Not All Bristow Teens Enjoy Summer Vacation

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Parents have traditionally expressed concern that kids who are not actively engaged in regular summer activities will either waste away on their sofas or cause mischief in local communities.

While not all Bristow teens have plans to terrorize their neighborhoods, some feel that besides sports and camps, there is not much for them to do in the immediate vicinity, so they must venture elsewhere.

Part of the problem stems from a lack of teen-centric activities right in their own neighborhoods.

"I wish I didn't have to go out to Manassas to do fun things,” said Chris Harley, 17.

Harley knows he can see a movie, shop, play pool, bowl, skate, even play mini-golf or rock-climb in Manassas. However, before teens can drive, they have to rely on their parents to take them to such destinations.

Traveling for entertainment turns into a significant obstacle if transportation is an issue, but once teens do drive, they also learn that transportation and entertainment are additional expenses.

To save on gas money, local teens wish there was more to do in the Bristow and Gainesville neighborhoods.

"Due to the lack of things to do, people have to drive far to find entertainment, so now teens need jobs to pay for gas," said 18-year-old Madena Sharef.

Parents of Bristow teens are also concerned about the lack of access to public transportation in their neighborhoods.

“There seems to be a lot to do, but no way to get our teenager to these activities during the day,” said mom Melissa Harshman. “[My husband and I] both work, and unfortunately, none of the buses come through Bristow, and walking everywhere is out of the question for safety reasons.”

Robert Baldwin, 17, hopes that the new Promenade at Virginia Gateway could alleviate that problem.

"With the new shopping center coming in, I'm hoping there will be a lot more for us to do, but for kids who don't drive, there should be an upscale recreation center."

Harley was quick to agree.

"I wish the Promenade would open up soon, so that there are more things to do!" he said.

Teens are especially excited about having a movie theater near their neighborhoods, and while it may be easier for them to frequent the Panera, new restaurants are welcome as well.

In the meantime, some teenagers turn to familiar hobbies and activities.

"My summers are boring; all I do is sleep, go outside and play video games,” 15-year-old Mohammad Malik, said.

For some, the freedom from school-year routine is a nice break that soon wears out its welcome.

"Summer is supposed to be the best time of the year, but in reality, it makes you want to go back to school," Harley said.

Samantha Scarola and Ryan Sybertz contributed to this article.

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