Teen center self sign-up now open

By Parker RomeMay 22, 2009

FORT RILEY, Kan. - Self-registration packets recently introduced by the

Fort Riley Middle School Teen Center make the registration process to

use its services more convenient.

Students between sixth and 12th grade are invited to pick up a two-page

self-registration packet at Building 5800, Thomas Avenue.

"Youth can take it home, have their parents fill it out and bring it in and be

able to utilize our services," said Maureen Harter, assistant director at the

Middle School Teen Center. The self-registration packets were introduced

in March.

"This is a way to jump the system," Harter said. "It's kind of like a short cut.

It's something relatively new, and a lot of kids have taken advantage of it."

After bringing in the packet, teenagers have access to plenty of free services.

"They're able to utilize our building,"

Harter said. "We have a basketball court; we have computers and an area to

do their homework. We'll be doing free field trips to the pool, to the skating rink

and to the bowling alley."

In addition to the free field trips, there also will be reduced-cost trips to

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as reduced-price attendance to an

extreme water sports camp. For teenagers interested in completing a

self-registration packet, an incentive is planned.

"We're having a block party on May 29," Harter said. "We'll be cooking out,

opening up our building to members and non-members. If somebody brings

in a completed self-registration packet, then they can enter, get a free dinner and

get in to the dance for free, otherwise it costs five dollars. If they're interested

in getting in free, they should come by prior to pick up their forms."

A fee is charged for teenagers to use morning care, which begins at 5:30 a.m.

each day. Free services are available from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday,

1 to 11 p.m. Friday and 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday.