Youth Week activity ideas

 

Youth Week (1st – 9th April 2020) is an annual opportunity for young people across New South Wales to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities.

The theme for this year is “Speak up. Be involved. Get connected. Have fun”, and this has never been more relevant than right now with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) health event. It's important to connect with your friends, family, and peers, even if you can't be with each other in person. 

Here are some activities you can do by yourself or with family at home, with many of these ideas brought to you by Maitland TAFE Cert IV Youth Work students:
 

• Self-Care Challenge: Give yourself 30 days and spend every day doing one self-care ritual for yourself. You could take a bath, read a book, go for a short walk, or even using a face mask!
   
• Growing Plants/Fruits/Vegetables in your Backyard: Grab a few seeds from Bunnings or online, buy some nice pots, tend to your plants and watch them grow. If you grow fruits or veggies, you can eat the fruits of your labour!
   
• Cooking or Baking Competition: Look up some recipes online and see who in your family can make the tastiest food!
   
• Learn a TikTok Dance: If you haven't already got the app, download it and try out some of the dance challenges.
   
• Try Online Gaming: There are many games available on Steam (PC) and consoles - Fortnite is a favourite with many! There are also card games you can play over the Internet.
   
• Skype or Zoom Sessions with Your Friends: Who says you have to see your friends in person? Get a Skype or Zoom account, and have a group video call with your friends.
   
• Learn a New Hobby Online: There are YouTube tutorials for so many hobbies! You can watch along and learn about painting, drawing, coding, playing an instrument, among many other things.
   
• Recycled Art: Use this time to get unloved or bland items in your house (i.e. plant pots, old furniture, decor in your bedroom) and give them a makeover with paint or craft materials!
   

If you are a youth experiencing anxiety or mental health concerns during the coronavirus health event, headspace has excellent resources tailored for young people.