We are accepting monetary donations as well as donations of video/board games,

movies and other recreational equipment to support our teen programs.

The Niles Teen Center is a Village of Niles program that provides a welcoming, structured and

safe environment for local teens to spend time with friends, receive homework assistance, play

games and develop social skills. The Niles Teen Center promotes community service opportunities,

special activities, trips and educational programs. Check out our newsletter for more information

on all that we have to offer local teenagers. Membership - There is a $20 annual fee for teens who live in Niles. There is a $35 annual fee for teens who

do not live in Niles. All youth must register with a staff person before using the Teen Center. We now accept

Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards for membership and program registration. Memberships renew annually!

Guests are welcome to attend with a current member or at a parent’s request up to three times if space and

staffing allow. Guests must check in with staff and conditions apply. After three visits, membership is required

for attendance.

Transportation - Since we are located at Golf Mill Shopping Center, you can take advantage of public

transportation including the Niles Free Bus #410, #411 & #412 and Pace Bus #208, #240, #241, #270 & #272.

Awards - In 2011, the Village of Niles was recognized by Bloomberg Businessweek as the Best, Most Affordable Place to Raise Kids. Niles ranked #1 in the whole United

States. The Niles Teen Center and Golf Mill Shopping Center

were awarded a Gold U.S. Maxi Award by the International

Council of Shopping Centers for their successful, on-going

partnership. The Niles Teen Center was the recipient of the 2010 Bright Ideas initiative. Bright

Ideas is an initiative that recognizes creative and promising government programs and partnerships.

The initiative is offered through the Innovations in Government Program, a program of the Ash

Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School.

Social Media - “Like” us on Facebook, “Follow” us on Instagram or add us on Snapchat.

Study Area & Wifi

Homework Help

Educational Workshops

Library Books

Movie Nights & Trips

Dances

Social Work Groups

Speaker Series

What we have to offer:

December,

January &

February

Winter 2017– 2018

Playstation 4

Xbox 360 & Wii

STEAM projects

Board Games

Air Hockey & Darts

Foosball & Bumper Pool

Cable TV, DVD’s & Netflix

Computer Lab

www.NilesTeenCenter.org

Niles Teen Center

373 Golf Mill Ctr.

Niles, IL 60714

Office 847-588-6900

Email: teencenter

@vniles.com

When to stop by:

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 2:45 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday: 2:45 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday: 2:45 pm - 7:00 pm

Friday: 2:45 pm - 7:00 pm

See Back Page for

Special Dates Closed

Niles Teen Center

Open to teens in

6th - 12th grade

Weekly Activities/Programs

Arts & Crafts Tuesdays On most Tuesdays, Jamie or Maddie will lead a free arts & crafts or cooking project from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Projects could include jewelry making, brownies, smoothies or posters and drawings.

Tournament Wednesdays Most Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m., the Teen Center staff will set up tournaments for video games and table games like Air Hockey, Darts, NBA2K18 or Rocket League. Prizes may be awarded to winners.

Supportive Services Have you had a rough week at school? Are you juggling too many responsibilities and feeling stressed? Having a conflict with a friend? Or maybe you just want to share ideas with other teens? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us for group!

Boys group is Thursdays from 4:15-5:00 and Girls Check-In is Fridays from 4:30-5:30. These groups are designed to meet the social and emotional needs of teens. They focus on improving self-esteem/self-image, communication skills, conflict resolution, reducing stressors and addressing other challenges teens face. The groups are facilitated by Maria Escobar and Darren Brown of Niles Family Services. If you are interested in additional support, Niles Family Services also offers counseling and additional services. Please contact Family Services at 847-588-8460.

TEEN CENTER EVENTS:

Page 2 www.NilesTeenCenter.Org

Valentine’s Dance Bring your friends to dance to the latest music and meet new people! Come to the

Niles Family Fitness Center gym for music and dancing by Pro-Mix Audio and Light-ing. There will be no entry after 8:00 p.m. and if you leave the dance, you may not re-enter. No shoes allowed in the gym. No backpacks, purses or hats!! We are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Open to 6th through 8th grades ONLY.

