#SKILLS: Storytelling & Strawberry Parfaits w/ Homewood Stories

Program

Embrace your creativity through the power of imagination! Get your writing juices warmed up with fun activities that involve story dice and a character walk. There will also be a storytelling jar. Curious yet? Good! Brainstorm topic ideas on your own or with other aspiring writers, and dare to start…

STEM: Solar Energy & Circuits w/ IBEW-NECA Technical Institute

Program

Manipulate electrical pattern challenges on a circuit board. Watch and learn how photovoltaic modules and solar panels function. Explore the world of renewable energy as it relates to the construction industry and see if it’s something you’d like to pursue as a career. You’ll walk away with a new understanding…

Project Give: DIY Dog Toys

Program

Dogs love to play, but often destroy their toys faster than they can be replaced. Rather than going out to buy more, find out how to make your own out of old t-shirts and jeans. Twist or braid t-shirt fabric, add a tennis ball and you’ve got a new toy…

Open Art Studio & Clay Sculptures

Program

Dive into a hands-on artistic experience! Whether you are into miniature creatures, abstract vibes, or cool decor pieces, this is your space to experiment with air-dry clay. Mold clay into a form of your choosing using your hands and clay tools for texture and dimension. The whole Art Studio is…

Culinary: Street Tacos w/ Social 45 Craft Kitchen

Program

Spice up your taco game with bold Al Pastor flavors! Gain insight as to how Social 45 Craft Kitchen constructs their signature marinade using guajillo chiles. Assemble a delicious taco with guajillo-marinated grilled pork shoulder. Top it with fresh pineapple, salsa verde, onion, and/or cilantro. While you build your taco,…

Picture Frame Pebble Art

Program

Garage Hangout & Ping Pong Tourney

Program

Game, set, match. Join us for some fun time in the Garage and go head to head with other Bridge students in a tournament for the ages for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind trophy. Don’t worry if you don’t want to play ping pong, hangout with other students and…

Project Serve: Take Care of The Bridge Garden

Program

We love The Bridge garden, so let’s keep it looking alluring and colorful! Water plants, pull weeds, keep pests away, and learn growing tips. Develop an eye for thriving greenery and discover the warning signs of a struggling plant, such as droopy or spotted leaves and dry soil. Hand-pick fresh,…

Patio Hangout & Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Program

We’re doing something special for this Patio Hangout! Feast your eyes on a colorful fruit bar consisting of yummy and healthy strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi… are we missing anything? After filling up on all that good stuff, play a fun game (there’s PLENTY to choose from) or just chill with…

Mosaic Art w/ Peace of Art Studio

Program

This artistic style originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans and has since been practiced by artists over the centuries with modern styles and various materials. Safely break colorful pieces of tile and arrange them into a design on a piece of plywood. To finish, add grout in between the…

Soul Cafe: Mental Health Apps & Phone Charms w/ Roots of Resilience

Program

Did you know the average person spends roughly 4-5 hours a day on their phone? (As you know, it’s WAY MORE for teenagers!) Let’s reframe how we use our phone, shall we? Join a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and uncover some ways you can be more intentional with your phone…

What It's Like To Be: Storm Chaser w/ Eastern Illinois University

Program

Hear some crazy stories (where no one was hurt, of course) from a professional storm chaser! Discover how to interpret radar in storm spotting scenarios and determine whether particular thunderstorm cells are hazardous. Work, discuss, and make these decisions as a team: Should you inform the public via press releases…

Outdoor Climbing Adventure (HS ONLY) w/ The Forge Adventure Park

Program

Experience the largest adventure park in the U.S.! The Forge is right here in the South Suburbs, so let’s take advantage of this amazing place. This is an exclusive opportunity for you to climb and rappel the high ropes challenge tower with fellow Bridge students. There are 2 miles of…

Open Art Studio

Program

Come spend your summer afternoon crafting! Grab some colorful oil pastels and create a beautiful summer sunrise, use watercolors to mimic floral designs, or sketch using professional drawing pencils. Chat with Bridge Volunteers about your fave Pinterest craft ideas and explore new materials among the vast Art Studio wall. The…

Creating Healthy Habits & Iced Mochas w/ Sandy Murray, LCSW

Program

Summer is the perfect time to slowly build new habits. Determine if old tendencies are truly helpful or surprisingly hurtful to your overall well-being. Perhaps think about small goals you want to achieve, how you spend your time, relate to your friends and family, or take care of your health.…

Summer Fairy Gardens w/ Mandi, Bridge Staffer

Program

Make your own mini summer garden scene come alive! Create a base of soil, tiny pebbles, and moss in a glass container. Next, think about the focal point - what do you want to draw people’s eyes to? Add your whimsical sculptures, figurines, and other embellishments. Give it away as…

Relax in the Hideaway

Program

Get cozy in a Hideaway pod and relax! Bring a good book to read or check out our stash of reading materials on the shelves. Take a nap if you want. Coloring books and pencils will also be provided, if you’d rather color your way to calm. Try to completely…

Thrift Store Shopping

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…

Project Serve: Thrift Store

Program

Start working on those community service hours and 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…

Patio Hangout & Burgers on the Grill

Program

Independence Day is right around the corner, so hang out with us and enjoy fresh burgers cooked on the grill. Top your burgers from a selection of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato, onion, pickles, and lettuce. Cheeseburgers and hamburgers will both be available. Soak up the sun, read your favorite book,…