Teen Empowerment
Teen Empowerment Program
Eugene Rec Teen Empowerment Program works with community partners to provide out of school time recreation and enrichment activities for youth. Programs empower teens by building life and job skills, offering access to caring youth and adult mentors, participating in service opportunities, improving leadership abilities, and increasing access to other vital community resources. Programs are designed to be low-barrier and inclusive so that every young person is provided the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future. All programs are free and provide food.
Winter and Spring offerings are listed below.
- Media, Arts & Technology
- Pathways to Employment
- Day Trips
- Teen Clubs
- Ongoing Opportunities
- Additional Classes
Media, Arts & Technology
The goals of the Media, Arts and Technology programs are to teach youth to work successfully with advanced, industry-standard audio-visual equipment, build a mobile media unit out of a cargo trailer, co-host community events and learn to create quality social media content. Youth will gain industry-related job experience applicable to music venue work, audio-visual creation, social media content creation, audio-visual post-production processing and editing and other related skills in creative industries. All activities are adaptable to participants’ unique learning styles.
All meet at Washington Park Center
Decoding Authority Workshop
A sticker workshop where teens will examine the roles of authority, obedience and disobedience in shaping their autonomy. Participants will use simple sticker tools to practice outcome mapping and other decision-making skills. You’ll leave with extra stickers to keep practicing and integrating the work we’ll do together in this workshop. Snacks provided.
Ages 12-14
February 17 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
April 27 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Ages 15-18
February 24, March 2 Saturdays 12-4 p.m. Free
May 4 & 11 Saturdays 12-4 p.m. Free
Baile Folklorico Art Class
Ages 14-18
Learn to use traditional Mexican art-making techniques to construct fiber arts, basket weave, sculpt and craft paper ornate paper flowers. In this class you’ll learn about Mexican culture and why these art forms are significant.
April 2-May 28 Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Free
Baile Folklorico Dance Class
Ages 14-18
Learn about Mexican culture and dance. This class will build your confidence in dance skills and you’ll learn about spatial awareness, traditional movement and the cultural significance of Mexican music.
January 9-March 5 Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Free
Into to Laser Projection Tech
Ages 14-18
Projection mapping is the art of using laser-powered projectors to distort surfaces with creative visuals. Participants will learn to use this tech and create moving scenery for the Spring Sculpture Competition display. If you’ve been looking for a place to show off your creativity, this is a great way to do it. This project will be on display downtown for all enjoy.
April 13 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Intro to Song Production
Ages 14-18
Learn how to generate music using a mix of self-recorded sounds and digital work. We’ll review the basics of song production with a variety of digital editing tools and explore creative approaches to music-making. You’ll leave with some production skills and the project you’ve created.
May 27 Monday 12-3:30 p.m. Free
Intro to Videography
Ages 14-18
Learn to capture, edit and produce quality content for social media, short films or memes. Learn to explore your own interests with the guidance of adults who have found success in creative fields of work. We’ll have a guest speaker from the Hult Center that specializes in videography and works with artists from around the world. Now’s the chance to practice your skills and produce your own creative project to take home.
May 25 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Journaling Workshop
Ages 15-18
Create a personalized journal from a wide variety of exciting materials. Guided by a Master of Fine Art, participants can expect to spend time during this workshop constructing their journals and learning to reflect creatively in them. No one is required to share their writing, you can keep your secrets and your journal at the end of the workshop.
January 27 Saturday 2-4 p.m. Free
April 6 Saturday 2-4 p.m. Free
Kite Making Workshop
Ages 13-17
Learn building techniques of various forms of flying contraptions and then create your own. Choose from designs that we’ve provided or engineer something unique. We’ll test them all in a simulated wind tunnel or outside, weather permitting. Fly them at the coast with us on February 16. For details see Coastal Storm Watch in Day Trips.
February 7 Wednesday 4-7 p.m. Free
Sculpture Competition
Ages 12-18
Work in small teams to build giant papier-mâché sculptures. We’ll be using old Rec Guides and other recycled materials to fabricate an artwork of your design. Each sculpture has the chance to be featured in a public event and voted on in various categories. Show us how beautiful being sustainable can be.
April 1 Monday 12-5 p.m. Free
Teen Art Show
Ages 12-15
Spend the first part of the day perusing the isles of MECCA, searching for the ultimate materials for your creative project. The rest of the day will be spent creating art, either following your interests or supported by a guiding theme. Your artwork will be displayed at Graham Field House where we will host a gallery reception with refreshments. The reception will be open to the public.
February 19 Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free
Pathways to Employment
Counselor In Training Spring Break Camp
Ages 12-15
Learn leadership skills with experienced Recreation staff. This CIT program will be a unique experience with an emphasis on community service and building basic job skills such as communication, working with a team and practicing how to facilitate activities. Youth will gain confidence, interpersonal skills and be well-prepared for future employment opportunities.
Washington Park Center
March 25-29 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free
Leadership in Training
Ages 14-18
An opportunity for teens who are interested in growing their professional skills. Our goal is that your confidence in getting a job will increase as we explore your career interests, develop your leadership skills and have fun! LIT will meet once per month and practice these skills regularly during the Vibe teen program.
Petersen Barn Community Center
Winter - Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 22 Fridays 4-5 p.m. Free
Spring - April 16, May 31 Fridays 4-5 p.m. Free
Day Trips
Hoodoo Autobahn Tubing Park
Ages 12-14
We'll rid tubes, play games and drink hot cocoa.
Meet at Graham Field House
December 18 Monday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Hoodoo Snowshoe Day Trip
Ages 15-18
Spend a beautiful day outside to meet other teens, learn outdoor skills and explore. We’ll snowshoe as a group around the Hoodoo area, play games and drink hot cocoa.
