As autumn bursts upon us with all of its bright colors, crisp days and bountiful harvests. The shadows get longer and night seems to blanket us earlier each day. Maybe that is why we listen for things that go bump in the night. If you look about you in the dark corners of Pequea BIC you may see those whose skin looks as if it has never seen the light of day. They skulk about in mostly black, skulls and chains adorn their clothes. Has the sour sweet wind blown vampires into our mist?

Neigh, it is but Ashley, Gabe and Dominic; a trio of teens who love Goth clothing and call Xtreme Youth their home. At first glance they may send your young child running in the other direction. I have even heard a morning youth worker label them as “scary”. Could it be, as one person stated, that they dress that way to express the darkness that lurks within their souls?

I have been among them and have lived to tell you about it. If you take a moment to look past the wild clothes, blue hair, no hair, and long hair, you will find that they are not at all what they seem. They are friendly, loving, caring and loyal individuals. For example: over the summer Ashley and Gabe helped a local woman, with serious back problems, with house work. Dominic uses his heavy metal guitar talent by getting involved in Youth Worship Band. Unlike some cliques that I’ve seen this group welcomes new people of all ages with ease, they even accept those people who dress “normal”. I can tell you with all certainty that when they come to you with arms out stretched and enfold you in an embrace it is not to bite your neck but to give a warm and friendly hug.

So I challenge you as adults to say hello without fear. Also if you should know of any young person who dresses in black, has strange hair, or so many body piercings that you would be afraid to put a magnet near them, let them know that there is always a place for them at Xtreme Youth.