Youth groups freckle the city of Tehachapi

If you're reading this, chances are, you're a teenager who lives in Tehachapi. If that is the case, you know that there seems to be – how do I put this? – absolutely nothing to do in our sweet little town. If that's you, you're not alone in feeling that way. But never fear, I've got an idea for you.

Youth groups freckle the city of Tehachapi, popping up on every corner like a Starbucks. Not only that, but they're on all different nights of the week. My church's youth group meets on Tuesday nights at Christian Life Assembly at 6 p.m., and while it's a small group, we get together to play games, hang out and learn about God. It's great to have new people visit and even join!

The Bear Valley Church youth group meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., which is always a great time. Junior, Alahna Gil, attends Bear Valley church's group and had this to say about it. "I like my youth group because of the people and friends I've made." She goes on to say that she's a part of their worship team and was able to see worship in a different way after joining. She tells us the youth group is "inviting and chill." For newcomers, she says that they are welcome any time!

Country Oaks Baptist Church meets at 6:30pm on Thursdays. Junior Ryan Saltzman, who's attended the youth group for years, had this to say, "The main reason I go is to hang out with friends, but I feel like I really benefit from the small group part. My small group leader is really cool and I actually learn a lot from him." He says that the people are inviting, and that their leaders encourage the group to talk to new people.

Tehachapi Nazarene Church meets at 6:30 p.m. usually on Thursdays, but temporarily on Wednesdays. The group is really nice, and I've known some of the leaders for a long time, always finding them great people to be around. Sara Ritchie, a leader at the group, asked the attending teens questions about it. "The kids said we are inviting, not clicky, and we love to play around and have fun."

All of these youth groups have high school and middle school groups, so there's a good age range. Personally, I have been to each one listed above. Going to youth groups is a great way to meet new people your age, and there are many to choose from! If you have a youth group that was not included in this article, come find me and tell me, I'd love to learn about it! And if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask me or one of your peers. Many people at our school go to a youth group.

Elliott Gonzales is an 11th grade student at Valley Oaks Charter School.