CASTLE POINT, Mo. – Teenagers in a north St. Louis County community are coming together to address recent crimes happening in their neighborhood by a hosting an event to improve police-community relations.
We decided to address our concerns by taking action,” 16-year-old Jayden Keys said. “This community is full of hard-working, decent people and we wanted to host an event that puts Castle Point in a positive light.”
The first annual ‘Grill and Chill’ will be held on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be activities designed for meaningful interaction between police and the residents they serve. Activities include tug of war, basketball tournaments and kickball with teams of residents and St. Louis County police officers.
Jayden Keys and several other teenagers are participating in the Community Action Agency of St. Louis County’s Teen Action Program, a leadership program for youth who reside in Castle Point. The 13-week class focuses on leadership, political engagement and civic participation.
“These teenagers are an example of what’s best about our community,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said. “When I heard about their idea, I immediately called our Community Empowerment Director Ethel Byndom and we got the ball rolling to make this event happen.”
Community Empowerment and Community Action Agency of St. Louis County’s Teen Action Program will provide free backpacks with school supplies to the first 250 youth that attend. St. Louis County Animal Control will provide free pet vaccinations and first responders from Metro North Fire Department will be grilling hot dogs.
The Point Grill and Chill will be located at Castle Point Park, 2465 Baroness Drive.
