Youth Afterschool Program
Calling all Oak Park middle and high school youth!
Oak Park middle and high school students can enjoy FREE access to the CRC from 3:00-6:00P Monday through Friday when school is in session. During this time, structured and unstructured activities and spaces will be available and supervised by CRC staff including access to the esports lounge, gymnasium, community rooms, and multipurpose room.
Through a partnership with the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township (CMHB), the Youth Afterschool provides regular opportunities for youth to participate in mental wellness workshops designed for adolescents and teens. Workshops are designed to help youth gain and maintain overall mental wellness, share information, and engage in skill-building activities designed to optimize their mental health and create knowledge of available resources. The program does not include any direct counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, or any other intervention provided by a licensed clinician.
Teens cannot sign up for this program without parent approval.
Teen Mental Wellness Programming
4:00-4:45P | Select Wednesdays
Presented by Ascension IL Center for Mental Health
Much of our worry comes from thinking about things we can’t change, like other people’s opinions or world events. Redirecting focus to your own thoughts, actions, and attitudes, can help minimize this “mental clutter” and lower your anxiety. In this activity, work in teams to create a poster showing what things you can and can’t control, and learn how to manage feelings around the latter.
Presented by Thrive Counseling Center
Got the winter blues? In this activity, engage in a bingo-inspired game that explores ways to regulate your emotions, and have a chance to demonstrate and describe how you can customize skills that meet your unique needs.
Presented by Sarah’s Inn
Relationships can be wonderful, and they can be hard. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out if they are healthy. What does love look like to you? During this workshop, create a collage using magazines and art supplies to express what love means to you.
Presented by Way Back Inn
Gambling seems to be everywhere these days! During this workshop, play a trivia game answering questions related to gambling risks and probabilities, learning along the way about the unpredictability and consequences of gambling behavior.
Presented by NAMI Metro Suburban
Regularly reading optimistic statements that help inspire hope, motivation, and positivity helps promote positive self-talk and boost your confidence. During this workshop, you will decorate your own jar and fill it with affirmations that can help you see and appreciate your full worth and capabilities.
Presented by CAYR Connections
Feeling stressed? Your brain and body are trying to tell you something! Learn how to spot these signals and try out some sensory tools and strategies to figure out what works best for you. You’ll leave with a personalized Brain Boost Kit that’s as unique as your brain and ready to use whenever you need it.
4:00-4:45P | Select Mondays
Presented by Mosaic
Do you love learning the newest dance challenge? Just want to move? Join this interactive workshop to express your creativity! We’ll work together to choose and learn routines, having fun and building our empowerment. There is no “right way” to move, so we’ll celebrate our differences and welcome everyone and their bodies, abilities, cultures, and dance backgrounds.
Dates: Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 9, Mar 23, Apr 6, Apr 20, May 4, May 18
Activity Options
The Gymnasium and Esports Lounge are available daily. Check out the list below for special activities. Schedule subject to change.
Check back soon for January and February activities!
Youth Afterschool Events
Activities
Workshops
