Teen Night Out

Teen Night Outs (TNO) is a series of Friday night events designed just for teens. All events meet or take place at the B.L.O.C.K. Some TNO’s fill up quickly and space is limited. We encourage you to register in advance.  Pizza and snacks are provided.
Every Friday 6:30-10:30 pm.

Registration for Teen Night Out closes at 6:45 pm: No exceptions.

9/8- BLOCK Party (Open House)-FREE
9/15- Go Karts and Batting Cages- $5
9/22-Bowling-$5
9/29-Hangout Night-$5

10/6: Skyzone-$5
10/13-Relentless Tour (Anti-Bullying Speaker)-FREE
10/20- Whirly Ball-$5
10/27- Escape Room -$5

11/3- Cornmaze- $5
11/10- NO TNO- BLOCK CLOSES at 6:30pm
11/17: Hangout Night-$5
11/24- NO TNO BLOCK CLOSED

12/1: Paint and Hot Chocolate-$5
12/8: Winter Dance- $5
12/15: Ice Skating- $5
12/22: NO TNO BLOCK CLOSED
12/29: NO TNO BLOCK CLOSED


*Schedule subject to change without notice*

Register Now for each upcoming Teen Night Out. 

TNO Participant Requirements:

 All participants of the B.L.O.C.K. are required to have a current Emergency Contact Form and Behavior Contract on file.

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)
• If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

Daily Classes

All daily classes are free with the purchase of the After School Membership or Drop In Membership. Programming takes place everyday. Examples of programming is listed below.

BLOCK Buzz - Teen TV

In partnership with Canton Community Television. Teens will create their own news show featuring interviews, BLOCK program segments, and current events. You could be the face of BLOCK Buzz!

Cooking Class

Hungry? Or do you have dreams of being the next Top Chef? Join us for our weekly cooking classes. Recipes are easy and the food is delicious!

Glee Club

Join this musical choir group to sing your favorite hits and perform with your friends! 

Library Programs

In Partnership with the Canton Public Library offering FREE, fun and exciting. Examples are: Music Mashup/Remix Class, Pinterest Party, Hobbit Movie Party, and Food Fighters Club.

Tutoring

Tutoring scholarships are available for participants. Please see the front desk for more information.

3 on 3 Basketball

Sign up to shoot and score with your friends! Games take place at The BLOCK basketball court and the Summit on the Park.

Summer Stay-Cation 2018 

Registration opens in March of 2018

Escape to the BLOCK this summer and experience a summer vacation like none other. Our summer program mixes the right amount of hang out time with fun activities. Every Friday, we’ll whisk you away on an adventure to some of the coolest spots around. Register by the week, day, or just for road trips.


Location: B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center- 3^rd Floor of the Canton Administration Building
Day: M-F
Time: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm 
Ages: 11-17

2018 Fees: TBD

Registering online only allows you to pay in full. Payment plan options are available but you must register at the Summit on the Park or BLOCK Front Desk. No daily drops in will be available, full week registration only)

 In order to attend the BLOCK Summer Camp the following forms must be completed and returned.

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)
• If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

2018 Field Trips (Schedule subject to change) -TBD

Example of Daily Activities Include: 

Mondays: Game time, Fitness Class, Ice Cream Run
Tuesday: Game time, Art Class, Park Trip
Wednesday: Game Time, Cooking Class, Community Gardening
Thursdays: Game Time, Swimming at the Summit, Movie Time
Fridays: Field Trips

Other Activities Offered Throughout the Summer:

Tie-Dye, Talent Show, Library Visits, Scavenger Hunts, Water Day, Messy Day, Field Day and More!

Meet The Staff

A team of dedicated staff members provide supervision during program hours and serve as positive adult role models. Staff members focus on providing a safe and secure environment for this diverse group of teens. When it comes to finding an environment that works best for your children, the B.L.O.C.K. staff creates a unique gathering spot that provides plenty of fun and creative programming. To contact us please call 734/398-5570 or email.

