When I was a child, the anticipation of Halloween night was unbearable for me. I would sprint from the bus, shove some food down, only because my mom insisted, and then spend what was left of daylight getting into a costume I had planned for months. Once darkness enveloped the neighborhood, we headed out in groups. By the time junior high school started, it was no longer cool to go door-to-door asking for candy. However, we didn’t want to give up the tradition of dressing up and venturing out on Halloween night, so we armed ourselves with shaving cream instead of candy bags, and searched for other teen groups to sneak up on. By high school, most of my friends were assigned to doorbell management. Sigh! I lucked out, however, because I still got to dress up and chaperone my little sister.
Forgive me for the pun, but I never got Halloween out of my blood. Today, I still dress up to answer the door, and I hold an annual haunted bash. Teens don’t have to give up the holiday either. There are plenty of ways teens can celebrate Halloween — without a can of Gillette!
Volunteer opportunities
There are dozens of volunteer opportunities for teens, and making the world a better place for others is always a satisfying endeavor.
Annie Fox, character educator, advisor to teens, and author of “Teaching Kids to Be Good People” says, “Teens are about finding their power to make a difference. Combining philanthropy with trick-or-treating is fun and altruistic. Trick-or-treating for UNICEF is cool.”
Dr. Lynne Kenney, a pediatric psychologist, author of “The Family Coach Method,” and co-author of “Bloom: Helping Children Blossom” explains, “Teens don’t have to miss out on the fun! The key is to get creative.”
Kenney suggests that teens give back to their neighborhood.
“Many parents prefer being out in the neighborhood with their own children, so helping mind the door while families trick-or-treat is a helpful and practical neighborhood gift.” Kenney also suggests teens hold a lemonade stand for the younger trick-or-treaters.
Some creative options:
• Group idea: Create a neighborhood “haunted mansion.” Charge a nominal fee and donate the proceeds to a favorite charity.
• Non-profit blood drive: Volunteers can dress like Dracula and post an entrance sign which reads: “I vant to draw your blood.”
The school connection
Even though showing off their costumes at the elementary Halloween parade is a distant memory, there are still plenty of opportunities for middle school and high school students to share their passion for the holiday at school.
• Bake Halloween treats for group fund-raising events.
• Volunteer at an elementary school Halloween festival.
• Organize a “Deadly Dungeon Dance” to raise money for the Senior Class Trip.
• Halloween-themed concerts: Musicians can dress the part. (Music selections: “Phantom of the Opera,” “Theme from the Addams Family,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” etc.).
Get into costume
Spread your love of the holiday by donning a costume for work. Teens should always ask for permission first, but the mood is often contagious and other employees might opt to dress in spooky garb as well.
Is your teen into theater? Perhaps he can direct a mini play for trick-or-treaters at your door. Teens love to put on skits with friends. Younger kids will get a kick out of it when they ring the bell.
Tips and tales
“Teens can help the neighborhood kids trick-or-treat, hand out candy, or set up a fun haunted yard for the neighborhood to enjoy.”
Jessica Dearden, Woodstock, NY
“We set up a tarp with sides and made an awesome haunted house. My nephew dressed up as a zombie and jumped out of his chair when the kids got close to him. The kids had a great time and still talk about it!!”
Gloria Jean Lyons, Hyde Park, NY
“Teens help run the haunted house in our community. They have fun designing the house and running it on three weekends before Halloween each year.”
Debbie St. Onge, Poughkeepsie, NY
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Myrna Beth Haskell is a columnist and the author of, “Lions And Tigers And Teens: Expert Advice and Support for the Conscientious Parent Just Like You” (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012). For details, www.myrnahaskell.com.
