Sandpoint Youth Center Inc

WE ARE A NON-DENOMINATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL DROP-IN CENTER WELCOMING ALL YOUTH FROM SEVENTH TO TWELFTH GRADES. WE ARE LOCATED CLOSE TO SCHOOLS AND THE LIBRARY. WE PROVIDE LIGHT MEALS AND HEALTHY SNACKS DAILY. THIS IS A GREAT AREA OF STUDENT INVOLVEMENT. THE TEENS ARE OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES TO PREPARE THE MEALS AND SHARE THEM WITH THE OTHER TEENS. WE ARE TEACHING BASIC SKILLS OF MEAL PLANNING, SHOPPING, FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTHY SNACK CHOICES. A CULINARY ART CERTIFICATE IS OFFERED TEENS FOR WORKING IN THE KITCHEN. BY PREPARING SIX MEALS FOR THE OTHERS INCLUDING PASSING THREE FOOD HANDLING TESTS AND CLEAN-UP, THEY ARE OFFERED $25 AND A FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATE. TECHNIQUES FOR SAUCES AND DIFFERENT CUISINES ARE TAUGHT WITH GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION. IF NO ONE IS COOKING A PARTICULAR DAY, WE OFFER A VARIETY OF COLD SNACKS AND ALWAYS WARM OR COLD BEVERAGES. OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PING PONG, WII SPORTS TOURNAMENTS, FOOS BALL, AIR HOCKEY AND MANY GROUP PARTICIPATING BOARD GAMES. WITH A GREAT VARIETY OF CRAFT PROJECTS OFFERED, IT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO EXPLORE THEIR ARTISITC TALENTS. THERE ARE CHECKER TOURNAMENTS, GEOCHACHING, AND BOWLING TEAM PRACTICES. THE WEEKLY BOWLING PROGRAM OFFERS AWARD CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES FOR THE MOST IMPROVED BOWLER FOR THE WEEK. DEMONSTRATIONS FROM OUR COMMUNITY, SUCH AS THE SANDPOINT ORCHESTRA PROGRAM OFFER MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INFORMATION AND SHARE ABOUT THEIR LESSONS AND PROGRAMS. WE HAVE A "BONUS BUCKS" PROGRAM FOR REWARDS OF SMALL PRIZES AND GIFT CERTIFICATES WHICH ARE OFFERED FOR MERCHANDISE FROM LOCAL MERCHANTS THAT ARE REDEEMED WITH BONUS BUCKS. THESE BONUS BUCKS ARE ACQUIRED BY HELPING IN THE KITCHEN, CLEANING UP, PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES OR HELPING WITH OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS. OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM PROJECTS INCLUDE FOR EXAMPLE, SHOVELING SNOW FOR HOMEBOUND PEOPLE OR RAKING LEAVES AT ASSISTED LIVING HOMES. THESE OUTREACH PROJECTS ARE DESIGNED TO TEACH THE VALUE OF HELPING OTHERS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, WORKING TOGETHER AND BASIC WORK ETHICS. THE TEEN CENTER STAFF SHARES LIFE SKILLS WITH TEENS AS NEEDED; FACILITATING PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES AND A LISTENING EAR AND PARENTAL ADVICE, FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO TALK AND/OR DEFUSE. OUR PLAN IS TO MEET THE TEENS WHERE THEY ARE IN LIFE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO REACH FOR HIGHER GOALS. WE ARE FORMING RELATIONSHIPS AND DEVELOPING TRUST. THIS IS A WONDERFUL, SAFE, WARM, HELPFUL PLACE HELPING MANY TEENS TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE.