Teen Night Out

Teen Night Outs (TNO) is a series of Friday night events designed just for teens. All events meet or take place at the B.L.O.C.K. Some TNO’s fill up quickly and space is limited. We encourage you to register in advance.  Pizza and snacks are provided.
Every Friday 6:30-10:30 pm.

Registration for Teen Night Out closes at 6:45 pm: No exceptions.
Online Registration

1/11- Mall Madness
1/18- Hang Out Night at the BLOCK
1/25- BLOCK CLOSES at 6:30pm

2/1- Hot Chocolate and Painting
2/8- YAC Valentine Party
2/15- BLOCK CLOSES at 6:30pm
2/22- Board Games Competitions

3/1- Ice Skating
3/8- Whirly Ball
3/15- Zap Zone
3/22- Escape Room at the BLOCK

4/5 BLOCK CLOSED
4/12: Girls Sleepover
4/19: BLOCK CLOSED
4/26: Sportway

*Schedule subject to change without notice*

Register Now for each upcoming Teen Night Out. 

TNO Participant Requirements:

 All participants of the B.L.O.C.K. are required to have a current Emergency Contact Form and Behavior Contract on file.

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)
• If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

Daily Classes

All daily classes are free with the purchase of the After School Membership or Drop In Membership. Programming takes place everyday. Examples of programming is listed below.

BLOCK Buzz - Teen TV

In partnership with Canton Community Television. Teens will create their own news show featuring interviews, BLOCK program segments, and current events. You could be the face of BLOCK Buzz!

Cooking Class

Hungry? Or do you have dreams of being the next Top Chef? Join us for our weekly cooking classes. Recipes are easy and the food is delicious!

Glee Club

Join this musical choir group to sing your favorite hits and perform with your friends! 

Library Programs

In Partnership with the Canton Public Library offering FREE, fun and exciting. Examples are: Music Mashup/Remix Class, Pinterest Party, Hobbit Movie Party, and Food Fighters Club.

Tutoring

Tutoring scholarships are available for participants. Please see the front desk for more information.

3 on 3 Basketball

Sign up to shoot and score with your friends! Games take place at The BLOCK basketball court and the Summit on the Park.

Summer Stay-Cation 2019
June 17 - August 23

Registration opens March 9, 2019 at 10am



Escape to the BLOCK this summer and experience a summer vacation like none other. Our summer program mixes the right amount of hang out time with fun activities. Every Friday, we’ll whisk you away on an adventure to some of the coolest spots around. Register by the week, day, or just for road trips.


Location: B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center- 3^rd Floor of the Canton Administration Building
Day: M-F
Time: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm 
Ages: 11-17
The BLOCK will be closed Aug 24-Sep 2
 
2018 Fees:

Fee: Weekly Rate $128R/$153NR

Week 3 fee $77R/$92NR

There is a $10 sibling discount for those who register a second child the same week.

Registering online or in person allows you to pay in full or in three equal payment plans on June 1, July 1 and Aug 1.

 In order to attend the BLOCK Summer Camp the following forms must be completed and returned.

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)
• If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

2019 Friday Field Trips (Schedule subject to change) -

“Summer Blast” Week 1 June 17-21: Red Oaks Water Park

“Rawr!” Week 2 June 24-28: Youth Day at the Capitol 6/26 and Toledo Zoo

“I-N-D-E-P-E-N-dence” 3 July 1-3 (CLOSED 7/4-7/5): Kensington Lake (Trip on Wednesday)

“Kick, Punt, Pass” Week 4 July 8-12: Comerica Park Tour

“Cinema Frenzy” Week 5 July 15-19: Movie and Bowling

“Detroit Hustles Harder” Week 6 July 22-26: Detroit River Boat Tour

“Live your best life” Week 7 July 29-Aug 2: Adventure High Ropes Park

“Come out and Play” Week 8 Aug 5-9: Canoe Trip

“Made in Michigan” Week 9 Aug 12-16: University of Michigan Stadium Tour

“Summer Lovin’” Week 10 Aug 19-23: Dave and Busters

*Trips and schedule is subject to change

Example of Daily Activities Include: 

Mondays: Game time, Fitness Class, Ice Cream Run
Tuesday: Game time, Art Class, Park Trip
Wednesday: Game Time, Cooking Class, Community Gardening
Thursdays: Game Time, Swimming at the Summit, Movie Time
Fridays: Field Trips

Other Activities Offered Throughout the Summer:

Tie-Dye, Talent Show, Library Visits, Scavenger Hunts, Water Day, Messy Day, Field Day and More!

