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.
Current offerings are listed below.
Media, Arts & Technology
Ages 15-19
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.
Intro to Synthesis & Sound Design
Participants will use high-end synthesizers and music-mixing equipment to learn the fundamentals of sound design. Expect to spend this workshop exploring the endless ways to create beats, make music and more.
Washington Park Center
June 3 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Intro to Music Production & Recording Arts
There’s an enormous amount of equipment and software involved in the music production field. In this workshop, we’ll demystify some of them together and learn how the tools of the trade can be used to create a project of your own.
Washington Park Center
July 15 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Intro to Show Production
Participants will learn how audio setups function for music venues by creating one of their own. In this hands-on workshop, expect to play the different roles of show production to effectively use mic systems, high-capacity speakers and sound mixers. The outcome will be a ready-to-play open mic or karaoke session.
Washington Park Center
August 12 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Intro to Projection Mapping
Projection mapping is the art of using a laser-powered projector to throw customized visuals onto surfaces. Popularly used to interactively decorate buildings, murals, stages or landscapes. Participants will learn the basics of using this equipment and how it’s applied to creative practices. Youth will leave the workshop with a digital design that can be developed further in future courses.
Washington Park Center
September 16 Saturday 12-4 p.m. Free
Pathways to Employment
Counselor In Training
Ages 12-15
Learn leadership skills with experienced recreation staff. This 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.
Washington Park Center
July 10-14 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free
August 14-18 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free
Recreation Apprentice Program
Ages 14-17
This program gives teens the opportunity to gain job skills while working in recreation programs including youth camps, classes and preschool. Participants will receive general recreation training and industry-standard training such as CPR, first aid and obtaining a food handler’s permit. Participants will also create a resume, learn to write a letter of interest and practice interviewing. The program will also include fun outings and trips. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a letter of recommendation and be encouraged to apply for a Recreation staff position. Hours for this program can be used toward school community service program hours.
Washington Park Center
June 20-August 25 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free
Monday: workshop at Washington Park Center
Tuesday-Thursday: volunteering in the community
Friday: fun and games meeting at Washington Park Center
Teens in Power
LGBTQ+ Youth Group
Ages 13-18
LGBTQ+ teens can drop in for support, conversation and connection. This activity is adult-facilitated and free. No registration required. For more information call Amazon Community Center 541-682-5373.
Amazon Community Center
Ongoing Fridays 4-6 p.m. Free Drop-in
Resolve – Youth Restorative Justice
Ages 12-18
The City of Eugene Recreation’s Resolve program is run by youth volunteers. Teenagers who were cited for qualifying non-violent offenses can have their case closed by the Lane County Department of Youth Services. To do so, they must complete a contract determined by their peers in a circle process. During the circle, the peers listen to the accountable youth’s retelling of the incident, ask questions and work collaboratively to find ways to repair harm. Youth volunteers receive training and development opportunities and acquire important skills and experience. Those who want additional responsibilities can join our Youth Leadership Council.
Circles are held on Thursday evenings at Petersen Barn Community Center. To sign up email Ellen Swanson
Vibe
Ages 12-18
Join us at Petersen Barn Community Center every Friday night for loads of fun. We have free food, air hockey, virtual reality, video games, table tennis and arcade basketball. Drop in and grab a bite to eat, play some games or just chill with us.
Petersen Barn Community Center
Ongoing Fridays 5-9 p.m. Free Drop-in
Work for Eugene Rec
Ages 16+
We are currently seeking enthusiastic, creative, and motivated individuals to co-create Teen Empowerment Programs. This is a great work opportunity and experience for those interested in youth advocacy and empowerment! Apply online. After you submit your application please let us know by sending us an email.
Contact Us
-
Youth & Family Services Manager
Gina Tafoya
Ph: 541-682-5306