Programs

The general program activity areas offered at the Youth Center include education, health and physical fitness, employment training, computer technology, cultural arts, sports leagues and camps, leadership and community service. The Center offers classes as well as a monthly calendar of events such as field trips, nature hikes, dances, movie nights and family barbeques.

The local non-profit organization Cyberlynx is assisting the Center in linking the computers in its tutoring/classroom to the internet. They are analyzing the feasibility of making the Center wireless so students can gain access via their own laptops. In the meantime, it has donated equipment that has provided internet access for three of the computers in the classroom.

Education

Tutoring Program

Computer/Technology Room & Classroom

The Youth Center offers an after-school tutoring program to all students in the Bandon School District free of charge. It also offers a variety of courses periodically such as cooking, first aid and hunter safety.

Health & Physical Fitness

The Youth Center offers a 2,800 square foot outdoor recreation facility. This multi-sport recreation court is available daily. The court is used for organized and competitive events such as 3 on 3 basketball tournaments and volleyball tournaments or just general exercise and play.

Game Room

The Youth Center offers a 2,000 square foot recreation room inside the Center that includes a living room area where teens can hang out as well as game areas that include such interactive games as X-Box 360, pool tables and ping pong tables. The entire area is converted occasionally to accommodate dances, recreational activities and other large group events.

Computer Technology

The Youth Center offers a computer/technology room and classroom. The room has seven individual computer workstations complete with computer, monitor and printer. Individual and group computer skill training is available.

Community Service

Giving back to the community that gave to create the Youth Center is part of the commitment of teens attending the Youth Center. Youth from the Center contribute their time to Bandon’s E.A.T. Program (Everyone At the Table), for example, and to Coastal Harvest’s annual cakewalk fundraiser. It also provides community service opportunities for youth in the area required to do so, either from the juvenile court system of fror credit at Bandon High School.

Cultural Arts

The Youth Center promotes opportunities for youth to express themselves in a positive manner. Music and art provide two such avenues. The Youth Center facility provides a sound stage for musical concerts and has an ongoing program that features interaction with local artists.

Work Crews

As part of its Job Club, the Center provides work crews free of charge to neighbors and civic groups in the community. As a recent example, a work crew from the Youth Center is assisting the City’s Park and Recreation Commission install a walking trail around City Park.

Sports Leagues and Camps

The Youth Center provides youth with an opportunity to develop their athletic skills, understand the concept of working together as a team, and build their self esteem through summer camps and clinics. The Center operates the area’s summer recreation program for mid-high and high school students.

Planned Activities

In addition to the program areas outlined above, the Youth Center offers a variety of planned activities such as dances, bowling, movies, concerts, skating and field trips on a periodic basis. Such activities are usually scheduled for weekends to supplement the Center’s regular hours.