MAD (Molding Adolescent Development) Skillz Mentoring Program 

The MAD (Molding Adolescent Development) Skillz Mentoring Program is one of Generation Now! Inc.'s signature community Service projects.  The program focuses on the development of social and academic skills for youth ages 11-15 and has been in existence for the past 5 years.  For the past 3 years, the MAD Skillz Mentoring Program has utilized the Christiansted and Frederiksted Boys and Girls Clubs on the island of St. Croix to conduct the Saturday 4-hour sessions.  Some of the topics include conflict resolution, gang violence in the VI and we even have a cooking class. 

The volunteers and presenters include members of the community as well as Generation Now! Inc. members.  Each presenter is selected based upon their experience in their chosen field.  The MAD Skillz Mentoring Program begins in runs for approximately 8 weeks 

The end of each program is commemorated with a ceremony, where each participant receives a certificate as well as an educational prize.  One participant is awarded the President's Award for his or her outstanding participation throughout the entire program.  This community service project is spearheaded by the Planning & Development Committee.  For more information call 340.226.9461. 

100 Kids & Culture 

Generation Now, Inc. has always concerned itself with what is relevant and with providing solutions to those issues that can increase the quality of life in the Virgin Islands. On St. Croix specifically, 100 Kids & Culture is GNOW's solution to increasing awareness and appreciation of all things St. Croix. The end product we seek is pride in our Virgin Islands. 

100 Kids and Culture  has a mission of creating opportunities to get the youngest Virgin Islanders to gallivant around St. Croix seeing , touching, hearing, smelling and tasting crucian culture. The purpose and function of this program is evident in its moniker- getting as many children to do what children did 50-100 years ago on the island. We hope that as they get older, they can share their experiences with others.   

Thus far, Generation Now, Inc. has hosted two 100 kids & Culture excursions. We first took a walking tour of Christiansted that commenced at Basin Triangle and ended at Gallows Bay. Participants learned about the history and the people who have contributed to the development of Christiansted. 

Our next activity encompassed a walking tour of Frederiksted and a tour of Estate Mount Washington. Each excursion showed the participants another aspect of the island's history. In Christiansted and Frederiksted, we discussed the commercial and governmental interests that led to the colonization of St. Croix and contributed to the layout of the towns. The kids learned about Danish and colonial architecture and various architectural features on display throughout Christiansted and Frederiksted. 

At Estate Washington, the participants discussed plantation life and the impact of king sugar on the world. All in all, the children and adults who participated had a rather lovely time. Along with learning about the island's history, flora and fauna, the children made johnny cakes, ice cream, and sampled other local dishes. 

100 Kids and Culture - passing it on.