More Than a Place to Hang Out

For local teens, having a place to spend time with friends, explore interests, and feel connected to their community can make a real difference. At Phelps Helps, the Youth Club offers just that: a welcoming space where young people can relax, have fun, and find their own ways to get involved.

A Place to Connect, Play, and Explore

Open every Thursday and Friday, the Youth Club offers a variety of activities, from movie and game nights to trivia and art projects. Its outdoor space has also become a favourite spot for teens to gather, chat, and enjoy time together.

Not every visit needs to revolve around a planned activity. Sometimes, having somewhere to go and people to spend time with is enough.

For teens looking to get involved in something more hands-on, there are plenty of opportunities this fall. The club is preparing to host its second-ever 3-on-3 basketball tournament, building on the success of its sports programming. Phelps also offers a free monthly community meal for teens and their families, creating another opportunity to bring people together around the table.

Learning New Skills Through FlavourLab

Food is also at the heart of FlavourLab, a monthly cooking workshop for teens aged 12 to 17.

Working in small groups, participants learn to prepare meals from scratch while developing practical kitchen skills. Recent workshops have included homemade pretzels and a Thanksgiving dinner, with pork chops and sides on the menu for an upcoming session.

From following recipes to sharing the finished meal, teens get to take ownership of what they create while learning skills they can use long after the workshop ends. And, of course, there's something special about enjoying a meal you've made yourself!

Young People Helping Shape What's Next

The Youth Club isn't just a place where activities happen. It's also a place where young people can help decide what those activities look like.

Through the Phelps Youth Leadership Committee, teens have the opportunity to share their ideas, collaborate with others, and bring events to life. The committee has kicked off its new year and is already planning several exciting events, including a skating night, the annual Winter Dance, and the return of last year's highly successful Sports Night.

By taking part in the planning process, committee members gain experience organizing events, working as a team, and creating experiences for other local youth. Their ideas help ensure that the Youth Club continues to reflect the interests and needs of the young people it serves.

Building Connections Beyond the Phelps Building

The Youth Club's reach extends beyond the Phelps building, too. Through weekly lunchtime programming at both Alexander Galt Regional High School and École secondaire La Ruche, Phelps creates opportunities to connect with students right in their school communities.

At La Ruche, students can drop into a dedicated hangout room for snacks, conversation, and special activities. Last week, they got creative with a make-your-own ramen workshop!

At Galt, Phelps sets up a table in the cafeteria where students can stop by to answer fun questions, take part in a round of “Would You Rather?”, or simply have a chat.

These informal visits allow us to stay connected with the Stanstead youth already involved in our programs while getting to know students who may not otherwise cross paths with Phelps. By becoming a familiar presence in the schools, we help strengthen the ties between students, Phelps, and the wider Stanstead community.

It's another way to foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond program participation.

Finding Your Own Way to Belong

From casual afternoons outdoors to cooking workshops, sports tournaments, and youth-led events, the Youth Club offers teens different ways to spend their time, develop new skills, and get involved.

Most importantly, young people don't have to arrive with a plan or a particular interest to take part.

Not every young person will join a committee, sign up for a cooking workshop, or take part in a basketball tournament. Some will come for the activities; others will come for the company. The important thing is that there is a place for both.

At Phelps Helps, the Youth Club gives teens the freedom to find their own way to participate, the encouragement to try something new, and the opportunity to see themselves as an important part of their community.

Because sometimes, a place to hang out is much more than that. It's a place to connect, feel welcome, and belong.

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Phelps Helps is a community-led non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens and young adults in Stanstead and the surrounding area. Through free educational, career and youth development programs, Phelps works alongside young people, families, schools, volunteers and community partners to create opportunities and remove barriers.

To learn more, volunteer or get involved, contact info@phelpshelps.ca, visit www.phelpshelps.ca or call 819-704-0799.