"Curfews, Camps, and Community: Keeping Our Teens Safe This Summer"

Summer is here—a time we often associate with sunshine, barbecues, travel, and quality moments with family. But while we should certainly enjoy those blessings, we must also confront a harsh reality that quietly shadows our neighborhoods every summer: the rise in youth-related issues such as crime, violence, and teenage pregnancy due to a lack of structure and meaningful engagement.

This is not a problem for any one person to solve alone. It’s a community issue—and it calls for a community response. When our young people are idle, unsupervised, and disconnected from productive activities, they become vulnerable to negative influences. Whether it’s falling in with criminal elements, becoming victims or perpetrators of violence, or simply losing their sense of direction, the consequences of doing nothing are too great to ignore.

There are countless programs available—summer camps, Job Corps, sports leagues, educational enrichment programs—all designed to help guide our youth toward better choices. Faith-based organizations have done a phenomenal job in creating safe, nurturing spaces for young people. Many of these programs exist because someone cared enough to organize, file for proper 501(c)(3) status, and open doors for support and sponsorship.

But even the best programs need help.

There’s often a cost associated with running quality youth initiatives—transportation, meals, equipment, staffing. This is where local businesses and community members can make a real impact. Sponsorships, donations, and even in-kind support like transportation or supplies can go a long way. Businesses can use their contributions as tax write-offs when supporting certified nonprofit organizations, making it a win-win for both the giver and the community.

However, one thing must be made clear: these programs are not babysitting services. They are community-building institutions. Parents must be involved—not just dropping off their children, but actively participating, showing love, interest, and support. Healing and development work best when families and community members walk together toward solutions.

Let’s also keep this in mind: when teenagers are left unsupervised, the risk of issues like teen pregnancy rises. Lack of structure leads to poor decisions. But when a teen is busy—working in Job Corps, involved in sports, or learning a trade—they are far less likely to be caught up in street life or destructive behavior.

Curfews can also be a tool of protection, not punishment. There is nothing out in the streets at night for our youth but trouble—and we all know it. Let’s bring back accountability, structure, and a culture that values safety over popularity.

So, here’s our call to action:

Talk to your mosque, church, temple, or synagogue. If they don’t have a youth program, ask how to start one. It can be done—with strategic planning, the right heart, and the right people.

Together, we can create a summer that celebrates family and safeguards our future.

Let’s not wait for a tragedy to unite us. Let’s come together now—before the headlines, before the heartache, and before it’s too late.