Teen Halloween
When I was a child, the anticipation of Halloween night was unbearable for me. I would sprint from the bus, shove some food down only because my mom insisted, and then spend what was left of daylight getting into a costume I had planned for months. Once darkness enveloped the neighborhood, we headed out in groups. By the time junior high school started, it was no longer cool to go door-to-door asking for candy.
However, we didn’t want to give up the tradition of dressing up and venturing out on Halloween night, so we armed ourselves with shaving cream instead of candy bags, and searched for other teen groups to sneak up on. By high school, most of my friends were assigned to doorbell management. Sigh! I lucked out, however, because I still got to dress up and chaperone my little sister.
Forgive me for the pun, but I never got Halloween out of my blood. Today, I still dress up to answer the door, and I hold an annual haunted bash. Teens don’t have to give up the holiday either. There are plenty of ways teens can celebrate Halloween – without a can of Gillette!
Volunteer Opportunities
Halloween is a great time to get teens into the spirit of giving to others. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities, and making the world a better place for others is always a satisfying endeavor.
Annie Fox, MEd, character educator, advisor to teens, and author of Teaching Kids to Be Good People (Electric Eggplant, 2012) says, “Teens are about finding their power to make a difference. Combining philanthropy with trick-or-treating is fun and altruistic. Trick-or treating for UNICEF is cool.”
Lynne Kenney, PsyD, a pediatric psychologist, author of The Family Coach Method (St. Lynn’s Press, 2009), and co-author of Bloom: Helping Children Blossom (Comprehensive Counseling & Consulting, LLC, 2013) explains, “Being a teen during Halloween is fabulous, and you don’t have to miss out on the fun! The key is to get creative.” Kenney suggests that teens give back to their local neighborhoods. “Many parents prefer being out in the neighborhood with their own children, so helping mind the door while families trick-or-treat is a helpful and practical neighborhood gift.” Kenney also suggests teens hold a lemonade stand for the younger trick-or-treaters.
Teens should also check with their school, town, and church to see if they can lend a hand.
Here is a quick list:
• Volunteer at a community haunted mansion or Halloween festival.
• Group idea: Create a neighborhood “haunted mansion.” Send fliers inviting the younger crowd. Charge a nominal fee and donate the proceeds to a favorite charity.
• Non-profit blood drive: Volunteers can dress like Dracula and post an entrance sign which reads: I vant to draw your blood.
• Some hospitals allow teens to hand out treats/small gifts to young patients who can’t celebrate the holiday due to illness. This is a great way to give back.
The School Connection
Even though showing off their costumes at the elementary Halloween parade is a distant memory, there are still plenty of opportunities for middle school and high school students to share their passion and excitement for the holiday at school. Here are some options:
• Bake Halloween treats for group fundraising events.
• Volunteer at an elementary school Halloween festival.
• Organize a “Monster Mash Bash” or “Deadly Dungeon Dance” to raise money for the Senior Class Trip.
• Suggest a Halloween themed concert to the music director. Musicians can dress the part. (Music selections: Phantom of the Opera, the Adams Family Theme, songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, etc.).
• Art clubs and National Honor Society chapters: Members can create monster-themed t-shirt designs with catchy phrases such as, “It’s cool to be a ghoul.” Sell to classmates and donate proceeds toward an art scholarship for students in need.
Get into Costume
Teens can spread their love of the holiday by donning a costume at an after school or weekend job. Many business owners allow their employees to dress for the occasion. Teens should always ask first, but the mood is often contagious and other employees might opt to dress in spooky garb as well.
Is your teen into theater? Perhaps he can direct a mini play for trick-or-treaters at your door. Teens love to put on skits with friends. Younger kids will get a kick out of it when they ring the bell.
Safety tips for licensed teens
• When driving to work or a party in costume, be sure to remove any type of head gear, long cape, shoe covering, or anything else that might interfere with your vision or ability to operate the vehicle.
• Take it slow: Young trick-or-treaters will be out on roads and may not be equipped with sufficient gear to be easily seen.
• Be extra cautious: Studies show that driving at night is more dangerous for teens, and Halloween night is also an evening where celebrations may include alcohol. Take particular care, and steer clear of erratic vehicles.
• Abide by curfews.
Myrna Beth Haskell is a freelance writer and monthly contributor to Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine who lives in Salt Point, NY. She is the author of the newly released book, LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert advice and support for the conscientious parent just like you (Unlimited Publishing LLC).
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