ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - APG teens now have a place to dance, play ping pong, video games, pool or foosball, watch movies, shoot hoops and meet new friends.
Every Friday night the APG North (Aberdeen) youth center is open to all eligible Child, Youth and School Services high school teens from 9 p.m. to midnight for free open recreation nights. Eligible CYSS teens can also invite up to two friends who are not CYSS affiliated. Beginning in September, the youth center will also be open for open recreation night on Saturdays.
The program, which started in May, averages about 20 teens per night. Kirby Kelbaugh, a Child, Youth and School Services employee and acting teen advisor, said that the program has gained momentum through positive word-of-mouth.
"Every night is kind of different, each week I see new faces," Kelbaugh said.
Kelbaugh added that teens are encouraged to give the counselors feedback on what they want to do at the youth center.
"This program is owned by the teens," he said. "The counselors have worked to get to know them as people, encourage them to get out of their shells. This program gives them the freedom to express themselves."
I think open rec night is cool, you get to meet new people and it gives you a chance to play sports, be active," said Bart Ngenoh, 17, who regularly attends with friends.
Kelbaugh added that the program will also host trips to local attractions for a small fee to cover travel costs. This fall, a group of teens will go to the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
Teens are also welcome at the APG North youth center from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday nights and Saturday nights beginning in September; when the center is open to eligible CYSS middle schoolers.
For more information about teen recreation night and upcoming trips, call the APG North youth center at 410-278-9061/4995 or e-mail michael.k.kelbaugh@us.army.mil. Registration is not required for open recreation night; however, registration at CYSS Central Registration, in building 2503, is required for all trips. For more information about CYSS Central Registration, visit http://www.apgmwr.com/family/youth_outreach.html. For more information on all upcoming MWR activities visit http://www.apgmwr.com/.
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