Date: Saturday, February 10 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost: $10 per person (includes 4 tickets for drinks and snacks) Location: Niles Family Fitness Center- 987 Civic Center Drive

Teen Speaker Series All Teen Center members are invited to attend these educational programs by speakers from the local community.

Thursday, January 11- 5:00- 6:00 pm Yoga Demonstration Learn about the benefits of Yoga and practice positions with a certified instructor from the Niles Family Fitness Center.

Thursday, February 22- 5:00- 6:00 pm OWL Outreach program Mark Spreyer, Executive Director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington, will bring 3 owls from their permanently injured collection. He will explain the importance of owls and their place in the natural food chain.

Thursday, March 22- 5:00-6:00 pm Niles Sewer and Water systems Village of Niles Public Services Department will be speaking about the Village’s water and sewer system. They will explain the day to day operations of the water system, where it comes from, what the Village of Niles does after we receive the water and how it gets to residents and businesses. They will also talk about the Niles sewer system and the operation and maintenance.

Toys for Tots Program The Niles Teen Center, in cooperation with the Village of Niles, will participate in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves “Toys for Tots” program. We will be collecting toys to be distributed to less fortunate

children in the Chicagoland area. Please do not bring any stuffed animals or home-made items. All toys must be in their original packaging and no gift wrapping. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Niles Food Pantry. Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 1 to Friday, December 15

Page 3

These trips are open to Teen Center members only. You must pre-register for ALL trips and turn in the Teen Trip Release

Form! Some trips are offered in partnership with Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Evanston and/or Skokie Park Districts.

Winter 2017-18

Rock Climbing at Vertical Endeavors- President’s Day Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Climb throughout the climate-controlled environment of Vertical Endeavors for a fun day off school trip. Routes are available for all skill levels and offer a great workout, both physically and mentally. We will stop for lunch after our climbing experience; make sure to bring extra money for lunch. This trip is being offered with the Park Ridge Park District and may depart from

the Maine Park Leisure Center. Date: Monday, February 19 Time: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Min/Max: 4/8 Cost: $45 Registration Deadline: Friday, January 19

Game Works Trip on MLK Day Game Works offers a unique combination of food, and entertainment. So grab a friend and spend the day off with the Park Ridge Park District, as we head to Game Works for a day filled of gaming and good times. Fee includes two hours of game time, lunch, transportation, and supervision. This trip is being offered with the Park Ridge Park District and may depart from the Maine Park Leisure Center.

Date: Monday, January 15 Min/Max: 4/8 Registration Deadline: Friday, January 5 Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Cost: $35

Niles Public Library - Teen Programs Teen Winter Reading- Dec. 1 through Jan. 31- Grades 7-12 Pick up a punch card in the Teen Underground to join, and we’ll give you candy as a bonus! Complete the card and turn it in for a super sweet lanyard. You’ll also qualify for weekly Starbucks drawings and a final drawing for Amazon. Complete multiple cards, as many as one a week, to earn multiple drawing entries as well as button flair for your lanyard.

Zombie Gingerbread- Friday, Dec. 15, 4:00-5:00 pm- Grades 6-12 Cookie Carnage! Design and devour zombie gingerbread in this dead of winter teen program. All supplies will be provided. Open Maker Lab- Saturday, Dec. 30, 2:00-4:00 pm- Grades 7-12 Got an idea for a project, or just want to try out our Creative Studio? Work with a variety of materials and equipment including the 3D printer and laser cutter to make whatever you can imagine.

Super Smash Brothers Wii U Tournament- Thursday, Jan. 4, 4:00-5:30 pm- Grades 5-12 Gamers gather for a friendly and fun Super Smash Brothers Wii U Tournament hosted by Eric Garneau. Gift Certificates will be awarded to the winners. Ebru Live: Experience the Art of Paper Marbling- Friday, Feb. 9, 5:30-6:30pm- Ages 10-Adult Artist Sevim Surucu will demonstrate the art of Ebru, or paper marbling. Attendees will then have the opportunity to try out this traditional Turkish art for themselves. Part of Coming Together in Skokie and Niles Township (CTIS) focus on Muslim culture. Teen Job Fair- Sat., Feb. 24, 10:00 am-12:30 pm- Ages 16-24 Teens/new adults are invited to connect with local employers who are eager to hire fine young people like you! Come dressed for success.

