The House
We just checked out the newly renovated Teen Center on Escuela Ave. The place looks fabulous and we want to help spread the word. It’s now called “The House” and it’s open to middle school students Monday through Saturday evenings. The most popular activities are video games, age appropriate Arts & Crafts (no macaroni necklaces!), shooting pool and an awesome snack program where a few of the teens and a staff member make the food for everyone. Doesn’t Turkey Tacos and a round of pool sound like fun? And it’s free!
The trained Recreation Leaders that work as staff are happy to provide help with homework. They’re also really good at foosball and ping-pong. Occasionally local Police officers drop by to say “Hello,” shoot pool, or play poker with the teens. Some of the upcoming activities include Karaoke, a Mario Kart tournament, and a Rock Band Battle.
They have a big backyard for barbeques and a special quiet (kind of) room for those that need to study and do their homework. The interior of the house is colorful with cool posters, comfy leather furniture, and colored lighting. We really like this place and we’d love to hang out a few evenings every week, but the teens would think it was weird that random grown-ups were invading their space, so we won’t do it.
The program is drop-in, but you do need to register and read the rules first. Go to their website and check out the details, then come on over.
This place really looks amazing- what a great outlet for teens. I truly wish there were something like this when I was a little trouble maker!
Welcome to the hood!! I live around the corner on Villa and I’ve been watching work at The House. I’m glad that teens will have a nice place to go, hang out with friends, be a part of the community.