The group that runs Late Nite Central and After the Facts programs for middle school-aged children in Central Whidbey has a new guy in charge.

Larry Tennant was hired as the executive director for the Central Whidbey Youth Coalition in January. His job, he says, is to “ratchet up the intensity” of the successful organization.

The director position is actually new for the group. It’s funded by a year-long grant for a 20-hour-a-week position as a head administrator, fund-raiser, grant writer and community liaison.

Tennant says he was interested in the job because he likes working with children and knows how important it it for the community to be involved with young people. He was the youth pastor for the Family Bible Church for five years. Perhaps more importantly, he’s both a parent and a grandfather.

“But I’ve found that the job is more of a management position,” he said. “I don’t get that much contact with young people.”

Tennant is one of six partners in the Oak Harbor-based computer business, ICBN Technologies, so he has the time to focus on his new job.

The Central Whidbey Youth Coalition has gone through an evolution, at least in name. It started in 1988, originally as the Central Whidbey Substance Abuse Coalition. It was formed in response to concerns about alcohol and drug abuse in teens and pre-teens.

In 1993, a separate group called RADICAL PACK (short for Rally Against Drugs In our Community And our Lives: Public Awareness for Coupeville Kids) formed after a school drug survey results concerned community members.

A year later, the two groups joined forces and become the CWYC. It is run by a board of directors, volunteers and a few paid employees. CWYC is similar to Partnership With Youth in Oak Harbor or the South Whidbey Youth Center in Langley.

Tennant says the group focuses on kids in grades 6 to 9 because of data that shows there is “a risk in Island County youth for early onset of problem behaviors,” particularly drug and alcohol use.

While the programs don’t always openly preach about the evils of drug and alcohol use, he says providing drug and alcohol-free activities is essential to raising drug-free kids.

“The worst word in a kid’s vocabulary is the ‘B’ word — boring,” Tennant said, adding that kids often get into trouble just because they have nothing else to do.

The programs that the Youth Coalition runs includes Late Nite Central, which happens every Saturday night from 7 to 10 at the Coupeville High School. Oak Harbor City Councilman Eric Gerber organizes the activities, including informal sports and games, table games and crafts.

After school on Fridays, Christi Brookman runs After the Facts at the Coupeville Middle School. The program offers a variety of classes and activities, from cooking to making papier mache “life masks.” Kids can also learn about sailing and then take part in a three-day sailing trip each spring on the Cutty Sark with Captain John Stone.

Also, Tennant says the group provides funds to buy sharks and frogs for dissection in a school biology class.

For now, Tennant says his main focus will be on publicizing the group so that more people are aware of what it’s all about.

“My job is to really get the community involved,” he said.