WEB EXTRA
Columbia Teen Center: A cool hangout

Columbia Association's Teen Center is a cool hangout for teens and pre-teens who are looking for something to do. It provides a safe atmosphere for socialization, recreation and education.

"These kids who come here are being affected and touched in positive ways," Rene Buckmon, manager of the center, said.

Located in Oakland Mills Village Center in The Barn, the Teen Center is a two-story facility complete with a computer lab, video games on a 55-inch TV, pool table, foosball, air hockey, table tennis and board games. A mini-gym offers basketball, volleyball and a snack bar run by teens. The center offers both free time and structured activities. A monthly calendar is posted at www.ColumbiaAssociation.org.

At a recent luau, teens gathered to enjoy the end of the summer together. They created Hawaiian-style mini-pizzas as part of the themed Tiki Week, played pool and enjoyed video games.

Malik Timbers, 15, attends Long Reach High and started attending activities for the first time this summer.

"Before, I only played sports," he said. "Here, you get out of the house."

Chris Jackson, 13, agreed.

"It's better than sitting on a computer all day," he said.

Ages 9 to 18 are welcome year-round with after-school, weekend and summer offerings. There are more than 200 members, but a core group of about 30 teens take advantage of the center on a daily basis, Buckmon said. Special interest clubs and committees also allow teens to meet others with similar interests.

In September, Columbia Teen Idol auditions will be held for the Hear My Voice Teen Day event scheduled for Oct 11. on Lake Kittamaqundi. Teen advisory committee members will judge acts and choose the best to compete in the talent competition that culminates the day's events.

Also this month, teens will begin creating a mural in the upper level of the facility with help from Columbia Art Center staff and a local artist.

This summer, a popular offering was Extreme Youth & Teens. For only $50, the teens enjoyed 14 trips over seven weeks with destinations including Six Flags, Ocean City and the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Rachel Waters, 13, attends Harper's Choice Middle, participated in the program.

"I got to go with some of my friends and try new things," she said. "It's nice because I didn't have many plans this summer."

An added bonus: The Teen Center has air conditioning, she said. Teens are asked to register at the Teen Center and must present a Teen Center ID to participate. An annual fee of $25 applies. The Teen Center is grant-funded, and material and monetary donations are gladly accepted.

Youth also can participate in the teen and middle school advisory committees, which advise CA on teen needs in the community and are active participants in planning and implementing teen programs and events. Meetings are held twice a month. For more information, call 410-715-5523.

Back to top