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The
Youth Center
The Firehouse Youth Center, the flagship facility
of the Division of Youth Services, is available to students
after school, on weekends, and during school holidays. A
nominal membership fee is required in order to participate
in activities at The Firehouse.
Membership at The Firehouse includes:
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Use of a fully equipped, professionally supervised facility,
featuring a game room, TV lounge, pool tables, foosball, ping-pong,
arts and crafts, and arcade games;
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Transportation from two of Highland Park's middle schools to
the Activity Center, Monday through Friday, after school;
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A quiet study area on the second floor designated as a respite
from the more interactive areas of the building. This space is
equipped with computers, and staff members are available to assist
with homework;
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Free tutoring by Highland Park High School student volunteers.
Such partnerships benefit not only the students' academic status,
but their socialization skills as well;
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Snacks available for purchase that may be prepared in The
Firehouse kitchen;
- Staff Assistant positions, which provide adolescents with an
opportunity to gain workplace skills. Positions are filled by candidates
who successfully complete the application and interview process.
Programs and
Classes
A variety of programs and classes are offered throughout the year that appeal
to the varied interests of the students we serve.
Community Service projects allow participants to
learn the value of helping others.
Intergenerational Programs provide opportunities
for interaction between young adults and senior citizens.
Baby-sitting Classes, taught by Highland Park Hospital
staff, cover basic skills in child and infant care. Emergency procedures
are also taught, and each student successfully completing the class
receives Red Cross Certification verifying their training.
Special Interest Classes such as a therapeutic
Girl's Group area offered at various times each calendar year.
Field Trips
Each year, Youth Services plans a wide variety of excursions throughout the Chicagoland
area. These trips are scheduled during school holidays and vacation breaks,
and include visits to water parks, arcades, amusement parks, and recreational
facilities.
Participation requires a fee to cover ticket and travel expenses,
and a signed parental permission form. All trips are chaperoned by
Youth Services staff, who are available to assist participants, and
transportation is provided in the Division’s fifteen-seat passenger
van.
Membership at The Firehouse is not required to participate
in field trips. Guests are welcome for an additional fee, provided
they meet age eligibility requirements.
Summer Breakfast Club
In response to the needs of working parents, The Firehouse is now open between 8 am and 9 am Monday through Friday. Whether members are signed up for the Morning Camp, any of the afternoon camps, or just using the activity center, now we offer our services one hour earlier. Sign up to have breakfast at The Firehouse and enjoy all that it has to offer, one hour earlier. This opportunity is available during the "second half" of the summer, July 21-August 22.
One Week Specialty Camps
During the summer months various one-week specialty camps are offered. Those camps include learning about the Highland Park Police and Fire Departments, a week of water park trips, sports camp, apprentice camp, among others.
Community
Education
A wide range of educational opportunities and personal-growth experiences are
also offered. Programs are developed for youth, parents and human service professionals,
and are facilitated by either Youth Services staff or professional consultants.
In addition to internally developed programs, Youth Services often works with
other groups to co-sponsor community education activities. Services within this
program area include parenting classes, parent networking groups, and presentations
relating to adolescent development. Occasionally, a fee is required to participate
in community education programs.
Support Services
Assistance to adolescents and their families is available through individual
and group counseling, community resource information, referral services, and
parent networking. Staff works closely with a wide range of community resources
to ensure that support and appropriate assistance are provided. All support
services are confidential, and provided free of charge by qualified Youth Services
staff.
Employment
Referral
The Division's HIRE (Help Individuals Realize Employment) program is offered
to Highland Park students in grades six through twelve, providing participants
with local job referrals. Residential and commercial job opportunities are
accepted from employers in the Highland Park community. Youth Services staff
interviews prospective candidates and links qualified students with appropriate
positions. If hired, students are paid directly by the employer. Students are
offered opportunities to enhance workplace skills through periodic workshops
such as Babysitter Training courses, First Aid and courses.
Special Events
A wide variety of special events are planned each year, including junior high
dances, family nights, open houses and community-based
projects. Most of these programs are sponsored solely by Youth Services. Occasionally,
they are co- sponsored with other local organizations. Staff works closely
with students, an advisory group, and community members to assist in program
development and implementation. The Firehouse has become a Late Nite Middle School destination and will host Late Nite Middle School events monthly.
Outreach
Outreach provides a vehicle by which Youth Services staff and programs are
introduced to students unfamiliar with the activities available at The
Firehouse Activity Center. Staff visit each middle school weekly during
the lunch period. In this setting, staff has the opportunity to interact
informally with students. These visits serve a vital function, educating
students on the vast array of programs and services that are available to
them through the City’s Division of Youth Services.
"AFTER
3" AT THE FIREHOUSE
"AFTER 3" AT THE FIREHOUSE kicks off this year to serve the growing
needs of working families with children in middle school. Research has shown
that the
hours between 3-6 pm are a crucial time for supervision of middle school students.
After school programs fill that gap for parents, and many experts refer to these
programs as the “new neighborhood”.
"AFTER 3" AT THE FIREHOUSE provides highly trained
adult supervisors offering your child enriching activities that can
develop
their potential, build their confidence, and help them with their
schoolwork! Make the MOST out of your child’s after school
time!
"AFTER 3" AT THE FIREHOUSE includes:
- All 6th grade members are on closed campus unless otherwise
directed by a parent
- Supervision, coaching, and homework assistance by well-trained,
highly educated staff
- Mentoring and tutoring by HPHS students
- Personal attention and life-skills modeled by trained staff
- Sports, art, and other enrichment activities by guest instructors
- Computer instruction including Google and Beyond, and Fast Facts
provided by Highland Park Library
- Internet Safety instruction by the Highland Park Police
- Diversity and tolerance workshops offered by the Human Relations
Commission
- Opportunities to develop social relationships
- Nutritious, organic snack provided in the study room
| Fee without transportation |
Fee with transportation |
| 1 day: $35 |
1 day: $70 |
| 2 days: $70 |
2 days: $140 |
| 3 days: $105 |
3 days: $210 |
| 4 days: $140 |
4 days: $280 |
| 5 days: $175 |
5 days: $350 |
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