By Kelly White
Orland Township is keeping youths busy this summer.
The Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park, hosted a Summer Picnic for students entering the sixth- through the 12th-grade on June 22.
“A summer picnic is a great way to revive the Orland Township Youth Commission,” Paul O’Grady, Orland Township Supervisor, said. “Students within Orland Township will have plenty of opportunities to learn about how to get involved with their community and to meet other local youths just by attending this one event. I encouraged them all to come out and see what it’s like to be a member.”
The Orland Township Youth Commission is a community service group that encourages local youth to help others while teaching essential life skills.
Orland Township is dedicated to supporting the growing youth community of the Orland area and encourages young men and women to become motivated and responsible young adults, O’Grady said.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orland Township Youth Commission provided many opportunities to earn community service hours, as well as engage within the local community by volunteering, fundraising and participating in season recreational activities, offered through the township and more.
The goal of the picnic was to re-introduce the Orland Township Youth Commission to the youth residing in the Orland community.
“The OTYC is an important piece of our community, and this event was a great way to recruit new students,” O’Grady. “Joining the Orland Township Youth Commission gives the kids a chance to get involved and contribute to the neighborhoods within Orland Township. They’ll be creating an impact within the lives of so many people through being a member of OTYC, by providing their hard work, time and dedication.”
This was the first time the township organized a Youth Commission Summer Picnic but officials are hoping to continue it annually.
“Being the first time holding this event, I looked forward to seeing how much everybody enjoyed it,” Gina Chigaros, co-founder of Victress, a Wellness Center for Women, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), said. “I personally liked being able to provide an opportunity like this for our local youth to get involved with their community.”
Chigaros provides counseling services at Orland Township, as she is the head of Youth & Family Services.
At the free Youth Commission Summer Picnic, there was plenty of food trucks, games, and fun for all attendees to enjoy. Admission was free, and for attending, all students received two community service hours.
“This was a chance for youths to meet new friends and enjoy an evening of fun, food, and games,” Chigaros said.
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