Memorial Day marks the traditional, if not astronomical, start to summer. School is coming to a close, and the Fort Wayne pools and splash pads are open for business. With time away from school, young people have more flexibility in their schedules - which means more opportunities for Asset Building Moments!

Adults build assets in young people through their relationships - which means anyone with a relationship with a young person can be an asset builder! We at Great KIDS love this idea; anyone can build assets and everyone should! Start with the kids you know - maybe it's the children in your neighborhood, in your church, or you see at the YMCA when you work out every day. Start simple.

Get to know their names.

Say hi.

Ask them about themselves.

Meet their parents.

Keep saying hello, asking about their day, what they have planned this summer, or their favorite thing to do on nice days.

Asset building isn't rocket science - its relationship science. As you grow in your relationship with young people, you'll be able to build more and more assets in them. Take a look at the list of the 40 Developmental Assets. Don't panic - you don't have to build all 40. Pick a couple, and commit to building those assets in a young person you know this summer.

It might just be the best summer of both of your lives.

For tips on ways to build the 40 Developmental Assets in Allen County, click here.