Back to school means back to teen center

For the past 19 years, the Sandpoint Youth Center — also known as the Sandpoint Teen Center — has provided positive programming for Bonner County teens after school. 

The center's Healthy Teens After School program offers a culinary program with daily hot meals and healthy snacks, and teen cooking and kitchen classes as well as mentorship provided through activities and interactions with adult staff and volunteers. In addition, the center offers homework help, games and sports, including bowling, pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, a variety of board games, card games as well as arts and crafts, and community service opportunities.

The New Sandpoint Teen Center is now located at 1333 Superior St. on the second floor, directly across Division Avenue from Sandpoint Middle School. The First Lutheran Church location stays the same at the First Lutheran Church at 526 S. Olive. The center is open Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., opening early on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. 

The Sandpoint Teen Center follows the local school calendar and is open every day after school. This year, the center will have its Sandpoint Teen Center bus serving hot meals after school right on LPOSD property in front of Sandpoint High School.

This school year, the center is using a new QR code system for all teen check-ins. Center officials said the new system is faster, more efficient and helps them better track attendance. For youths to visit and participate at the teen center they must register with the QR code system. To complete the registration form for your teen, go to the teen center's website at sandpointteencenter.com The process only takes a few minutes and will ensure teens can be properly checked-in moving forward.

The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding $32 million in community grants to over 700 youth-serving nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in local neighborhoods. This is the most awarded to date, and STC officials said they need the community's help to share the news. "Community Grants Celebration Week will be Sept. 14–18 and the Sandpoint Teen Center is honored to be receiving the Taco Bell grant focusing on youth success for the third year in a row," Karen Gibbs said.

The center is also looking for staff, board members and volunteers. Those interested in filling any of the positions should contact the center or send their resume to [email protected] or contact STC Director Natalie Earl at 208-946-8796.

"Get involved," Gibbs said. "Your donation can change lives.”

Donations fund meals, activities, facilities and mentorship for Bonner County teens, Gibbs said. Donations can be made online on the teen center's website or mailed to: Sandpoint Teen Center PO Box 1066 Sandpoint, ID 83864.

"Invest in your future, by investing in our most precious assets, our youth," said Gibbs.

    Sandpoint Teen Center members pose for a photo.
  

    Sandpoint Teen Center pose for a photo during a recent excursion on Lake Pend Oreille.
  

    Sandpoint Teen Center members are pictured during a recent cooking class.