By KATIE V. JONES

Photo Credit: Aline Behar Kado
This past summer, Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor launched Safe Summer Nights. a free program geared for youth ages 12 to 16. Weekly gatherings at Laurel Armory offered dinner and time to use the gym. Participants also attended workshops and information sessions designed to help them become confident citizens.
“Between 6 and 10 p.m., kids tend to get in trouble during those hours,” Sydnor said. “It was a different way to keep kids safe. They could come in here for recreational opportunities and education as well.”
Councilmember Jeffrey Mills (Ward 2) assisted Sydnor with the program, and was eager to see it continue after the summer sessions.
“I told [the mayor], ‘These kids, they really had a great time. They were excited and coming every week,’” Mills said. “We need, these kids need, not just safe summers, but safe winters, falls and springs.”
Sydnor didn’t hesitate, Mills said.
He said, “Here’s the baton, you run with it,” Mills recounted, with a laugh. “I put my spin on it.”
Mills noted that the Safe Fall Nights program was a success, with participants learning financial literacy and coding.
“It was great,” he said. “The last class we had, we were talking about quantum physics.”
The program typically runs four to five weeks, with about seven youths attending the weekly sessions.
“The first class we had two 12-year-olds,” Mills said. “We’ve had 12 at most. As the old saying goes, just help one, one child, and we’re doing a great job.”
The Safe Winter Nights sessions have seen lower attendance, likely due to the holidays, Mills said. One session was cancelled due to weather; Mills now hopes to extend the program past the original Jan. 10 end date.
“One week, the kids were learning about savings and how to write checks,” Mills said. “They were learning the different meanings of financial terms.”
Navy Federal Literacy is collaborating with the Safe Winter Nights program, Mills said. All the Safe Nights programs strive to bring participants and their families together with law enforcement officials, along with local organizations and businesses.
“Each week is different,” Mills said. “We need to give them something new to be able to grow, mature into productive citizens.”
Following the information sessions, the youth have dinner and can then use the pool room and participate in arts and crafts activities.
“He’s very excited about it,” Sydnor said, of Mills’ involvement. “The kids enjoyed it.”