HIGHTS

11/02/2026

Join us on November 7th, from 12-4 PM at the First Citizens Bank parking lot in Sylva for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community!

With pottery, painting, bracelet weaving, the Imagination Station, and more, The GREAT CREATE! has something for everyone. Come make something, try something new, and have some fun with us!

10/31/2026

10/26/2026

HIGHTS youth and staff spent an afternoon exploring body language, tone of voice, and the many emotions we experience. Through games like Emotion Charades, youth practiced recognizing different feelings, expressing themselves, and connecting with others in a fun, interactive outdoor setting.

10/24/2026

Join us on November 7 from 12–4 PM at the First Citizens Bank parking lot in Sylva for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community! With pottery, painting, bracelet weaving, the Imagination Station, and more, The GREAT CREATE! has something for everyone. Come make something, try something new, and have some fun with us! 💛

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

Youth spent time learning about different ways to manage stress and practice health coping skills. They created their own slime fidgets to take home and use as a grounding tool when they need something calming and hands-on.

The activity opened up conversations about different strategies for managing big feelings and stress, including using fidgets, taking space, cooking getting outside, and other grounding activities. Youth were able to explore what works best for them and build a toolbox of healthy ways to reset and regulate.

10/17/2026

Join us on November 7 from 12–4 PM at the First Citizens Bank parking lot in Sylva for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community! With pottery, painting, bracelet weaving, and more, The GREAT CREATE! will have something for everyone.

10/13/2026

We took advantage of the beautiful weather to get outside for a hands-on activity using Sodas and Mentos! Youth used the activity as a fun way to explore what can happen when stress builds up, adding “stressors” one by one before seeing the big reaction. It was a great opportunity to enjoy some time outside, have a few laughs, and connect learning with a memorable, hands-on experience!

10/11/2026

HIGHTS youth recently spent the day at Balsam Mountain Preserve, combining hands-on community service with an opportunity to learn more about the incredible animals that call our region home!
The day started with some behind-the-scenes work. Youth helped clean Cheyenne’s exhibit, a Red-tailed Hawk, as well as animal transfer cages. They also helped restack the cages and clean and organize the area where they are stored. These tasks gave youth an opportunity to contribute to the care of the animals and learn about the work that happens behind the scenes at a wildlife facility.

After the service project, youth participated in a “Meet the Animals” experience with Wildlife Coordinator Rachael! They met an American Toad, Corn Snake, Virginia Opossums, Eastern Box Turtles, an adult axolotl, Red Wiggler worms, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches!

Along the way, youth learned about animal care, common misconceptions about different species, and the important role that every animal plays in our environment - even animals that some people might find a little scary! Youth also had the opportunity to touch a snake and feed an opossum, making this a truly hands-on learning experience.

This experience was a great reminder that community service can open the door to new skills, new experiences, and new ways of understanding the world around us. We are grateful to Rachael and the Balsam Mountain Preserve for welcoming our youth and sharing their knowledge!

🌿 Learn more about Balsam Mountain Trust - go to their website!