Meet The Staff

A team of dedicated staff members provide supervision during program hours and serve as positive adult role models. Staff members focus on providing a safe and secure environment for this diverse group of teens. When it comes to finding an environment that works best for your children, the B.L.O.C.K. staff creates a unique gathering spot that provides plenty of fun and creative programming. To contact us please call 734/398-5570 or email.

Recreation Specialist

Laura Mortier: Laura graduate from Eastern Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science. She majored in Psychology and minored in Communication. While in college, Laura worked at the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center as a supervisor and adviser for the Youth Advisory Council.  Laura has over 11 years of experience in after-school programming, youth development, and special event planning. In her spare time, she teaches dance at Central City Dance, plays softball, and spends time with her family and friends. Some fun facts about Laura - She had a goldfish that live more than 7 years (RIP), her nails are always polished, and she loves ranch dressing!
 

Teen Services Coordinators

Scott Kardel: Scott has been "around the block" for awhile. Scott was a part of the Canton Youth Advisory Council for all four years of high school, which met at the B.L.O.C.K. every month. He also volunteered at Teen Night Out events the year leading up to getting hired. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University earning a degree in Social Work. If you get caught in a conversation with Scott, you're likely to hear about his love of dolphins, intense fear of frogs, and at least one serious rhyme every time. He considers few things more rewarding or special than the relationships he has made with the kids he's been lucky enough to meet through this program, and he looks forward to another great year!


Courtney Smith: Courtney is a student at Eastern Michigan University to earn her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has played guitar for 10 years and has been dancing all her life. Courtney tries to always listen, learn and be inspired by kids everyday.
 

Meghan St. Peter: Meghan is a proud graduate of the Plymouth-Canton School District. She also graduated from Madonna University with her teaching certificate in Social Studies, History, and English. Meghan is currently a teacher at Liberty Middle School for both 6th and 8th grade Social Studies. She is very passionate about working with middle school age students at a time in their lives when life can be a bit rough. In Meghan's spare time, she can usually be found "nerding out" and strolling along the streets of Greenfield Village, or spending quality time with her husband and friends!


Chelsea Schmitt: Chelsea graduated with honors in 2013 from Eastern Michigan University, and teaches English at Summefield High School. Chelsea has a passion for working with youth, in particular working toward youth empowerment with at-risk youth. Chelsea has several years experience with youth leadership both as a teacher and a youth council coordinator. In her free-time. Chelsea loves to hang out with her rescue dogs, Colby and Bridgette, and go camping with her family!

​Youth Advisory Council Advisor

Jenny Porter: Jenny worked for the Township for more than 111 years! Jenny is currently in school to earn her degree in Social Work. Jenny says that she absolutely loves what she does here at the B.L.O.C.K. and the teens that she has been lucky to have met and formed connections with. She strives to help the teens that come to the BLOCK have the best time possible. After all you're only a kid once, and you might as well enjoy it! In her spare time she loves spending time with her large family, which includes 3 nieces and 2 nephews.

Teen Services Supervisors 

Frania(Frani) Crippen: Frani graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor with a major in Family Life. She is completing her internship at the Summit, B.L.O.C.K., and Lead Like a Girl program. Frani has worked with kids and youth of all ages. She was also a leader of her dance team and is also part owner of A2 Fit-Kid. Frani loves to read, dance, and spend time with her fiance and two crazy dogs, Tyson and Kia. 


Ciara Szostek: Ciara graduated from Eastern Michigan University in the Spring of 2017 with degrees in Sport Management and Communication. She hopes to return to school for her Masters in Marketing & obtain a job with a professional sports team, but in the meantime, she will be working at the BLOCK and is very excited to do so! In her free time, she enjoys watching & attending sporting events, hanging out with friends & family, exploring new places & binge-watching Netflix shows.


Zach Smilo: Zach is currently a student at Eastern Michigan University, with a degree in Social Work. He is a former collegiate football player at Ferris State University. His hobbies include reading, camping, and driving his dirt bike. Zach is excited to be apart of the BLOCK.

