Los Alamos County Youth Activity Centers Open House Set for March 25

Los Alamos County's Youth Activity Centers will open their doors to families and the community on March 25 to showcase the programs, services and staff that provide supervised educational, recreational and social opportunities for children and teens across the county.

The open house spans the network of centers the county supports, including the Los Alamos Teen Center at 475 20th Street, Suite C, which offers one of the broadest youth program menus in the area. The Teen Center, operated under the YMCA umbrella and directed by Eli Argo, runs programs ranging from music recording and production to video creation and editing, mural painting, open art studio sessions, tutoring, laser tag events and monthly themed tea parties. A Teen Council and Youth Mobilizers program round out the civic engagement offerings.

The Teen Center's mission centers on building self-efficacy and resiliency through educational support and positive youth development. Its partners include Fuller Lodge Art Center, Los Alamos Public Schools, the Los Alamos Photography Club, PEEC and the Los Alamos County DWI Program, among others. Funding comes through supporters including Los Alamos County, the Delle Foundation, the Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and Alex and Christina Simons.

Families considering membership should know that participation in in-person activities requires a completed membership packet, available on-site or for download. During the school year, the Teen Center operates Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Specific times and locations for the March 25 open house have not been confirmed. Families can contact the Los Alamos Teen Center directly at (505) 695-7415 or latc@laymca.org, or reach Director Eli Argo at eargo@laymca.org and Assistant Director Misty Suazo at msuazo@laymca.org for details ahead of the event.