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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Youth United-Youth Mentorship and Podcast/Film Programs - Content/Video Short Creation Program
Youth United is our big, vibrant umbrella program that brings young people together to grow, create, lead, and connect with their community. It’s a collection of youth-driven opportunities that give kids and teens space to express themselves, explore their interests, and build real skills with support from caring adults. Youth United includes several individual programs. Participants can join one, or mix and match the experiences that fit them best.
Members of Youth United will participate in various leadership/mentor programs, as well as exclusive field trips, special events, and serve as ambassadors for NB Parks Rec & Beaches.Youth United requires an application; however, membership is free. *STIPENDS available for certain programs!**(Participation/attendance requirements must be met to receive stipends, not all programs include stipends)**Winter & Spring 2026 Programs!!
Next Wave Mentor Program
Next Wave is our mentorship pathway for youth and adults who want to make a positive impact in their community. Young participants learn from teen and adult mentors, teens mentor younger peers while being guided by adult advisors, and adult mentors anchor the whole experience. Everyone grows, everyone leads, everyone lifts each other up. Through creative, environmental, and community-based programs; such as the Art Garden at the Ricketson Nature Center, Next Wave participants build leadership skills, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility to their peers and shared spaces.
Middle School & High School Participants
Middle and high school youth in the Next Wave program take on meaningful leadership roles while continuing to learn and grow themselves. Participants support younger peers, assist with program activities, and contribute to creative and environmental projects, all while being guided by adult mentors and Parks, Recreation & Beaches staff. This experience helps teens build communication skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of leadership, responsibility, and community impact.
Adult Mentors – Next Wave
Adult Mentors play a vital role in the Next Wave pathway by providing guidance, encouragement, and consistency across programs. Mentors support youth and teen leaders as they engage in creative, environmental, and community-based activities, helping to model positive leadership and collaboration in a supportive, inclusive environment. Adults interested in becoming a mentor are invited to apply through a brief application process, which includes a CORI/SORI background check. No prior mentoring or teaching experience is required, just a genuine interest in supporting young people, showing up consistently, and being part of a community that believes in shared growth and leadership.----------------------------------------------------------
The 84 Chapter (Youth United Edition)
As part of Massachusetts’ statewide 84 Movement, our chapter empowers youth to take action around public health, community wellness, and advocacy. Participants work on creative projects, campaigns, and leadership opportunities that challenge the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries. It is activism, youth voice, and positive change all rolled into one.------------------------------------------------------------
Art in Bloom-Art Garden at Ricketson Nature Center(COMING THIS SPRING)Days and times TBA
Ages 8–14 The Art Garden Youth Program invites young people ages 8–14 to take an active role in growing, creating, and caring for the Art Garden at the Ricketson Nature Center. Through hands-on gardening, creative art activities, and collaborative projects, participants will help maintain the garden while exploring the connections between nature, art, and community. Youth will work alongside Parks, Recreation & Beaches staff and local artists to plant, tend, and harvest, while also contributing to visual elements and creative expressions within the garden space. This program encourages environmental stewardship, teamwork, and creative confidence, offering a meaningful way for youth to learn, lead, and leave their mark on a shared community space.------------------------------------------------------------
Youth United Podcast Program (Spring Launch)
Launching this spring, the Next Wave Podcast Program will give middle and high school youth the opportunity to plan, produce, and share their own podcast as part of our 84 Chapter initiative. Participants will work collaboratively to develop topics, write scripts, conduct interviews, and record episodes that center youth voice, creativity, and real issues impacting their generation and community. Guided by adult mentors and program staff, youth will build skills in storytelling, media literacy, communication, and teamwork while learning the fundamentals of podcast production. The program emphasizes confidence, critical thinking, and self-expression, offering participants a powerful platform to share ideas, amplify youth perspectives, and contribute to the growing work of the 84 Chapter.------------------------------------------------------------
For more information on The Next Wave, please reach out directly to: Tj Thomas508-961-3015 xt 67444Isidro.Thomas@newbedford-ma.govFor more information on The Podcast and/or Content Creation Programs, please reach out directly to:Mike Neves508-961-3015 xt 67454Miguel.Neves@newbedford-MA.gov
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A. McCoy Rec Center (AMRC) - Computer Lab
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