Youth Center Groups and Activities:

Fitness Fun with Gabe Mendoza and Joe Tyon allows us to go to Balboa Park twice a week and perform stretches, calisthenics and basic aerobic and strength training exercises before participating in various sports and physical fitness games, including Hide & Seek and traditional Native games.

Youth Media Project with Gabe Mendoza teaches us the basics of filming and utilizing video editing and digital media programs. We get to archive Youth Center happenings such as celebrations and special events while also exploring and tackling issues such as stress, gossip and education in skits and our own "teen show."

Indian Country Now with Joe Tyon consists of education on important Congressional acts, treaties and lawsuits that affect(ed) Indian Country. We learn about the details and history of important laws such as the Urban Relocation Act, Self-determination Act and the Termination Era and how they connect to us.

Creative Arts Expression with Cari Gloria meets on a weekly basis and provides an opportunity for us to use drawing, painting, and coloring to explore our innermost thoughts and feelings in a safe, creative environment.

Cultural Arts and Crafts with Sparrow Goudey meets weekly and provides an opportunity to learn how to make traditional, Native American arts and crafts projects. Among the crafts we've learned to create are dream catchers, painted gourds, medicine bags, rosettes and beaded bracelets.

Current Events Discussion Erica Charley introduces us to contemporary issues relevant to our lives and gives us the time and space to deconstruct and openly voice our opinions on topics such as discrimination, poverty and health disparities.

Walk y Talk(y) with Daniel Domaguin, MSW is a leisurely physical fitness activity where we walk around Banker's Hill, Balboa Park, and Hillcrest before partaking in dinner. Walk y Talk(y) proves you can do exercise while hanging out!

Wednesday Night Dinner is prepared by staff and youth. We sit around the table and eat a healthy, home-cooked meal while sharing how our weeks are going with our fellow members and staff. Among the favorites are homemade pizza, sopa de albondigas and chicken adobo.

Friday Night Live/Health Circle with Joe Tyon and Daniel Domaguin, MSW teaches us about all aspects of a healthy person, including fitness, self-esteem, emotions, effects of substances and mental health. We draw, recognize and respect connections between our minds, spirits, bodies and hearts.

Gung Fu/Self Defense with Sifu Ciani Palencia is designed to provide knowledge regarding rules, regulations, rituals, and the history of Asian martial arts (specificaly Shaolin Gung Fu and Kosho Shorei Ryu Kenpō). We are encouraged to work towards understanding the relationship between martial arts and the Youth Center's mission.

Topical Talking Circles change monthly based on the designated theme. We learn about and discuss specific topics in relation to the theme each week. Past monthly themes include "The Effects of Alcohol," "Love and Relationships," and "The Strength of Native Women."

American Indian Storytelling with Cathleen Chilcote Wallace focuses on traditional stories from the many tribes, nations and bands on Turtle Island. Youth members are encouraged to share their thoughts and reactions to the stories they hear and those that were passed on from their elders.

Skateboarding Group is for novice, intermediate and advanced skateboarders. The group practices in Balboa Park as well as at the various skate parks around central San Diego.

Teen Day is every Friday, with programming for our youth members ages 13 and above. We will tackle relevant issues such as the importance of academic achievement, teen sexuality, substance abuse, peer conflict, and other topics from member input.

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