Teens-B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center

THE BLOCK’S GOAL IS TO PROVIDE RELIABLE SOCIAL OUTLETS, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS, AND IMPORTANT OUTREACH FOR LOCAL TWEENS AND TEENS, THAT CAN REMAIN IN PLACE AS MICHIGAN’S PANDEMIC PHASES AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS POTENTIALLY CHANGE OR SHIFT. THE NEED FOR ACCESS TO POSITIVE ROLE MODELS AND REGULAR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WITH PEERS HASN’T CHANGED, BUT THE NEED FOR ADJUSTMENTS IN OUR DELIVERY OF SERVICES HAS. WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER A MONTHLY MENU OF AFFORDABLE PROGRAMMING OPTIONS, WITH MAXIMUM SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY TO MEET YOUR FAMILY’S CHANGING NEEDS.

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS 

$25 for Canton Residents 

$33 for Non-Residents 

No deposit is required and you can cancel at any time, (monthly automatic payments will be set-up). Priority registration will begin for returning members on September 1st at www.cantonfun.org/register. Registration will open to the general public on September 8^th. Registration for both returning members and the general public will occur on a first-come-first-served basis.

Each individual class will require advance sing up, as some classes will have a maximum participation number to ensure safety and program quality. Waitlists may be utilized as necessary. If demand is high and an additional class cannot be added, limits/maximums of the amount of classes one teen can sign up for each month may be limited. Program cancellation is required 24 hours in advance of each program. Failing to cancel/participate in line with our policies may result in revoking BLOCK & Beyond memberships.

OPEN HOUSE

We know there will likely be many related questions, and we’d like to share important details related to our programs and procedures so one virtual, and one in-person Open-House opportunity will be provided. We ask that you email laura.mortier@canton-mi.org if you plan to attend.

September 1^st (Virtual) 3-5pm and 

September 2^nd (In-person at the Summit on the Park-Parking Lot) 5-7pm. 

Please know that masks will be required for all in-person/outdoor programming with the exception of fitness classes, including our Open-House.

ABOUT THE B.L.O.C.K.

MISSION STATEMENT

At the B.L.O.C.K., we are dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and positive environment for all our participants to utilize and enjoy. The B.L.O.C.K. staff is trained to use good sense and moral character in order to be strong role models for all participants. We combine activities at the B.L.O.C.K. and other Canton Leisure Services facilities to make our facility relevant to teenagers.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide an affordable, safe, supervised, fun, and nurturing environment through the B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center with a focus on after- and out-of-school hours.
• B.L.O.C.K. administration, staff, programs, and operations will strive to honor diversity, equity, and inclusion in all practices.
• Education, programs, resources, and partners will help foster knowledge and skill-building for lifelong social and mental health, as well as physical wellness.
• The B.L.O.C.K. strives to help participants develop a strong sense of commitment to protecting and improving the environment and nature through environmentally conscious use of resources, intentional outdoor recreation and programming opportunities, and educational programs that focus on conservation and environmental sustainability.
• Opportunities will help youth recognize and reinforce the importance of empathy, kindness, responsibility, and respect through a combination of community outreach, service projects, leadership, and mentoring programs.
• B.L.O.C.K. administration and staff will serve as positive role models for participants, demonstrating good character, and ensuring an environment of safety and trust at all times.
• The B.L.O.C.K. aims to support family and individual academic goals by providing quiet spaces for study, time for homework, and access to tutors as available.
• Participants will be provided with ongoing opportunities to explore new and ongoing talents, hobbies, and interests through B.L.O.C.K. clubs, classes, and programs that will support and reinforce 21^st Century Learning Skills.
• Staff and administration will monitor current trends, and seek user feedback via surveys, questionnaires, meetings, and discussions to ensure the highest program quality and positive participant experiences.

• The B.L.O.C.K. is committed to maintaining strong community partnerships and alliances with local schools, Canton Public Safety, and other like organizations to identify and bridge potential gaps in important programs or services for area families and youth.

POPULATION

Canton teens between the ages of 11-17 are the target demographic. The facility serves a diverse group of teens from different school and school districts.

Tentative Schedule below:

MONDAYS- 

FOR THE LOVE OF YOU - MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMMING;  3-4PM 

Weekly Virtual Group Therapy Sessions led by certified therapist. Topics and activities will include but are not limited to: Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Social Media, Loss, ADHD/ADD, Traumatic Events, Substance Abuse, Suicide, Empathy, Compassion, Mindfulness, Positivity, Support of Others, Self-Respect, and Inner Strength. (One-on-one sessions may be available for an additional fee.)

TUESDAYS- 

TUTORING SERVICES; 2-4PM

 College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual one-on-one tutoring sessions  

IT’S TIME FOR GYM!; 2-3PM

Weekly virtual fitness class lead by a certified fitness instructor

E-GAMING; 3-4PM

Weekly e-gaming tournaments hosted utilizing the Mission Control online platform ($5 additional fee per league/session)

WEDNESDAYS-

LUNCH AND LEARN; 12-1PM

Weekly virtual Lunch and Learns lead by a local chef. Ingredient & Material lists will be shared prior to each activity and participants will follow along virtually.   

TUTORING SERVICES; 4-6PM

College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual one-on-one tutoring sessions.

LEAD #LIKEAGIRL/BE A #MODELMAN; 4-5PM

 Monthly virtual #LLAG and #BAMM activities, games and discussions led by BLOCK Staff and featured speakers. Topics will include: Leadership, Workforce, Media Influence, Body Image, Activism, Philanthropy, Healthy Living, Positive Role Models, etc.

HELPING HANDS; 4-5PM

 Monthly virtual activities led by BLOCK Staff and Canton Community Foundation representatives. Topics will include: Philanthropy, Grants, How to Write a grant Application, and will end with awarding a grant to a local organization!

THURSDAYS-

TUTORING SERVICES; 6-8PM

 College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual one-on-one tutoring sessions.

TEEN ART GUILD 4-5PM

 Bi-weekly virtual art class lead by a qualified art instructor. Supply/Material list will be sent out prior to activity and participants will follow along virtually with art class. All skill levels welcome. Supply kits may be available for purchase/pick-up prior to some lessons.

TRANSPIRE; 4-5PM

Bi-weekly virtual Transpire support and social activities, games and discussions led by Affirmations Community Center representatives. Topics will include: Gender Identities, Acceptance, Safe and Inclusive Schools, LGBTQ Artists, Coming Out, Being an Ally, etc.

TEEN NIGHT OUT(SIDE); 5-7PM

 Weekly Teen Night Outs in Heritage Park, (as weather permits,) led by BLOCK Staff. Examples include: BINGO with Public Safety, Social Dance Lessons, Pumpkin Painting, Walking Club, and more.

FRIDAYS- 

TEEN RECESS; 4-5PM

Weekly virtual Teen Recess lead by BLOCK Staff.  The weekly social hour will include activities like trivia, virtual games, scavenger hunts, contests, etc.