Friday Nights: A Fun and Impactful Bridge Tradition
Posted on Jul 12 2024 by Summer Lecas
![Friday Nights: A Fun and Impactful Bridge Tradition](/uploads/_blog/FNL-Air-Hockey-Tourney-30_2024-07-15-143524_ymdh.jpg)
We believe you have to have fun with students before you can get them focused. The Bridge offers ongoing Friday night social events, free of charge, that provide a positive and healthy social outlet for teens through themed nights, live music, open mic/karaoke nights, trivia and game nights and more. Local restaurants also partner with us to provide free food samples. The Bridge serves as a safe and welcoming "oasis" for students of all social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds - free of the cliques and drama students may experience at school or on line.
Friday nights have a really positive impact on student's lives, connecting them to peers they would not have otherwise met. "I love Friday nights at The Bridge," shared Hailey, a 9th grade student. "Ever since I've attended, I've met so many new people and made so many friends." "It gives my daughter something to be excited about and look forward to throughout the week," shared Kara, a Bridge parent. "It's hard when you're a teen to find fun, safe activities on the weekends and I'm so happy that The Bridge provides that."
Since opening in 2010, The Bridge has hosted over one thousand FREE Friday Night events. These events are impactful to students and become an important part of their Bridge journey. "One Friday Night, one of the staff members encouraged me to talk to new people and learn about them," said Kayle, Bridge Alumna (2016-2021). "Each Friday night, I began to talk to more and more people and get to know so many new students, volunteers, and staff. The encouragement I received from that staff member helped me grow into the social butterfly I am today."
The Bridge Teen Center considers it a true privilege to connect with students on Friday nights and provide a safe and positive place for them to destress and establish meaningful connections. If you would like to help us continue our mission and make a lasting impact in the lives of local teens, click below to make a donation.
Thank you Marquette Bank for sponsoring The Bridge Bulletin this summer.