​Teen Services Staff 

Ramzy Ali: Ramzy began his experience with youth at Eastern Michigan University's Bright Future Program. Ramzy values the opportunity to engage and guide those still in development on their character. He is excited to continue his experience at the BLOCK, working with kids is the only time a job doesn't feel like a job for him. Since around the age of our participants, Ramzy's dream job would be a character voice actor. 


Lauren Brooks: Lauren is attending Schoolcraft College for nursing and wants to specialize in labor and delivery or pediatrics! She has a rescue dog named Stella and a cat named Boba. Lauren loves Star Wars (if you can't tell by her cat's name) and Harry Potter. She wants to make a career in nursing working with children, so being at the BLOCK is a perfect fit!




Justin Dooley: Justin is a portrait photographer and student filmmaker. Justin attends Wayne State University and has three younger siblings and has years of experience with youth.


Tiffany Jackson: Tiffany is a graduate of the University of Michigan, GO BLUE!! She studied Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling. Tiffany loves sports; and actually plays basketball, softball and volleyball. One of her favorite hobbies is coaching and coaches softball and volleyball at a local high school in Detroit. Her favorite colors are purple and blue and her favorite food is Lasagna. 


Emily Libby: Emily has been working at the B.L.O.C.K. for the past five years. Emily graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Along with working at the B.L.O.C.K., she is a preschool teacher. When Emily is not working, you can usually find her at the gym, golfing or spending time with family and friends. Although Emily is very active, she has also been known to eat ice cream out of the carton and eat large quantities of chips and salsa! Teaching and working with children is her passion, there is nothing else she would rather do. Changing lives one day at a time!


Ian Litchtenberg: Ian is a graduate of Concordia University, Ann Arbor. He graduates with a bachelors in Psychology fall of 2016. When he is not spending time hanging out with kids of the BLOCK or his wife, you can find him delving into dungeons with his friends or writing. He enjoys the time spent here and describes it as, "One of the best parts of his week."


Kelli Mottes: Kelli graduated from CMU in 2013. Since then she has worked at Teaching Family Homes, a group home for at-risk youth, and at the YMCA where she taught kids about healthy living. Kelli enjoys staying active, cooking, and spending time with my husband and their adorable pup, JoJo! Kelli recently moved to the area from the beautiful Upper Peninsula where she was born and raised. She loves to climb trees and catch frogs!
 

Amber Porter: Amber is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University for interior design. She originally heard about the BLOCK from her aunt, who worked there when she was younger. While that was her main reason for wanting to work here, after being here, she loves the friendships you build with the kids who go there. Amber hopes to somehow help kids struggling with mental health problems because mental health awareness is something she is very passionate about. In her free time she finds herself watching tons of netflix, trying to learn how to cook, or spending time with her friends and family.

About Us

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

 

1. Provide a safe, fun, recreational and caring environment.
2. Promote physical, mental health and social well-being.
3. Build a strong sense of community by protecting and improving the environment.
4. Help recognize and reinforce the importance of  empathy, kindness, and respect. 
5. Provide an outlet for exciting new experiences and opportunities.
6. Utilize user feedback to improve programs and facilities. 

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.

The B.L.O.C.K. Outreach Program

The program targets at-risk youth as identified by the Canton Public Safety Department. Teens who qualify receive free program admission and free transportation.



Available for teens living in:

• Academy Point
• Canton Crossings
• College Park
• Fordham Green
• Holiday Estates
• Sherwood Village
• Wagon Wheel

To find out if your child or children qualify for this free outreach program, please contact the B.L.O.C.K.

Required Participation Forms

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)

If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for families in need and are awarded annually. Applications are available at the B.L.O.C.K. front desk.

Canton's Youth Advisory Council (Y.A.C.)

The Y.A.C. continues to assert itself as an influential group of high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.

Members are selected via an application process. Applications are accepted annually each school year. Click here for the application (due September 28, 2018)

If you are a student in grades 9-12 who lives in Canton, and are interested in getting involved with this dynamic group, call the B.L.O.C.K. at 734/398-5570.

Youth Advisory Council Purpose

Canton Township Leisure Services has identified Youth Development as a priority in the Canton Community. The Youth Advisory Council, through interaction with the community, philanthropy, and the Community Foundation will provide the Recreation Specialist (youth) input and guidance as Canton Leisure Services strives to enhance a sense of community among youth through empowerment and the education regarding the responsibility youth have to their community.

