Teen Maze seeks donations

Published 11:28 am Thursday, June 16, 2016

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Planning for the fifth annual Teen Maze is under way, and organizers are seeking community support to make this year a success.

Described as “a life-sized game of Life,” the event is scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6 and 7, at C.A. Gray Junior High School for ninth grade students.

Last year 700 ninth graders participated in Teen Maze learning how the choices they make can have a direct effect on their futures. For instance, at the Funeral Station, the student writes out their obituary and looks into a casket where a mirror shows their own reflection, and volunteers at that station link that result to choices and actions, such as texting while driving. It’s a very sobering experience that most students walk away from with a new appreciation for the vitality of their life, according to Katrina Bivins, chair of the Teen Maze Steering Committee.

The graduating class of 2016 were the first participants in Teen Maze.

“One of the biggest things I remember about Teen Maze is the adults that worked at the stations,” said 2016 grad Brianna Newton. “Each one seemed extremely eager to make Teen Maze a good and realistic experience. Something that I remember impacting me was trying on a fake pregnant belly. It was heavy and I couldn’t imagine having to have that weight on me this young. I still have my booklet with my mug shot!”  

Many volunteers who wear their Teen Maze T-shirts after the event are recognized by teens in the community and share their story of their experience or express their excitement of being able to participate in upcoming mazes.

“I believe in the message that Teen Maze prompts to our youth who are our leaders in the schools today and will be the leaders of community tomorrow,” Bivins said. “When 230 citizens of Colquitt County show up and pour their wealth of knowledge and compassion into our students the impact in these young people lives is profound by sparking hope and purpose.

“The 2016-2017 school year will mark the 5th year of C.A. Gray Junior High School hosting Teen Maze,” said Gray Principal Fred Smith. “Teen Maze continues to play an instrumental and integral role in facilitating proactive decision making skills when it comes to learners making life choices. At C.A. Gray we ‘Choose to Work Smart’ therefore it’s important that our students are provided with the skills and understandings that will enable them to make the best life choices for today and tomorrow. It is a pleasure to host the 2016 Teen Maze because it is an investment in our most precious resource provided by the volunteers and donations from the Colquitt County community.”

Efforts to raise funds for the 2016 Teen Maze are under way. Businesses and individuals are asked to make a tax-deductible donation.

Each year the event cost $7,000 to put on, Bivins said. Most of the expenses are reoccurring each year such as volunteer T-shirts, piping and drawing set up and take down, food for volunteers, students booklets, rental of table and chairs and other miscellaneous expenses. For the past two years donations have not covered the entire cost, the deficits have been covered by the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce.

“The goal is $10,000 this year to have plenty of funds and money for future Teen Mazes,” Bivins said.

Sponsorship levels have been established with designated recognition for each level. Bronze level is $100, Silver level is $500, Gold level is $1,000 and Platinum level is $2,500.  

For more information about sponsorship levels please contact Katrina Bivins at (229) 890-5244 or Tommie Beth Willis at (229) 985-2131. Checks should be made out the Chamber of Commerce; please note donation is for Teen Maze and mail to P.O. Box 487, Moultrie, GA 31776.