Prior Registration Required at www.nileslibrary.org or by calling 847-663-6640.

TEEN WINTER TRIPS & EVENTSTEEN WINTER TRIPS & EVENTS

Whirly Ball (Spring Break) Agility. Speed. Strength. None of these qualities will be of any use in the highly-competitive world of Whirly Ball. Although it combines lacrosse, hockey and basketball with bumper cars, Whirly Ball has caused great athletes of every stripe to laugh and holler their way to a crushing defeat. If you choose to accept the challenge, you'll use hand-held scoops to propel whiffle balls at your scoring target. In a team of five, and with the help of a professional referee, you'll have a bang-up time trying to outscore the competition. We will be going to Whirly ball in Lombard! Participants must be at least 4'6. This trip is being offered with the Park Ridge Park District and may depart from the Maine Park Leisure Center.

Date: Monday, March 26 Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Cost: $30 Min/Max: 4/8 Registration Deadline: Thursday March 8

Teen Movie “Night OUT” Exclusive offer for Teen Center members! Are you looking for something fun to do on Friday nights? We’ve got the answer for you: Teen Movie “Night OUT”s. Enjoy a movie at AMC Theater - Golf Mill for $9 (price subject to change). Please bring extra money for snacks during the movie.

Pickup time is subject to change based on movie run-times. Pre-registration is not required. Place: Meet at the Teen Center Time: 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. Cost: $9 each Dates: Friday, December 1 Friday, February 2

Niles Teen Center 373 Golf Mill Ctr.

Niles, IL 60714

Phone: 847-588-6900

www.NilesTeenCenter.org

teenCenter@VNiles.com

Special Dates Closed

Friday, December 8 - CLOSED for Village of Niles Holiday Party

Monday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 27 CLOSED for Winter Break

Monday, January 1 to Wednesday, January 3 CLOSED for Winter Break

Friday, April 30 CLOSED for Good Friday Holiday

Homework Assistance: Having trouble with your Math homework? Need some ideas for a Social Studies, Science or Literature project? Struggling with scholarship or university applications? The knowledgeable Teen Center staff is available to offer academic assistance for all middle school and high school students. We will also offer volunteer tutors (days and times are to be determined.)

Register your Bicycle: Protect your bike from thieves by registering it with the Niles Police Department! Every year the Niles Police Department accumulates a number of lost or stolen bikes and is forced to sell them at an auction because their owners cannot be identified. When you register your bike, your bicycle’s information is entered into a national database allowing the Police Department to contact you if it is ever lost or stolen. So don’t be left walking while someone else rides away on your bike. Register your bike through the Niles Teen Center or Niles Police Department.

Buy Teen Center Gear: You can now purchase Niles Teen Center clothing and accessories. Check out the great selections at www.CafePress.com/NilesTeenCenter. Orders can also be placed with the Teen Center director.

Community Service Hours: Attention High School & College Students: If you need community service hours for a club, organization or leader-ship position, the Teen Center can provide the opportunity to earn those credits through role modeling, tutoring or assisting with special events. Talk to Mark to see what options we can offer.

Emergency or Off-Site Events: If there is an emergency, an off-site event or you need immediate attention, please call the Teen Center main line 847-588-6900 and select option (1). This will connect you directly to the Director or

on-call staff member. Please be considerate of staff’s personal time and only use this option if absolutely necessary. Thank you for your cooperation!

In-House Movie Nights Come to the Teen Center for Teen Movie Nights. Stop by or call to recommend a teen movie. All movies will be PG or PG-13. Bring a pillow or blanket and make yourself at home. Additional snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Fee goes toward additional supervision. Pickup time is subject to change based on movie run-times. No sign-up prior to event is necessary. Time: 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Cost: $4 for Teen Center members Dates: Friday, January 12 Friday, March 2