November is "Empowering Teens Month"

News Post

Intense Card Games & Apple Cider

Program

Do you love a really good card game with just the right amount of strategy and chance? We’ll have some set out for you, like Uno, Exploding Kittens, Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza, 5-Second Rule, and Spoons. If you have something else in mind, feel free to dig through our…

Saving Animals w/ NAWS Humane Society

Program

Gain insight on how to become an advocate for animals in need. Learn all about the mission of NAWS Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that re-homes about 2,500 homeless animals per year. The friendly volunteers will be sharing a bit about pet overpopulation and how us “hoomans” can do our…

Culinary: Halloween Cupcake Decorating

Program

Baking shows flood our streaming services with endless competitions. Which one do you absolutely love? Is it Cake, The Great British Baking Show? Nailed it!? Now’s YOUR chance to hone your decorating skills. You’ll have your own bowl of frosting, but don’t eat it yet. Tint the mixture with the…

Homework Support & Cafe Snacks

Program

Gotta study? Sometimes it helps to be in a comfortable environment (like *The Hideaway at The Bridge), so you can focus and study on your own. Other times, you may need to ask questions and get clarification. A friendly Bridge tutor will be available if you need some support on…

Open Art Studio & Garage Hangout

Program

Shake off the day and come hang out at The Bridge! Draw something cool in the Art Studio or play a fast-paced game in the Garage. After you order your fav drink or snack, play a game on one of the iPads at the Cafe counter and check out that…

Project Give: Save The Butterflies w/ University of Illinois Extension

Program

Package seed packets to promote milkweed plant growth (one of butterflies’ favorite plants) with our friends from the University of Illinois Extension. They are passionate about helping the butterfly population flourish! The monarch butterfly is known around the world for the challenging and impressive migration that it makes every year…

Air Hockey Tournament & Garage Hangout

Program

It is SUPER intense and it gets everyone excited and feeling competitive. It’s The Bridge’s favorite game - AIR HOCKEY! Challenge a fellow Bridge student who holds the record of most wins, try some secret winning strategies, and bring your best effort. If you’d rather not play, just watch. The…

Roofing w/ Scott B. Roofing

Program

Now's your chance to experience one of the vital pieces to home construction - roofing. Your home’s roof needs to withstand all the elements of the Midwest weather- snow, rain, and heat. Practice the first steps of measuring and estimating. Then, move on to applying roof shingles using materials and…

Behind The Scenes: PGA Tour Superstore

Program

Hey sports lovers! Go behind the scenes at PGA Tour Superstore - they’ve got literally everything having to do with golf and tennis. They showcase premium apparel, state-of-the-art equipment, as well as lessons for adults and kids. Experience virtual golf and the latest and greatest in club technologies. Even if…

STEM: Duck Boat Challenge

Program

Use tape, foil, cardboard, water bottles and other random materials to engineer your own small boat. It must be able to float (of course). As if that wasn’t challenging enough, your boat must also be able to carry several rubber duckies from one end of a kiddie pool to the…

Culinary: Calzones w/ Chef Karla, RDN

Program

Have you ever worked with homemade dough? It’s a great workout - you have to put your muscles into it! Stretch and shape pre-made dough to release air bubbles and let the dough “prove” or rise. Once it’s done rising, add your choice of cheese - parmesan, ricotta, or mozzarella.…

Illustration & Painting w/ Pekoe & Bean

Program

Express your emotions through art! Combine illustration and painting on multi-media paper while giving it a vintage look. The owner and founder of Pekoe & Bean, a one-of-a-kind tea room and cafe in Tinley Park, will share tips and techniques on how to make it your own. While you’re at…

Open Art Studio & Canvas Painting

Program

Use the creativity that’s already inside you and paint a canvas. Experiment by hand-crafting new colors, attempting bold techniques and solidifying your artistic style. Draw inspiration from the open ambiance of the Art Studio or Pinterest is always here to help. Get comfy, grab some paint, and get started! Don’t…

DIY: Interior Design & Architecture w/ Olivet Nazarene University

Program

If you put time and energy into making your living space (i.e. bedroom) personal, keep reading! Test out the guidelines of interior design and architecture, work with measurements and a floor plan and digitally design a 3D living space. Start with just one room and if you complete that, move…

Soul Cafe: Benefits of Me Time w/ Konick & Associates

Program

Not having plans with friends doesn’t have to mean FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Once in a while we all need a little “me time” to relax and recover from a busy or stressful week. See how you can spend your free time in a positive way and use alone…

Behind The Scenes: Rainbow Cone

Program

You read that right! We’re heading over to The Original Rainbow Cone, which has been a delightful addition to our neighborhood. Get a tour of the restaurant - did you know it’s almost completely pink inside? Get the scoop and see how they make their signature cone with five delicious…

Welding w/ Moraine Valley Community College

Program

Try out this fascinating trade from two professionals who are experts at welding. If you like metal and open flames, you’ve come to the right place! Begin by discovering the science behind how welding works. You’ll then get to weld together a bunch of smaller pieces of metal using high…

Hideaway & Big Room Hangout

Program

You’re almost to Thanksgiving Break, but there’s no reason you can’t take a quick break right now! Enjoy the open space of the Big Room and hang out at the huge kitchen table. Maybe gather with a few other Bridge students and volunteers and take a vote on which game…

Project Serve: Thrift Store Accessories

Program

Give back to The Bridge! Show your heart of service by helping out at The Bridge Thrift Store, which supports all the free programs you and your friends enjoy at the teen center. In this program, sort through various donated accessories and make sure they are “price-ready” for the sales…