Recreation Specialist

Laura Mortier: Laura graduate from Eastern Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science. She majored in Psychology and minored in Communication. While in college, Laura worked at the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center as a supervisor and adviser for the Youth Advisory Council.  Laura has over 10 years of experience in after-school programming, youth development, and special event planning. In her spare time, she teaches dance at Central City Dance, plays softball, and spends time with her family and friends. Some fun facts about Laura - She had a goldfish that live more than 7 years (RIP), her nails are always polished, and she loves ranch dressing!
 

Teen Services Coordinators

Scott Kardel:  Scott has been "around the block" for awhile. Scott was a part of the Canton Youth Advisory Council for all four years of high school, which met at the B.L.O.C.K. every month. He also volunteered at Teen Night Out events the year leading up to getting hired. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University earning a degree in Social Work. If you get caught in a conversation with Scott, you're likely to hear about his love of dolphins, intense fear of frogs, and at least one serious rhyme every time. He considers few things more rewarding or special than the relationships he has made with the kids he's been lucky enough to meet through this program, and he looks forward to another great year!


Meghan St. Peter: Meghan is a proud graduate of the Plymouth-Canton School District. She also graduated from Madonna University with her teaching certificate in Social Studies, History, and English. Meghan is currently a teacher at Liberty Middle School for both 6th and 8th grade Social Studies. She is very passionate about working with middle school age students at a time in their lives when life can be a bit rough. In Meghan's spare time, she can usually be found "nerding out" and strolling along the streets of Greenfield Village, or spending quality time with her husband and friends!


Chelsea Schmitt: Chelsea graduated with honors in 2013 from Eastern Michigan University, and teaches English at Summefield High School. Chelsea has a passion for working with youth, in particular working toward youth empowerment with at-risk youth. Chelsea has several years experience with youth leadership both as a teacher and a youth council coordinator. In her free-time. Chelsea loves to hang out with her rescue dogs, Colby and Bridgette, and go camping with her family!

​Youth Advisory Council Advisor

Jenny Porter: Jenny worked for the Township for more than 111 years! Jenny is currently in school to earn her degree in Social Work. Jenny says that she absolutely loves what she does here at the B.L.O.C.K. and the teens that she has been lucky to have met and formed connections with. She strives to help the teens that come to the BLOCK have the best time possible. After all you're only a kid once, and you might as well enjoy it! In her spare time she loves spending time with her large family, which includes 3 nieces and 2 nephews.

Teen Services Supervisors 

Micha-Nicole Jones: Micha-Nicole is studying dental hygiene and is in the process of transferring to a dental school from community college to complete her degree.. Micha-Nicole has a big heart and soft spot for children. She always makes sure to put a smile on their faces and give them experiences they will always remember. 

​Teen Services Staff 

Leslie Adams: Leslie graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a double major in Special Education and Elementary Education. She is currently a Special Education teacher in Wayne-Westland. She has always enjoyed working with children and being a positive role model for them to look up to. She enjoys playing sports and staying active. She has an 11 month old puppy named Charlie Carlito that she is obsessed with. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her niece and going to target. 


Shawn Davies: Shawn has a degree in mathematics and economics from Eastern Michigan University. He has been a resident of Plymouth Township for most of his life and graduated from Canton High School in 2012. Shawn has been playing soccer since he was four years old and has played on a variety of teams, including the Ann Arbor Arsenal, Livonia City Soccer Club, and the Canton Celtics.  He loves all types of music and has been taking piano lessons for the last five years. Some of his other hobbies include running, cycling, and playing video games.


Justin Dooley: Justin is a portrait photographer and student filmmaker. Justin attends Wayne State University and has three younger siblings and has years of experience with youth.




Tiffany Jackson- Tiffany is

 a graduate of the University of Michigan, GO BLUE!! She studied Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling. Tiffany 

loves sports; and actually plays basketball, softball and volleyball.  One of her favorite hobbies is coaching and coaches softball and volleyball at a local high school in Detroit. Her favorite colors are purple and blue and her favorite food is Lasagna. 