Incentive Program

Get involved in The B.L.O.C.K. Programming, the Canton Community, and make change through positive behavior and involvement. Build points for being involved in B.L.O.C.K. Programming and getting "caught" doing the "right" thing. Ex: 15 points for attending weekly Glee Club, 5 points for helping another participant with homework. Cash in points for mini prizes (ice cream trip, B.L.O.C.K. T-shirt, Pizza Party, Free Teen Night Out, Free Field Trip, etc.).  The top 25 participants who earn the most points during the 15-16 school year will win a free trip! Sign up at The B.L.O.C.K. front desk.

2014-2015: Michigan Adventure
2015-2016: Kalahari Water Park
2016-2017: Cedar Pointe
2017-2018: Kalahari Water Park
2018-2019: To Be Determined

Testimonials

"Thank you very much for providing my daughter a safe place to grow. Since she started attending the B.L.O.C.K., her whole mannerism and engagement with others has significantly improved."
-Anil Manikkara (Parent)

"I used the B.L.O.C.K. for my kids when they attended CCA. This place is awesome! It is a great option for the Canton/Plymouth area. The best part was the staff!"
-Pam Bellino (Parent)

"It brought her (daughter Hannah) out of her shell. She went from below average grades to making the honor roll. She has become a social butterfly. I feel like this program was heaven-sent. I can't say enough good about it."
-Charlene Grant (Parent)

Lead #LikeAGirl

This  leadership initiative through the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center aims to inspire young women to rethink what it means to do something #LikeAGirl. 

A group of 15 women are  selected though an application process at the B.L.O.C.K. every fall. Applications require permission from parents and school administrators for consideration. Programs are held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of, and exposure to local resources. Workshops, activities and conversations are centered around self-esteem, healthy living and relationships, women in the media, service learning, women who wow and so much more! Participants who complete the 9-month commitment graduate from the program in front of family and friends, celebrating their new understanding of what it really means to Lead #LikeAGirl.

Watch the VIDEO from the past years program!

Click here for this year's application- due September 14th

For more information you can email our Lead #LikeAGirl Program Coordinator at chelsea.schmitt@canton-mi.org 

Generous Program Partners & Sponsors

• Becca Riley, Photographer
• Bosch Global
• Canton Township Board of Trustees
• Canton Community Foundation
• Canton Community Television
• Canton Leisure Services 
• Canton Public Safety
• Canton Observer and Eccentric
• Chicks 4 Charity
• Dana Hater, Fitness Instructor
• Eastern Michigan University
• First Step
• Kristy Pagan, Michigan State Representative
• Kristi Zebrowski, Grace Savory and Sweet
• Masco Corporation
• Meaghan St. Pierre and WDIV
• St. Joseph Mercy Health System
• The Village Theater at Cherry Hill

​How Can I Help?

The BLOCK is always accepting donations. If you are interested in donating something please contact us to see how you can help.

Examples of donations:

• Monetary donation to the BLOCK (to purchase program supplies or sponsor a participant)
• Monetary donation to our Youth Advisory Council Endowment fund which helps fund youth projects in Canton. Donate here!
• Board Games
• Movies
• Video Games
• Arts and Craft Supplies
• Holiday Decorations
• Passes to local movie theaters, pizza restaurants, etc.
• Gift Cards

Be a #ModelMan

Be A #ModelMan is a youth leadership and empowerment initiative for young men ages 11 - 15 in the Canton community. Be A #ModelMan is designed to grow six core values in young men that develop respectful, responsible, and reliable young, male leaders. These core program values are integrity, empathy, compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Be A #ModelMan aims to meet the following program values through themed workshops.

A group of 15 young men are selected through an application process at The B.L.O.C.K. in early fall. Applications require permission from parents for consideration. Programs will be held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of and exposure to local resources. 

For more information on this program, email program coordinator: scott.kardel@canton-mi.org


Click here for the application-due September 14th

Watch the VIDEO from this past year's program!

Generous Program Partners and Sponsors:

• Brian Cowen, 102.9 FM Radio
• Canton Township Board of Trustees
• Canton Leisure Services
• Canton Public Safety
• Eastern Michigan Admission Office
• Lawrence Brown, Lift Technology
• Chris Riley, Photographer
• Lavonte Robinson, EMU Football
• Michael Bowling
• Tyler Weston
• Melissa Francis