Jamaican Teen Summer

Summer's here again, and the usual frenzy has already begun for those still trapped in teenage years. School is out and all their angst is on the loose. Exactly what to do in the next possibly boring two months is the main concern. It's the biggest and perhaps the most difficult decision to make until time to choose courses next semester. Summer jobs are few, funds are low, and parents are scratching their heads trying to figure out which camps they can afford.

Many teens are plotting how to avoid summer school so that it doesn't interfere with the search for fun, excitement and entertainment. Some want to be off somewhere basking on white sandy beaches. Others are itching to visit their favorite foreign haunt. Still others need to work to get some "Nannies" in their pocket."

What to do for summer this year is not going to be easy for anyone. A depressed economy has touched even the well off. Many companies are restructuring little nuisances such as summer job interns right out of their corporate plans. Parents who are still lucky to be employed are spending wiser when that stranger called disposable income shows up. So teens may have to forego camp, a trip abroad, even the number of visits to the plazas. Zeen!

The prospects of work are dim for teenagers such as Jerron Johnson, a sixth former at Jamaica College, and Janet Sinclair of St Hugh's High. Both students say they feel something different in the market. Johnson worked two months last summer for a media company that this year only offered him two weeks. And only because the company found him an excellent worker. Sinclair sent out a stream of applications for the first time but suspects they may still be sailing in the wind.

Her application and others from job hungry teens are now competing with those from students in tertiary institutions. As companies downsize and get more efficient they want more value for money. Personnel officers desire tertiary students more because they say their skills and knowledge are more useful. Executives also expect that older students need more financial assistance and are empathetic. "The current climate is forcing everyone to be more selective," says Wesley Scott, manager of the St. Anns Bay branch of Jamaica National Building Society. This summer he is employing only tertiary students .

Although many teens will not get the chance to work, don't expect them to beat a path to summer school. Even students who seem to enjoy learning bridle at the thought of being caught in a classroom in July and August. Dwight Hart of Kingston College, is adamant about not going to school this summer. He says he's had enough of teachers, books and studying and it is time to "par-tay." Well guess what, if he had a mother like Thelma Dunbar he could only run his mouth because she is the bigger "don" and she rules in her house. "I believe summer school will give my son (a St. Jago senior sitting 'A' Levels next year) that extra push so there's no way he's going to get out of it," she insists.

Guidance counselor Mauva McCarthy of McGrath High is painfully aware of the woes of teens and the concerns of parents. Trying to provide common ground for both, her school this year offers a package called "Summer Fun While You Learn." The programme is economical -only $1,000.00 for four weeks-while maintaining the usual elements of excitement and entertainment for students in its field trips, drama and art.

Wolmers fifth former Debbie Allen looks forward to the events the youth arm of her church, the North Street Seven Day Advent, has planned. In its effort to provide good wholesome entertainment, NSSDA is sponsoring a week long camp and a weekend retreat, both in the garden parish of St Ann.

Even those students lucky enough to go to camp and those who grudgingly attend summer schools will still have a pocket of time to fill. Most camps and schools close just before the independence holidays. So how not to go crazy in those four weeks? Marvin Casanova of Ferncourt High is fortunate. He will be flying out to the United States at the end of July for three glorious weeks to visit relatives. But teens such as St. Andrew High Taenia Davis who have no options are going to stress themselves out with boredom.
Those who must remain a yardie may find life at home does not have to be all bad. Donald Higgins of Charlemont High plans to live it up once he gets his barrels and cash transfers from his mother in foreign. He intends to enjoy himself to the max, catching various reggae shows, hanging out at the beach, the movies and, yes, the plazas.

Anticipating the needs of idle teens, promoters are scheduling several events. CD Entertainment, for example, is putting on "Ping Summer Time", a Ting endorsed event, to bring the summer holidays to a grand close on 29 August 1997 at the Maritime Institute. The promoters promise to deliver superb performances from top dance hall artists and a fledging "conscious" star. The show is for all reggae lovers, making it easier for teens to find chaperones they can tolerate. Renaissance Group Promotions has launched a fan club, giving members a discount for shows where its disco performs. Members will also get discount tickets for "Ping Summer Time" and other events.

However the summer turns out, it will bring the usual headaches, heartaches and hopefully lots of happy moments. Undoubtedly, teens will find adventure, new love, and relief from the strictures of the school year. When it's all over, let's hope everyone would have at least found a meaningful experience to take into their twenties or, God forbid, into their thirtysomething.

If your money transfer didn't come through, here are some suggestions that can help you enjoy summer and perhaps also earn some cash.

Provide a much needed service to neighbours. One idea might be to pay utility bills for busy neighbours for a small fee.
Form a neighbourhood sports club to play football or shoot hoops.
Join your community library and discover literature that will expand your mind.
Put your creative skills to use. Make attractive trinkets to sell to your neighborhood pharmacies or any other businesses you can interest in your crafts.
Volunteer your services to hospitals or social agencies.
For urban teens a trip to the country to visit relatives may prove to be interesting and a welcome change.
For the more adventurous, a weekend hike to the Blue Mountains is challenging and personally rewarding.