Emily Libby: Emily has been working at the B.L.O.C.K. for the past five years. Emily graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Along with working at the B.L.O.C.K., she is a preschool teacher. When Emily is not working, you can usually find her at the gym, golfing or spending time with family and friends. Although Emily is very active, she has also been known to eat ice cream out of the carton and eat large quantities of chips and salsa! Teaching and working with children is her passion, there is nothing else she would rather do. Changing lives one day at a time!


Ian Litchtenberg: Ian is a graduate of Concordia University, Ann Arbor. He graduates with a bachelors in Psychology fall of 2016. When he is not spending time hanging out with kids of the BLOCK or his wife, you can find him delving into dungeons with his friends or writing. He enjoys the time spent here and describes it as, "One of the best parts of his week."


Deanna Mitchell:Deanna attended Madonna University majoring in Criminal Justice. Deanna has over five years of experience working with youth of different magnitudes. Her hobbies include: flying the friendly skies seeing the world, enjoying a good book or partaking in sports.


Kelli Mottes: Kelli graduated from CMU in 2013. Since then she has worked at Teaching Family Homes, a group home for at-risk youth, and at the YMCA where she taught kids about healthy living. Kelli enjoys staying active, cooking, and spending time with my husband and their adorable pup, JoJo! Kelli recently moved to the area from the beautiful Upper Peninsula where she was born and raised. She loves to climb trees and catch frogs!
 


Zach Smilo- Zach is currently a student at Eastern Michigan University, with a degree in Social Work. He is a former collegiate football player at Ferris State University. His hobbies include reading, camping, and driving his dirt bike. Zach is excited to be apart of the BLOCK.


Courtney Smith: Courtney is a student at Eastern Michigan University to earn her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has played guitar for 10 years and has been dancing all her life. Courtney tries to always listen, learn and be inspired by kids everyday.

About Us

The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center was established in 2005. It is a unique facility that provides out-of-school programming specifically designed to meet the needs of teen participants, ages 11-17. The program provides the opportunity for youth the engage in supervised leisure activities. 

Mission Statement

At the B.L.O.C.K., we are dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and positive environment for all our participants to utilize and enjoy. The B.L.O.C.K. staff is trained to use good sense and moral character to be strong role models for all participants. We combine activities at the B.L.O.C.K. and other CLS facilities to make our facility relevant to teenagers.

Objectives

 

1. Provide a safe, fun, recreational and caring environment.
2. Promote physical, mental and social well being.
3. Build a strong sense of community by protecting and improving the environment.
4. Help recognize the importance of every individual and to respect everyone equally.
5. Provide an outlet for new exciting experiences and opportunities.
6. Continue to seek feedback and input from children and staff.
7. Promote Health and wellness in all participants.

Population

Canton teens between the ages of 11-17 are the target demographic. The facility serves a diverse group of teens from different school and school districts.

The B.L.O.C.K. Outreach Program

The program targets at-risk youth as identified by the Canton Public Safety Department. Teens who qualify receive free program admission and free transportation.



Available for teens living in:

• Academy Point
• Canton Crossings
• College Park
• Fordham Green
• Holiday Estates
• Sherwood Village
• Wagon Wheel

To find out if your child or children qualify for this free outreach program, please contact the B.L.O.C.K.

Required Participation Forms

• Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
• Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)

If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for families in need and are awarded annually. Applications are available at the B.L.O.C.K. front desk.

Canton's Youth Advisory Council (Y.A.C.)

The Y.A.C. continues to assert itself as an influential group of high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.

Members are selected via an application process. Applications are accepted annually each school year.

Youth Advisory Council Application

If you are a student in grades 9-12 who lives in Canton, and are interested in getting involved with this dynamic group, call the B.L.O.C.K. at 734/398-5570.

