Seacoast Youth Services in Seabrook was the site Monday for the Rockingham County Conversation. Everyone attending was greeted by the youth who attend the after-school and other programs available to them at the site.

They led the visitors to the various presentations they had set up for the county conversation, showcasing how they are involved in the Seacoast Youth Leadership Project at Seacoast Youth Services. Their presentations showcased food and fitness that emphasize healthy lifestyles through exercise and good nutrition (and a first place win in the firefighters’ annual Chili Fest), leadership, team building, and a Techno-Team, which explores various computer, remote control, rocketry and photo/video technologies.

Following the tours, Susan Turner, chair, Rockingham County Advisory Council, welcomed the over 50 county advisory council members, public officials, representatives from partnering organizations, and volunteers attending. UNH President Mark Huddleston addressed the group, complimenting the youth giving the tours as “very professional young men and women.”

The program, “Strengthening Lower Seacoast Youth and Families,” was facilitated by Extension Specialist Paula Gregory, who set the stage for the group of speakers, including 4-H Youth Development Educator Rick Alleva, Vic Maloney, executive director of Seacoast Youth Services, Stephanie Charron, UNH graduate and program coordinator for Seacoast Youth Services, and Dr. J. Eric Vance, chief consulting psychiatrist, NH Division of Juvenile Justice.

The Seacoast Youth Leadership Project provides New Hampshire's lower Seacoast towns with positive youth development and a special effort is made to involve young people who could benefit most from, but are least likely to attend, positive youth development activities.

While Alleva talked about mobilizing the resources to forge a partnership with Seacoast Youth Services, Maloney praised Extension for its support. Charron talked about her positive experience of first being a UNH intern at the site and was a positive “journey” it had been for her. Dr. Vance noted that Seacoast Youth Services had become a community resource.

Several parents whose children attend the programs also were on hand with positive testimony about how these programs have helped their children.

In the top left photo, UNH President Mark Huddleston takes part in the tour, while in the top right photo, he and 4-H Youth Development Program Leader Wendy Brock taste the award-winning chili.