A Teenager's Leisure Choices

MOST TEENAGERS have several hours of free time every week. This is true for teens who have assigned chores around the house. This is true for those young people who seem to receive a large amount of class assignments as homework, or for those who must practice and perform as members of school teams or other groups. This is true even for teens who have part-time jobs after school, or on weekends. And, when school is not in session - especially in the summer months - hours of leisure often expand significantly. Making good use of unobligated time can be quite a challenge, but at least some teens are learning to make wise decisions with regard to their choices of "what to do" during leisure. Tyler Kemp is a good example!

Tyler will be a high school senior this fall. He lives with his parents, and a younger brother and sister, on the outskirts of a small city in southwest Missouri. He doesn't have difficulty filling free -time hours with wholesome and constructive activities. He has a variety of interests and finds numerous ways to have fun.

One of Tyler's passions is music - especially jazz! He plays the electric bass - a guitar-type instrument - and the stand-up acoustical bass. He is a member of his church's orchestra and praise band, and he enjoys getting with friends in musical jam sessions. Tyler and his musical friends have formed a couple of jazz groups. On occasion, invitations come for them to perform for some event. Listening to music - whether jazz, classical, or older classic rock - is another ideal leisure activity for Tyler. Although he enjoys music on his iPod, CDs, and tapes, Tyler has a special interest in old records and is continuing to build a collection.

With regard to other indoor leisure activities, Tyler enjoys live theatre - including school drama productions. And, he considers watching Broadway shows as a special leisure delight! He also loves watching movies, and often shares the fun with his brother or sister. Reading a good book is another free-time activity of choice for Tyler; he usually prefers the classics.

Favorite outdoor activities for Tyler include biking, hiking, and camping. "I also really like to just wander on paths or trails through the woods," Tyler said. "I consider a walk with my mom or my dad as a special occasion." In addition, according to Tyler, visiting big cities like New York and Chicago is awesome! And, roller coasters and other rides at theme parks have a special appeal to Tyler. At the top of his list is Universal Studios in Orlando.

Some of Tyler's free time is spent dating or getting together with a special friend. In these situations, whatever the activities might be, Tyler is prone to plan them in advance. The plans may include such things as eating-out at a restaurant, going to a play or a movie, taking a walk, shopping at a mall, browsing in used book stores, riding 4-wheelers, or playing board games.

Tyler is dreaming big for the future! He is planning for undergraduate and graduate degrees in music theory and composition. He wants to complete a doctorate and desires to teach at the university level. While pursuing his educational goals, Tyler hopes to be a member of a pit orchestra or a jazz band.

Tyler Kemp is a young man who has enjoyed his teen years. Like any other teenager, he has had his share of assigned duties and obligations. But, he has also found pleasure in leisure activities involving parents, siblings, grandparents and other extended family, church, school, and friends. Beyond that, he has discovered how to be content even when he is alone. Tyler Kemp is a teenager who has made good leisure choices.

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-- Tyler Kemp, pictured above, likes to explore the hills, valleys, and woods on his family's property.