Youth Advisory Council Purpose

Canton Township Leisure Services has identified Youth Development as a priority in the Canton Community. The Youth Advisory Council, through interaction with the community, philanthropy, and the Community Foundation will provide the Recreation Specialist (youth) input and guidance as Canton Leisure Services strives to enhance a sense of community among youth through empowerment and the education of responsibility youth have to their community.

Incentive Program

Get involved in The B.L.O.C.K. Programming, the Canton Community, and make change through positive behavior and involvement. Build points for being involved in B.L.O.C.K. Programming and getting "caught" doing the "right" thing. Ex: 15 points for attending weekly Glee Club, 5 points for helping another participant with homework. Cash in points for mini prizes (ice cream trip, B.L.O.C.K. T-shirt, Pizza Party, Free Teen Night Out, Free Field Trip, etc.).  The top 25 participants who earn the most points during the 15-16 school year will win a free trip! Sign up at The B.L.O.C.K. front desk.

2014-2015: Michigan Adventure
2015-2016: Kalahari Water Park
2016-2017: Cedar Pointe

"Thank you very much for providing my daughter a safe place to grow. Since she started attending the B.L.O.C.K., her whole mannerism and engagement with others has significantly improved."

-Anil Manikkara (Parent)

"I used the B.L.O.C.K. for my kids when they attended CCA. This place is awesome! It is a great option for the Canton/Plymouth area. The best part was the staff!"

-Pam Bellino (Parent)

"It brought her (daughter Hannah) out of her shell. She went from below average grades to making the honor roll. She has become a social butterfly. I feel like this program was heaven-sent. I can't say enough good about it."

-Charlene Grant (Parent)

Lead #LikeAGirl

This  leadership initiative through the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center aims to inspire young women to rethink what it means to do something #LikeAGirl. 

A group of 15 women will be selected though an application process at the B.L.O.C.K. in September 2017. Applications will require permission from parents and school administrators for consideration. Programs will be held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of, and exposure to local resources. Workshops, activities and conversations will be centered around self-esteem, healthy living and relationships, women in the media, service learning, women who wow and so much more! Participants who complete the 9-month commitment will graduate from the program in front of family and friends, celebrating their new understanding of what it really means to Lead #LikeAGirl.

Watch the VIDEO from the past years program!

 2017-2018 applications available here!

• If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
  
  

For more information you can email our Lead #LikeAGirl Program Coordinator at laura.mortier@canton-mi.org

Generous Program Partners & Sponsors

• Canton Township Board of Trustees
• Canton Community Foundation
• Canton Community Television
• Canton Leisure Services 
• Canton Public Library
• Canton Public Safety
• Canton Observer and Eccentric
• D&M Art Studio
• Eastern Michigan University
• First Step
• Mary Ann Foss
• State Representative, Kristi Pagan
• Chef Kristi Zebrowski
• Plymouth-Canton School District
• Photographer, Christie Cunningham 
• Sweetwater Coffee and Tea
• St. Joseph Mercy Health System
• The Village Theater at Cherry Hill

​How Can I Help?

The BLOCK is always accepting donations. If you are interested in donating something please contact us to see how you can help.

Examples of donations:

• Monetary donation to the BLOCK (to purchase program supplies or sponsor a participant)
• Monetary donation to our Youth Advisory Council Endowment fund which helps fund youth projects in Canton. Donate here!
• Board Games
• Movies
• Video Games
• Arts and Craft Supplies
• Holiday Decorations
• Passes to local movie theaters, pizza restaurants, etc.
• Gift Cards

Be A #ModelMan is a youth leadership and empowerment initiative for young men ages 11 - 15 in the Canton community. Be A #ModelMan is designed to grow six core values in young men that develop respectful, responsible, and reliable young, male leaders. These core program values are integrity, empathy, compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Be A #ModelMan aims to meet the following program values through themed workshops.

A group of 15 young men will be selected through an application process at The B.L.O.C.K. in early fall. Applications will require permission from parents for consideration. Programs will be held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of and exposure to local resources. 

2017-2018 application available here!