Art-A-Love-It Challenge

This summer, I am trying to run several passive programs to reach teens that are too busy (or otherwise unable) to attend active programs at the library.  Since art is a big part of my life, I decided to create the Art-A-Love-It Challenge to encourage teens to begin to notice and appreciate the beauty in their own communities.

What You Need
Signage
Mini-fliers with information
Email that someone checks regularly
Tumblr account

How It Works
Each week has a new "inspiration word" to focus the teens' art search.  Teens will keep their eyes peeled for something that matches the theme then snap a photo and email it to a predetermined email address.  Once the photos have been approved (no nudity, gang signs etc) the photos will be loaded onto our Art-A-Love-It Tumblr so the world can view the teens' photos.

My "inspiration words" this year are: LIQUID, GREEN, MOVEMENT, NATURAL, LIGHT, LOVE, REBELLION, OLD, TRANSITION and SUMMER.  These words are deliberately vague and open to interpretation; I want teens to think outside the box. :)

Beyond Digital
Depending on the number of pictures submitted, I may print several of the images and post them in the teen area.

Teen Program: Reading Challenge

This is a fun, low-cost program that will have your teens talking, blogging and sharing reads!

The "challenge" aspect of this program makes it driven by an individual desire to participate, not by the desire to win a prize, so there is no monetary cost associated with this program.  When designing this challenge make sure to create gender neutral objectives that can be adapted to a variety of reading styles/levels.

Here are some ideas for a 10 Week Reading Challenge
Week 1: Read something blue
Week 2: Read something OTHER than a book
Week 3: Read outside
Week 4: Read a poem
Week 5: Read something without words
Week 6: Read something funny
Week 7: Read something solid
Week 8: Read something active
Week 9: Read a play
Week 10: Read at random

Using whichever Social Media works best for you (Twitter, Blogging, Tumblr, Facebook etc) to promote this program.  Have teens submit what they've read for each objective and watch the communication unfold.  Don't be afraid to start the discussion for each objective.

Before you start: If you want your teens more involved in the planning stages get them to submit ideas for possible challenge objectives.

Good Luck and Good Reading!