CYO Students Learn Importance Of Self-Esteem

July 31, 2010 Contributor

FULTON, NY – Participants in Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s CYO Summer Program were recently treated to an enlightening presentation regarding body image and self esteem.

Kristian Allen and Shelley Merritt of Catholic Charities’ Family Support Services and School Based Mental Health programs spoke with children ages 7 through 14 as they discussed the impact that one’s perception of body image can have on one’s self esteem and how the students can establish a positive attitude about their image and their self-esteem.

Students also participated in a number of activities to help them feel better about themselves and their unique abilities.

Shelley Merritt (left) of Catholic Charities’ School Based Mental Health Program has CYO members Kali Foss and Jonathan Stevens look at themselves in the mirror as part of a special presentation to youth in the CYO Summer Recreation Program on the importance of body image and self esteem.
Shelley Merritt (left) of Catholic Charities’ School Based Mental Health Program has CYO members Kali Foss and Jonathan Stevens look at themselves in the mirror as part of a special presentation to youth in the CYO Summer Recreation Program on the importance of body image and self esteem.

“It’s important that young people realize that their body is their own regardless of what shape, size, or color it comes in,” said Allen. “We discussed the aspects of their appearance that they can realistically change and those that they can’t. To develop a positive sense of self esteem they need to realize that there are some aspects of their body that they have to learn to accept and in order to be happy with themselves. Our presentation addressed how they accomplish this by focusing on the positive aspects of their life and their appearance and discussing who they can turn to for guidance in this area.”

The Summer Recreation Program is offered free of charge to children ages 7 to 14 in Oswego County and is held Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children enjoy a variety of special events and activities designed to aid them in learning good sportsmanship, how to work as a team, positive interaction with peers and staff, and meeting and making new friends.

Activities in the CYO Summer Program include daily recreational activities, outdoor recreation at local parks, special presentations and awareness groups, arts and crafts, a reading program for 7-10 year olds, and other fun activities.

Children may attend the program, daily or weekly if they choose to.

The program is funded in part by the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the NYS Office of Children and Families, and the City-County Youth Bureau of Oswego County.

For more information, contact Jim Smiley, CYO director at 598-3980 ext 254. missing or outdated ad config

Print this entry