Cambridge Cage-In for Area Youth Happens this Thursday
This Thursday, April 9, Beyond the Bell, an organization founded to support area youth, will present the Cambridge Cage-In, an exciting team-building session designed to inspire local teens and tweens.
This is the second Cambridge Cage-In, the first was held in February. It is the culminating event of “Hope Week,” a week meant to support mental health awareness and spread the message of love and respect among Cambridge youth.
According to Cambridge Cage-In host Jared Lopez of Idaho Underground, the first event attracted approximately 75 youth.
So, what is Idaho Underground?
“We are a movement built by people we call ‘once overlooked,’” explained Lopez. “Everybody that is involved in this organization are considered former at-risk youth.”
The key word is “former.”
“Everybody in the organization has done something with their lives,” said Lopez. “It’s a lot of people who have come together who have a past who now want to share their success.”
Lopez came from a two-parent working family. He understands the challenges and distractions faced by young people today because he encountered them himself during his teen years.
“My parents were so amazing,” said Lopez. Both parents worked long hours away from home.
After high school, Lopez joined the Marines. He later attended college, earning a 4.0 GPA. He also works as a disc jockey for corporate events and weddings and runs his own construction company.
Idaho Underground’s name was inspired by the Underground Railroad, another movement to help the disenfranchised.
“This is a movement built by those who were once overlooked but who are dedicated to finding the unseen youth,” he said. “We’ve been going three years strong, just helping out different communities.”
At Thursday’s event, youth can expect to encounter a variety of team-building activities, music, and storytelling. It’s an opportunity to connect students with sports and a variety of activities. They also get to meet other students and make new friends.
“We use team-building activities and competition to help them connect and grow and learn life skills,” said Lopez.
Lopez brings his Marine Corp background to his approach with youth. He models the Marine Corp ethos of having a sense of “honor and courage and commitment” in everything you do.
“It embodies the camaraderie and unity of the Marines,” he said. “You foster this identity and morale.” Lopez explains that students participating in the Cage-In learn how to work together as a team.
Besides participating in fun activities and making new friends, those attending the Cambridge Cage-In can also expect to be treated to pizza and delicious snacks. All local youth are welcome – Titans and guests of Titans.
Those who wish to attend should contact Beyond the Bell to register for the event. Parents are also encouraged to contact Beyond the Bell to sign up to volunteer as chaperones.
“We want everyone there,” said Lopez. His goal is for “kids to be kids again” and wants to support young people to continue in that role for a while longer.
“They are growing up too quick,” he said.
As for Lopez, who has held many roles, including that of roofer, DJ and community organizer, he sees his most important role as being a husband and a father.
“Those are the two best titles I will ever have in my life.”
The Cambridge Cage-In Part II, sponsored by Beyond the Bell and hosted by Idaho Underground, takes place Thursday, April 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cambridge Elementary. The event begins with a pre-party from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for grades K through 12 and transitions to a middle school and high school only event from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Students from all area schools are welcome, but must register in advance with Beyond the Bell. For more information and to register, call or message (208) 352-2194 or email hogle@cambridge432.org.
