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.
Fall offerings are listed below.
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.
Become a Social Media Professional
Ages 15-18
Interested in life as a social media influencer or social media manager? This is a free workshop for teens to learn more about what it takes to balance life as a content creator and how to be successful in related careers. We’ll cover topics including privacy and boundary maintenance, brand management, content creation on various platforms, how to talk to sponsors and finance management. Expect a balance of learning and fun. Snacks will be provided.
Washington Park Center
Nov 18 Saturday 12-5 p.m. Free
Learn Adobe Suite Basics
Ages 14-18
Free teen workshop to learn the basics of the Adobe Creative Suite. Includes skill-building with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premier Rush. These skills will create a foundation for youth to create a large range of creative projects. All equipment and software is provided. Register for only one session.
Washington Park Center
Sep 23 Saturday 12-5 p.m. Free
Oct 21 Saturday 12-5 p.m. Free
Mural & Plant Workshop
Ages 10-18
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.
Graham Field House
Oct 17 Tuesday 5-7 p.m. Free
Oct 18 Wednesday 5-7 p.m. Free
Pathways to Employment
Teen Empowerment is offering free trips for teens. Our goals are to deepen participants' connections with themselves, land and each other. We're excited to learn basic outdoor skills and have fun together.
All meet at Washington Park Center
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.
Dec 19 Tuesday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Counselor In Training Day Trips
Ages 12-14
The Counselor in Training Program is running day trips with youth to learn leadership skills with experienced recreation staff. This CIT program will be a unique experience with an emphasis on relationship building 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 more prepared for future employment opportunities. We will go rain or shine so dress appropriately.
All meet at Washington Park Center
Coast
We’ll hike, play on the beach and visit other recreation areas near Florence.
Sep 5 Tuesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free
Sep 29 Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free
Silver Falls State Park
We’ll hike to see gorgeous waterfalls and play games.
Oct 13 Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Oct 20 Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
Hoodoo Autobahn Tubing Park
We'll rid tubes, play games and drink hot cocoa.
Dec 18 Monday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free
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
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
September 22- December 22 Fridays 5-9 p.m. Free Drop-in
No Vibe on October 27, November 10, 24
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
Teens & Hult Center Connections
Ages 13-19
Teen Empowerment and the Hult Center are collaborating to offer exciting opportunities for teens. Our goal is 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.
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
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Teen Empowerment Program Supervisor
Alison Willis
Ph: 541-682-5370