SaranacLake YouthCenter

Who comes to the Youth Center? Middle & High School kids, ages 11-18. We have about 175 different kids that visit the Youth Center every year. We have about 100 kids that visit the center one or more days each week. We have over 4500 visitors per year. During the school year we average about 25 kids per day and about 12 kids per day during summer vacation. We serve over 4500 snacks per year at no cost to the kids. Our snacks are hot dogs, grilled cheese and PB&J sandwiches, milk & cookies, soup and burritos.
Top reasons the kids say they come to the Center Because it's a fun place to be, To play games, to be with friends, to eat snacks, to stay away from kids and places where drugs are.
What is there to do at the Youth Center Play ping pong, pool, foosball, air hockey, play E rated video games, listen to music, be with some friends, do some arts and craft projects like tye dye t-shirts, paint posters, scrapbook photos, play board games, help with fundraising activities.
What are our Open Hours and Days?
We are OPEN year round. During the school year our hours for all kids are Mon-Fri 2:30-6:00pm, however from 4:30-6pm is 8th -12th grade kids only. During the summer we are open Mon-Thurs from 1:30 to 4:00pm

SARANAC LAKE YOUTH CENTER, INC.
CELBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

A NOT FOR PROFIT 501(c)3 CORPORATION
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK in 1982

MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide a healthy, substance free, supervised environment for middle and high school youth , offering programs which develop social skills, personal growth and responsibility in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

ORIGINAL PURPOSE: INTRODUCTION TO PRIOR HISTORY
The purposes for which the Saranac Lake Youth Center Corporation was organized are as follows:
To organize, operate and maintain without profit to the corporation, a youth center for boys and girls, for civic purposes, to provide facilities for entertainment, recreational athletics, sport and other activities. The Saranac Lake Youth Center, Inc. opened in July 1982, but the idea began three years earlier. At that time there were four churches actively involved in the Ecumenical Council, the United Methodist, St. Bernard's Roman Catholic, St. Luke's Episcopal and the First Presbyterian (the Lutheran Church had not yet joined).
In order to accomplish the goal of starting a youth center, funds were applied for through the New
York State Division for Youth. A $5,000.00 matching grant was received in June of 1982.

In 2009, the Saranac Lake Youth Center, re-located to 29 Woodruff Street.: The Youth Center is currently always staffed by the part time Director and one background checked volunteer. In the past before funding was cut so drastically the Youth Center was able to employ a full time Director and two part time Assistant Directors .

Physical Space and Recreational Equipment: and Activities
There are three very nice rooms (2000 sq ft) that contain a pool table, ping pong table, computers, air hockey, foosball tables and a stereo system. The living room area contains couches and dining room table and chairs.

3. Recreational Activities and Developmental Activities:
School year open hours are Mon-Fri 2:30 to 6:00pm and Summer hours are Mon-Fri 1:30 to 4:30pm . The Youth Center also coordinates alternative activities such as the Annual Saranac Lake Youth Center Circus, Block Party, The Home for the Holiday's activities, Daffest and Scavenger Hunt for the Winter Carnival committee, and other community service projects.

The Center offers many arts and crafts activities, an abundance of family friendly board games and fund raising events that the youth organize and participate in that promotes personal growth, self-awareness, group dynamic experiences, leadership skills and preparation for life experiences. .

We would like to be able to offer much more to our communities youth who frequent the Youth Center. In the past when there was funding available, the Center was able to take the youth on overnight retreats, bowling, ice skating, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, camping and hiking trips. Transportation to and from events was provided.

The Saranac Lake Youth Center is among a very short list of Individual Community Youth Centers that has been in operation for 30+ years in America. We need the talent, dedication, and commitment we Saranac Lakers are known for to keep our Youth Center open and thriving for our children now and their children in the future.