choices and the consequences of risk-taking behaviors are assigned to them, so somebody could go through the maze and draw a card (that says) they were drinking at a party and it got busted. What unveils before them along their experience in the teen maze is the outcomes (of that decision)," Mittman said.

The concept has been used successfully in Arizona for about 10 years, Mittman said. It was originally designed and developed by an Iowa State graduate who grew up in southern Iowa. Plans are for the maze to be in operation by the first full week in April, with the activities taking place at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Thanks to Bob, Rev. Daylong, and Barb for a very interesting program!