Teen Zone

Teen Zone: 11 Years of Empowering Youth!

#TeenZone is proudly celebrating 12 years of empowering the youth of Park Forest with a history filled with transformative programs and meaningful experiences. What began at the Park Forest Public Library in 2013 has grown into a cornerstone of the community, fostering personal growth, education, and essential life skills. In 2014, with the assistance of the Park Forest Police Department, #TeenZone officially transitioned to Recreation, Parks, and Community Health, where it now operates from the Recreation Center inside Michelle Obama Middle School.

During its early years, the Park Forest Police Department played a crucial role in #TeenZone’s success, particularly through violence prevention initiatives. Today, the program continues to evolve, offering a variety of activities that resonate with the teens.

Key Programs Have Included:

• Sports and Recreation: #TeenZone has a strong focus on sports, where teens can enjoy basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and even video games for some friendly competition and fun.
• Teen Jobs Connection Program: Through this initiative, teens have helped local seniors with tasks such as snow shoveling, lawn care, and garden cleanup, teaching them responsibility and community service.
• Homework Help and STEM Programming: We offer academic support and hands-on technology learning to prepare teens for future challenges.
• Life Skills Classes: From healthy cooking to personal finance, these classes equip teens with skills for everyday life.
• College and Trade Tours: In partnership with Rich Township 227, we've led local college tours to Dawson Technical Institute and Prairie State College, as well as trade sessions with organizations like the Local Plumbers Union.
• HBCU College Tours: We’ve taken teens on inspiring tours to cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Jackson, Mississippi, where they stayed in Airbnb mansions to show them the opportunities available through hard work. We are excited to bring this tour back next year, with limited space available!
• Outdoor Adventures: Our overnight camping trips have helped teens build connections with nature, learn outdoor skills, and bond with one another.
• Special Events: Events like our annual trip to Fright Fest have been a highlight for participants, creating fun memories.

Our partnership with organizations like 4-H and Junior Achievement have introduced entrepreneurship and cooking classes, including the Healthy Cooking Enrichment Program. We've hosted speaker series with local leaders and provided CPR training to ensure our teens are equipped with critical life-saving skills.

The OAI Makers Class, introduced during our summer program, was a huge success, allowing teens to explore their creativity and innovation. Our previous summer activities at the Park Forest Tennis and Health Club have also offered opportunities for physical activity and community building.

As we celebrate our 11 years, we are excited to bring back many of these beloved programs while introducing new ones that will meet the evolving needs of our teens. Stay tuned for more announcements, and get ready for a year filled with growth, opportunities, and fun!

For more information contact - Teen Zone Coordinator at 708.625.8902