Meet at Graham Field House
December 19 Tuesday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Play at Salt Creek Falls
Ages 12-14
We’ll provide equipment such as sleds, shovels, buckets and watercolor supplies. You bring the energy to throw snowballs, build snow forts and paint frigid PNW landscapes. Choose your own adventure between high-energy and calm activities. Bring a lunch.
Meet at Graham Field House
February 1 Thursday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
February 3 Saturday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Coastal Storm Watch
Ages 12-15
We’re going to the coast to stare at the icy waves, drink hot cocoa and watch the storm clouds pass us by. We’ll be taking watercolor supplies to paint any clouds, seals or tumultuous waters that inspire us. If the weather permits, we’ll have a chance to fly some kites. Bring a lunch.
Meet at Graham Field House
February 16 Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Wildflowers & Cameras
Ages 15-18
It’s time to hike to where the wildflowers are blooming with cameras of our own design. Learn to build a camera from found materials, known as a camera obscura. We’ll be using our homemade cameras, GoPros and other professional gear to capture the natural beauty of Sweet Creek Falls. There will be some hiking, so wear appropriate clothing. Bring a lunch.
Meet at Washington Park Center
April 12 Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
April 26 Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
For more information or if you need assistance sourcing weather-appropriate clothing email empowerment@eugene-or.gov or call 541-682-5375.
Teen Clubs
Baking Club
Ages 12-18
Learn to bake the pastry of the month. We’ll tackle a baking challenge to learn the essentials of creating savory and sweet treats. This is a great way for experienced teen bakers to hone their skills and beginners will have a supportive environment to start from scratch. Take home whatever you make to share with your loved ones. Join us even if you're not able to make it to every meeting. Professional cupcake artist Kristen Anderson will teach a session on cupcake decoration in March.
Washington Park Center
Jan 20, Feb 10, Mar 9, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 22 Saturdays 12-4 p.m. Free
Disc Golf Club
Ages 12-18
Disc golf is a great way for beginners to learn and experienced players to practice their skills. We’ll take a Rec bus to different locations around town. Equipment and snacks provided. For more information or if transportation is a barrier, email empowerment@eugene-or.gov or call 541-682-5375.
Meet at Graham Field House
May 1-June 12 Wednesdays 4-6:30 p.m. Free
Vibe
Ages 12-18
Hang out at Petersen Barn Community Center on Friday nights. We have free food, air hockey, virtual reality, video games, table tennis, arcade basketball, giant Connect Four and other fun activities weekly. Check our Instagram to see when we're hosting karaoke and movie nights.
Petersen Barn Community Center
Ongoing Fridays 5-9 p.m. Free Drop-in
No Vibe on Jan 5, Jun 7
Movie Nights
Ages 13-18
We’re looking forward to laughing, crying and cringing together once per month at teen movie nights. Enjoy popcorn and treats as we get cozy and watch movies from a variety of genres. There will be opportunities for the group to choose the films. For the list of movies we’ll watch, visit our Instagram at @eugyep.
Graham Field House
Jan 20, Feb 10, Mar 9, Apr 20, May 11, Jun 22 Saturdays 6-9 p.m. Free Drop-in
Drop-In Study Help
Ages 13-18
Need some assistance with schoolwork or a project? Want a place to focus with other teens doing the same? Come to the library teen center to work individually or receive 1-on-1 support from staff that work in education.
Downtown Library Teen Center, 100 W. 10th Avenue
Jan 8-Jun 10 Mondays 4-6 p.m. Free Drop-in
No program Jan 1, 15, Feb 19, Mar 25, May 27
Hult Center Backstage Pass
Ages 13-18
Teen Empowerment and the Hult Center are collaborating to offer exciting opportunities for teens. Our goals are to connect youth with industry professionals and programs that provide access to the world of performing arts and show production. There will be ongoing opportunities to meet with experts in tech, show production, event coordination, marketing and performers. Programs will take the form of facility and equipment tours, info sessions with industry professionals, workshops, and meetings with personnel from touring and local productions.
Dates and times will vary
Sign up for the interest list to be notified a when dates and times are added.
Resolve – Youth Restorative Justice
Ages 12-18
Resolve is a youth program designed for teen volunteers to come together to help their peers address criminal citations for low-level offenses through a circle process. During the circle, youth volunteers listen to the accountable youth’s retelling of the incident, ask questions and work collaboratively to find ways the accountable youth can repair harm. The accountable youth leaves with a contract, and once complete their case is closed by the Lane County Division of Youth Services. All hours volunteered at Resolve count toward high school graduation community service hour requirements. Those who want additional leadership opportunities, as well as additional volunteer hours, can join our Youth Leadership Council which meets before sessions to help plan and assist with program decisions. All youth volunteers are also offered ongoing wellness and youth development workshops, as well as recreation activities. To join, each youth volunteer will need to attend a New Circle Member Training.
Washington Park Center
Ongoing Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m.
To sign up email Ellen Swanson
BIPOC Water Safety & Lifeguard Cohort
Ages 12-18
BIPOC youth can increase their skills in the water and potentially train as lifeguards. Depending on age and skill level, work to become more comfortable in the water, or pursue lifeguard certification. Ages 12-14 could pursue junior lifeguard skills, while ages 15-18 could pursue lifeguard certification and apply for employment with the City of Eugene.
Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center
February 13-March 21 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30-7p Free
Contact Us
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Teen Empowerment Program Supervisor
Alison Willis
Ph: 541-682-5370
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Teen Empowerment Programmer
Keegan Dysert
Ph: 541-682-5375
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