CALCON 2024

Post-COVID teens have a refreshed desire to expand their autonomy over their career track and a renewed sense that doing something they genuinely enjoy is more important than sure money. Feedback from local teens indicated that while the school had a “pathfinder” class, where enrolled students could spend a semester looking into an interest, its offerings were limited. They also noted that even if they found something they enjoyed and might like to pursue there were no clear “next steps” to guide them. Pine River Library along with the Youth Advisory Council from Bayfield High School built and put on a panel event at the library where these questions could be answered. The event hosted local community members who had all managed to do just that. This event was done ComiCon style with members of the Youth Advisory Council introducing each panelist, moderating the speakers to stay within the scope and time allotted, as well as preparing drop questions to keep the event moving once it had moved into its Q&A period.