Garage Hangout & Healthy Bite-Sized Snacks

Program

Release that energy and play all of the games in the Garage! Who’s up for ping pong, foosball, skee-ball or air hockey? Our video game area will also be open so you can play PlayStation or Xbox. Not enough fun? We will also be setting up a tasty AND healthy…

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Mosaic Mirrors w/ Melissa Ferriter, ATR

Program

Let’s get crafty! Break colorful tiles and glass pieces and arrange them into unique patterns around a mirror base. Secure your design around the outer edges with glue and grout for a polished look. Finish it off by adding hanging hardware to your creation to give your wall a touch…

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Soul Cafe: Be Kind to Yourself & Strawberry Matchas w/ Roots of Resilience

Program

We are our own worst critics, so it’s time to hit pause and start learning how to be kinder to ourselves. Guided by a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, explore the differences between how you treat yourself versus how you treat others. Uncover ways to treat yourself with the same care…

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Escape Room Games w/ Booktique Unlimited

Program

Do you love the thrill of a good mystery? You’ve come to the right place! Team up with your Bridge friends (old and new) in pairs or small groups to solve escape room games. We’ll have a few challenging options for you to choose from. (If you were in the…

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What It's Like To Be: Child Life Specialist w/ People Medicine

Program

If you have a soft spot in your heart for kids, this one’s for you! Sign up for this super niche and meaningful program. Child Life Specialists provide kids and families with emotional support and more through difficult times. These situations could range from an injury, serious illness, or the…

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Hangout & Loaded Chili

Program

Warm up from the winter cold during this Big Room Hangout! A limited number of students will have the opportunity to create the most delightful loaded chili. Pair up with a few Bridge friends and get in on it! Carefully use your choice of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream,…

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Big Room Hangout & Interactive Video Games

Program

Maximize your enjoyment of this day by immersing yourself in a group-gaming atmosphere and connecting with new Bridge friends. We’ll have screens set up so you can play Just Dance, Wii Sports, and other interactive games. Perhaps indulge in a mid-game Cafe snack or two. Feel free to just watch…

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Acrylic Painted Sunsets w/ Paintin & Poppin Traveling Paint Parties

Program

If you’re missing the sun during this long Chicago winter, why not bring it to life on canvas? Paint bold and colorful sunset scenes! Learn how to blend warm and cool tones and layer acrylic paint to create glowing skies, soft clouds, and shimmering horizons. Acrylics dry fast, letting you…

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Project Serve: Thrift Store

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. Also, thrift stores are an important part of a community because they encourage repurposing and provide goods…

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Culinary: Valentine's Day Cupcakes

Program

Do we even have to describe this? Watch and learn how to bake Valentine’s Day cupcakes in the oven with sweet, festive flavors and fun frosting. You’ll see how simple techniques can turn basic batter into adorable treats perfect for the season. Finish things off by topping your cupcakes with…

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Open Art Studio & Hideaway Hangout

Program

Cool off at The Bridge and head over to the Art Studio! Grab a sketchbook from the wall, embroider a summer pattern, or simply hang out and sip on an organic flavored tea (available for purchase from our lovely Café!). Feel free to hang out in The Hideaway too -…

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Valentine's Day Luminaries w/ Acorn Public Library

Program

Light up your Valentine’s Day with a colorful luminary! Layer and arrange festive tissue paper to create glowing designs on glass jars. Seamlessly attach the tissue paper to the glass using a clear layer of Mod Podge. Illuminate your creation with a tea light for a warm and radiant glow.…

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Hand-Poured Candles w/ The Candle Vault

Program

Embrace the tranquil and serene art of hand-pouring delicate candles. The Candle Vault produces candles made from natural soy wax, organic cotton wicks, and clean-burning fragrance oils. Under the founder’s guidance, curate luxurious scents in glass vessels that are sure to fill a room with fragrant aromas and coziness. These…

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Hangout & Ping Pong Tourney

Program

This is the moment where all the time you’ve spent playing ping pong in the Garage pays off! Join us in this fast-paced tournament and see if you’ve got what it takes to win a GREAT prize - your choice of a treasure from the Prize Bin or a Bridge…

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Self-Defense

Program

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Discover simple preventative measures you can take as well as the importance of distance recognition and situational awareness. No previous wrestling, boxing, or martial arts experience required. This program is designed for all skill levels. the average teen. Please wear modest…

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Beginning Acoustic Guitar

Program

There’s no time like the present. Now’s your chance to give acoustic guitar a try and see if it strikes a CHORD with you! Get comfortable with holding a guitar and strumming it the right way. Learn how to form a couple of chords and practice switching between them. Guitars…

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STEM: Engineer a Catapult w/ Robinson Engineering (MS ONLY)

Program

Hey you go-getters, this one’s for you! Build a small catapult system and be as creative as you want with it! But first, hear from the structural design experts at Robinson Engineering. They’ll demonstrate how the height, angle of projectile, and other factors can determine how far an item will…

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Thrift Store Shopping & Open Art Studio

Program

Find some hidden gems among The Bridge Thrift Store! Did you know The Bridge Thrift Store provides ongoing financial support to keep the programs and events you enjoy at The Bridge Teen Center 100% FREE? Browse the selection of vintage clothing for a new-to-you outfit, or check out the books…

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Culinary: Gluten-Free Waffles w/ The Gluten-Free Goddesses

Program

Breakfast can be tough when you have dietary restrictions. Not to worry! The Gluten-Free Goddesses have a recipe for you. Whip up some fluffy waffle batter from scratch that is not only full of flavor, but also gluten-free! Cook them in miniature waffle makers until golden and crispy, then top…

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Pizza & Garage Hangout

Program

Sometimes you can’t leave things up to chance. Plan to meet a group of friends at The Bridge so you can enjoy the winter together! We’re even doing something special for this Garage Hangout. Enjoy some hot and tasty pizza - what are your go-to toppings? After filling up on…

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