48 MAY 2023 F or most teens, the school year is remarkably busy. Balancing school, homework, sports, extracurricular clubs, work, etc., can leave little downtime to recharge their batteries. Summer is the perfect opportunity to slow down and relax, but many teens (and their parents) feel the pressure to make the summer months productive, too. While a more flexible schedule is great, it is also important to ensure teens don’t spend all their downtime scrolling Tik Tok, binging Netflix or getting sucked into video game oblivion. Here are some ideas to help keep teens productive this summer. Learn a new skill. Summer is an exciting time for teens to work on themselves. Maybe they are interested in learning to play an instrument, taking up cooking or mastering a new language. For many, these interests can get pushed to the wayside to make room for school and work obligations during the majority of the year. Take a class. Many teens want to get ahead of school obligations during the summer. If this is your kid, have them explore the many classes now being offered online. Teens can take classes in a variety of subjects, from required courses like math and language studies to electives like art or music. Using the off-season to get ahead in school can lessen pressure during the fall semester. Volunteer. Research shows volunteering can reduce signs of anxiety and depression in teens. Encourage your teen to seek out volunteer activities interesting to them. Consider volunteering at an animal shelter, helping pack emergency food boxes or tutoring younger students. Arts and crafts. Looking for a way to tap into your teen’s creative side? Painting, drawing or sculpting is a great place to start. Many YouTube channels provide educational sessions focused on art. The Shemer Art Center, located in Arcadia, also offers workshops and classes in a variety of mediums. Teens can also explore other creative outlets like making jewelry, creating scrapbooks or designing their own clothes. They might even consider opening an Etsy shop to make money from their creations. Get a job. Summer jobs are a fantastic way for teens to make money, gain work experience and develop soft skills like time management and customer service. Join a book club. When was the last time your teen read for fun? Reading is a great way for teens to stay entertained and grow their vocabulary. Get physical. Outdoor activities can be a terrific way to keep teens busy. Swimming, hiking or playing sports are all great ways to get teens outside and active. If they are looking for something more adventurous, they can try camping, kayaking or indoor rock climbing. Keeping teens busy when they aren’t in school can be challenging, but with these ideas, teens can stay entertained and engaged. From outdoor activities and online classes to work and volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of ways for teens to have fun and stay busy. Ways to keep teens busy this summer Mental Health Michael Klinkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who focuses on treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma and ADHD. Klinkner provides individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. BY MICHAEL KLINKNER By Cassie Hepler The success of the Chicago Bulls really took off during the 1990 season when Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant formed one of the most intimidating trios in the history of the NBA. In 1991, led by Jordan’s talent and leadership, the Bulls became the first NBA champions in franchise history. It was around this time that Elijah Knox was growing up in that same city and felt destined to follow in Jordan’s footsteps – albeit in another capacity. Knox cites Jordan as one of his all-time favorite basketball players. It’s because of him that Knox played basketball while at Simpson College in Indianola. These days, Knox works as the player development coach for the Phoenix Mercury while also running the Arizona Athletics (AA) program, which opened in 2017. He keeps a busy schedule – between coaching for the Mercury and AA, he also hosts athletic programs at The Village, Prince of Peace, Veritas and Biltmore Prep. So, how does he keep all these balls spinning in the air? “I have a great supporting staff of coaches, which allows us to be at multiple places at once, delivering high-quality basketball and volleyball development,” Knox said. “It takes countless emails, texts, and meetings, but I’m thankful for my crew. They’re amazing in their craft, care of the children, and communication with parents,” he said. Knox acknowledges the honor of becoming Mercury’s player development coach. He said they are an elite roster of talent, youth and experience that includes three Olympians: Skylar Diggins, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. “I’ve been lucky to build rapport with them over the years. We share the same facility and are the same organization as the Suns, who also have three Olympians on their roster, so it’s great to be part of their daily training and see the players display their greatness to the world,” he said. According to Knox, the key to a successful team is developing a relationship with the players. He creates individualized development plans that help each player “produce on court,” which helps them land contracts when it’s time to renegotiate. His technique is tailored to each player’s personality. “Player Development is a new science – no disrespect to the real doctors and scientists solving the world’s problems – this science is more about the many variables that make up a player,” Knox said. “I do my best to get their history and find the optimal route to make meaningful shots, develop reads, decision making, grow confidence, and create enthusiasm for the game.” While he loves working with professionals, he loves being an entrepreneur even more. He said that starting Arizona Athletics was a dream job that continues to be his most successful endeavor. “Watching the kids I’ve taught since fourth or fifth grade grow is so fulfilling. Volleyball is growing too, so I get to see behind the curtain of a sport I didn’t grow up playing,” Knox said. He plans to add youth soccer and flag football to AA soon. “Basketball and volleyball require so many skills to be done properly, so they’re not the best fundamental sports for young people to learn,” he said. “Soccer and flag football allows kids to just move without thinking about rules and skills as much.” arizonaathletics.org Youth athletic coach takes his skills to the pros Knox runs basketball clinics for kids and adults. PHOTO: RANDYLL ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY