Teen, 12-18
General Teen Classes
Classes are offered in arts, dance and drama, martial arts, games and sports and more. Outdoor classes are offered in stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, rafting, mt. biking, sailing, skateboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and more. Aquatic classes are offered in swim lessons, springboard diving, water polo, junior aquatic staff and lifeguarding.
For a current listing of offerings browse our online recreation guide or register online Opens a New Window. .
Teen Empowerment Program
Eugene Rec Teen Empowerment Program works with community partners to provide out of school time recreation and enrichment activities for youth. Programs empower teens by building life and job skills, offering access to caring youth and adult mentors, participating in service opportunities, improving leadership abilities, and increasing access to other vital community resources. Programs are designed to be low-barrier and inclusive so that every young person is provided the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future. Current offerings are listed below.
A part of Eugene Rec's Teen Empowerment Program
Teens In Power
(Ages 13-19)
Starting July 5
Monday-Thursday • 5-9 p.m. | Free drop-in
Washington Park Community Center
Involving teens in all aspects of program development is one of the ways we define empowerment. Brainstorming, and scheduling activities for fall will be part of the many fun and exciting activities taking place at Teens In Power. Food, yoga, music, crafts, chess, classes, jobs, resources, etc. Choose your own adventure!
Vibe
(Ages 12-18)
Fridays • 5-9 p.m. | Free drop-in
Petersen Barn Community Center
Come join us at Petersen Barn Community Center every Friday night from 5-9 p.m. for loads of fun! We have free food, drinks and tons of activities and games to play. Featuring video games, VR headsets, table tennis arcade basketball, air hockey and more. Drop-in and grab a bite to eat, play some games or just chill with us! For more information call or text 541-321-2958.
Recreation Apprentice Program (RAP)
(Ages 14-17)
Petersen Barn Community Center
What is the RAP program?
- The RAP program gives 14-17-year old’s the opportunity to gain job skills while working in Recreation programs: youth camps, recreation classes and preschool.
- RAP participants will receive general recreation trainings such as Positive Behavior Management, Work-Team Development and Growth Mindset to mention a few. RAP participants will also receive industry training including CPR, First-Aid and Food Handlers Permit.
- While in the program participants will work on a resume, learn to write a letter of interest, and conduct interview practices both as the interviewer and interviewee.
- Periodically throughout the program we will go on team building fun field trips.
- Upon completion of the program RAP Participants will receive a letter or recommendation and be encouraged to apply for a recreation staff position.
- Hours for this program can be used towards school community service program hours.
How many hours/weeks is this program?
- We will work with participants to create a consistent schedule in the program.
- In the summer we will ask RAP participants to work 10-20 hours per week for 6-8 weeks.
- During the school year participants will have the opportunity to work between 3-8 hours per week per term (fall, winter, spring).
How do I join the RAP program?
Contact Oliver Redig at 541-682-6380 to set up an interest meeting. In the interest meeting, we will ask you questions about your hobbies, goals and interest in applying for the RAP program. Complete and pass a background check and a liability waiver form.
Resolve Youth Restorative Justice
(Ages 12-17)
Make a difference in your community through service with Resolve Youth Restorative Justice. As a youth volunteer, you will have the opportunity to listen to the testimonies of your peers, collaborate with others, and give accountable youth the chance to take responsibility for their actions.
Resolve is a restorative justice program that allows youth who have committed non-violent crimes an opportunity to repair harm. Through a partnership with the Lane County Department of Youth Services, our program is forwarded cases appropriate for youth volunteers to work with. Together, volunteers, accountable youth and staff circle up and engage in open, honest dialogue. The group decides restorative actions that allow for closure and healing for the accountable youth, their family, and the community. Our volunteers actively support their peers, while accountable youth are provided a contract unique to them. More Resolve Info
Presented in partnership with Eugene Rec Youth & Teen Empowerment Program.
Back2Youth Summer Camp
(Ages 11-18)
June 21-July 26, Tu & Th • 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Free
Bridging pathways to health and wellness by reconnecting youth with mother nature. Biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, archery, ropes course, nature education, mindfulness, yoga, meditation and many other self-empowering activities. For youth facing increased barriers to opportunities between 11-18 years.
Register: back2youth.org. Deadline to enroll is June 10.
Explorando y Aprendiendo Juntos
Wednesday evenings & Saturdays at noon | Free
Presented by Latino Americano, Huerto de la Familia & Downtown Languages
A bilingual program for high school-age Latinx youth though everyone is welcome. We will be learning arts and crafts and outdoor activities and have guests who will share experiences and skills. Limit to 12 participants, BIPOC youth will be prioritized.
Register and more information: Emma Avalos at 541-510-9389
Alluvium Generosity Market
Starts in August | Free
Volunteer Leadership Program, Community Service and Leadership Education Program.
Register and more information: alluviumeugene@gmail.com
Solid Strides Summer Horse Camp
July 5-8, Tu-F • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Middle School
July 25-28, M-Th • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | High School
Enrollment is $10 and open until filled
84675 Hideaway Hills Branch Road
All aspects of working with horses, including safe handling, horse behavior, and care, basic riding skills, and fun horse-themed arts and crafts! Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience horse sports, and we invite our BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically excluded community members into a safe and welcoming learning environment, because horses love everyone!
Register and more information: solidstrides.org, email solidstrideseq@gmail.com or call Katie Ebbage at 541-729-5767.
Upstart Crow Youth Theater 2nd Annual PRIDE Camp
August 29-September 2, M-F • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
This is an entire week dedicated to LGBTQIA2S+ and providing an affirming space for teens ages 13-17 while exploring queer, trans and nonbinary communities (both past and present) impact on culture, history and life today.
Register and more information: upstartcrowstudios.org
AccessAbility
Free
Presented by The Arc of Lane County
Information contact: angela.phinney@arclane.org
Ophelia's Place After and Out of School (AOS) Female Youth Empowerment Program
June 2022-May 2023 | Free
Register and more information: opheliasplace.net
Sharing Human Nature
Oregon Community Programs
Free
A research-informed group for youth aged 11-14 that focuses on teaching future adults ways to develop mindfulness practices to prevent or alleviate depression and anxiety through time spent in nature. Open to youth with Oregon Health Plan insurance to participate in a 4-week, community-based therapeutic group led by Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) and Associates (QMHA) counselors.
More information: oslc.org/odi
Youth Inclusion Services
Inclusion Services are available by discussing the request with the person taking your registration and/or requesting accommodations using a Youth Inclusion Services Request form. Once a request has been received, a Recreation staff member will contact you. Visit our Inclusion Services page for more information.