Seems inappropriate to try and spring a completely inexperienced 16 y.o. on a group of other volunteers.
I thought the same thing, and then I asked myself -- isn't that exactly what we're talking about here? Why is it inappropriate to spring a completely inexperienced 16yo on a group of volunteers? I am not 16, but would also be COMPLETELY inexperienced from a building a house kind of perspective. How's it different?
JS, I really hope you don't take offense. I mean it only as food for thought.
I think that's a good point, but I do think there is a very big difference between an inexperienced adult and an inexperienced 16 y.o. and those differences matter in this type of situation for two reasons:
1. Because they are more likely to negatively impact the participants' experiences and, more importantly, the outcome. They work on pretty tight schedules and certain things need to get done within their timeframes. There's also material wastage issues....
2. I think it might be hard for a 16 y.o. to secure the opportunity. If I were coordinating the build I would be hesitant to deal with an unknown 16 y.o. Both because the kid could be a nightmare and because if something happened I would feel responsible.
I'm not saying parental involvement should be a prerequisite, that just strikes me as the easiest route. I'm sure a very interested 16 y.o. could find a way to get involved on their own and that would be great. But I don't think it's a good spur of the moment school service project for a group of typical 16 y.o.s
My opinion may be colored by the fact that I view today's teens much as Wren's friend. Frankly, I don't have a lot of confidence in their abilities. Obviously there are individual teens who would be amazing. So I guess I'm just saying I think it's individual and not something that should be taken too lightly because other people will be affected.
