Jewish Community Center of the Desert WOW is introducing a new Jewish Youth Group, which is open to all teens in seventh through 12th grades. The youth group will have the same mission as the JCC — to bring together youths in a cultural and social setting. All teens are welcome, including affiliated and non-affiliated Jewish youths plus other interested teens.

"This will be a place where identity and ethnicity will be cultivated," said Orly Klugman, a member of the JCC Committee. “The youth group will be activity oriented, and teens will be able to suggest ideas for events. Eventually, when JCC WOW's dream of having a permanent location is realized, the teens also will have a central place where they can gather after school and on weekends."

JCC is currently seeking teens to form a committee that will plan events and outings. The committee members also will communicate with schools and area synagogues, as well as represent the group at JCC Committee meetings.

Teens in seventh through 12 grades who want to become involved in leading this group should contact JCC Program Director Linda Zweig at 324-4737.