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Teens-B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center
The B.L.O.C.K. (Building Leaders Out of Canton's Kids) is a 3,000 square foot, state-of-the-art youth and teen center. Since 2001, The B.L.O.C.K. has provided after school and youth development programs for thousands of teens in the community. The center offers a safe, supervised and social setting for teens ages 11-17. To learn more about The B.L.O.C.K.'s programming, or to schedule a tour, please call 734/398-5570 or reach out via email Opens a New Window. .
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Required Forms for Participation
An Emergency Contact Form and Behavior Contract must be filled out to attend any programs at The B.L.O.C.K.
- Emergency Contact Form Opens a New(HTML online fillable form) or (PDF) Opens a New Window., which must be filled out and emailed to TheBLOCK@canton-mi.org
- Behavior Contract Opens a New(HTML online fillable form) or (PDF) Opens a New Window. , which must be filled out and emailed to TheBLOCK@canton-mi.org
- If you would like the forms 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 Opens a New Window. .
- About Us
- Lead #LikeAGirl
- Be A #ModELMAN
- Outreach Program
- Amenities
- Meet the Staff
- Testimonials
- How Can I Help?
- SUMMER CAMP
- Fall AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
- Transpire
- YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
- TEEn NIGHT OUT
About The B.L.O.C.K.
Mission Statement
At The B.L.O.C.K., we are dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and positive environment for all of our participants to utilize and enjoy. The B.L.O.C.K. staff is trained to use good sense and moral character in order to be strong role models for all participants. We combine activities at The B.L.O.C.K. and other Canton Leisure Services facilities to make our facility relevant and engaging to teenagers.
Objectives
- Provide an affordable, safe, supervised, fun, and nurturing environment through The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center with a focus on after- and out-of-school hours.
- The B.L.O.C.K. administration, staff, programs, and operations will strive to honor diversity, equity, and inclusion in all practices.
- Education, programs, resources, and partners will help foster knowledge and skill-building for lifelong social and mental health, as well as physical wellness.
- The B.L.O.C.K. strives to help participants develop a strong sense of commitment to protecting and improving the environment and nature through environmentally conscious use of resources, intentional outdoor recreation and programming opportunities, and educational programs that focus on conservation and environmental sustainability.
- Opportunities will help youth recognize and reinforce the importance of empathy, kindness, responsibility, and respect through a combination of community outreach, service projects, leadership, and mentoring programs.
- The B.L.O.C.K. administration and staff will serve as positive role models for participants, demonstrating good character, and ensuring an environment of safety and trust at all times.
- The B.L.O.C.K. aims to support family and individual academic goals by providing quiet spaces for study, time for homework, and access to tutors as available.
- Participants will be provided with ongoing opportunities to explore new and ongoing talents, hobbies, and interests through The B.L.O.C.K. clubs, classes, and programs that will support and reinforce 21st Century Learning Skills.
- Staff and administration will monitor current trends, and seek user feedback via surveys, questionnaires, meetings, and discussions to ensure the highest program quality and positive participant experiences.
- The B.L.O.C.K. is committed to maintaining strong community partnerships and alliances with local schools, Canton Public Safety, and other like organizations to identify and bridge potential gaps in important programs or services for area families and youth.
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.
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 are selected though an application process at The B.L.O.C.K. every fall. Applications require permission from parents and school administrators for consideration.
2022-2023 application window is now closed.
Programs are held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of, and exposure to local resources. Workshops, activities, and conversations are 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 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 year's program!
For more information, you can email our Lead #LikeAGirl Program Coordinator.
2021/2022 GENEROUS PROGRAM PARTNERS & SPONSORS
PRIMARY SPONSOR-MASCO CORPORATION
- Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
- Amy Finkenbine, Eastern Michigan University
- Arctic Edge
- Blair Klco, Miller Elementary Principal
- Canton Township Board of Trustees
- Canton Community Foundation
- Canton Community Television
- Canton Leisure Services
- Canton Public Safety
- Dana Hater, Summit Fitness Instructor
- Dayna Polehanki, Michigan State Senator
- Eastern Michigan University
- First Step
- Kim Muir, Power Skating
- Kristi Zebrowski and Grace Savory and Sweet
- Meaghan St. Pierre and WDIV
- St. Joseph Mercy Health System
- Sydney Brudzinski Photography
- The Village Theater at Cherry Hill
- Yankee Air Museum
BE A #MODELMAN
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 are selected through an application process at The B.L.O.C.K. in early fall. Applications require permission from parents for consideration. Programs will be held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of and exposure to local resources.
2022-2023 application window is now closed.
For more information on this program, email the Program Coordinator.
Watch last year’s program video here Version OptionsTeens-B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen CenterHeadline
2021/2022 GENEROUS PROGRAM PARTNERS AND SPONSORS:
- Canton Township Board of Trustees
- Canton Community Television
- Canton Leisure Services
- Canton Public Safety
- Darian Moore, Keller Williams Realty
- David Evoy, Eastern Michigan University Social Work Department
- Dr. Charles Graham, Associate Professor
- Dylan Saccone & Eastern Michigan University Football Program
- Eastern Michigan Admission Office
- Grace Savory & Sweet Catering
- IT Figures, LLC
- Nicholas Pomante, Eastern Michigan University
- Ranjeev Puri, Michigan State Representative 21st House District
- Roderick Wallace, Eastern Michigan University
- Ronald Simpson, Just Leadership USA
- Shamar Herron, Michigan Works!
- Sydney Brudzinski and Natalie Cooper Photography
- The Summit on the Park
- The Village Theater at Cherry Hill
- Thomas Arbaugh, Summit Fitness Instructor
- Tyler Weston, Real Estate One
- Upward Bound
canton Connects
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.
CANTON YOUTH CONNECTION
Canton Youth Connection is for youth attending Miller Elementary School ages 5-10 living in Lincolnshire Village. CYC programming takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Monday includes Summit swim lessons at no cost to participants, Wednesday is on-site programming at Miller Elementary School, and each Friday participants rotate through a variety of field trip experiences. Participants will meet 1 to 3 times per week depending on their group and swim/field trip rotations.
- Who: Youth ages 5-10 that live in Lincolnshire Village
- What: FREE After-School Programming
- When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday November – June
- Where: Miller Elementary and the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center
CANTON TEEN CONNECTION AFTER-SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
Canton Teen Connection after school membership includes pick up from PCEP, East, or Pioneer at dismissal time and transportation to and home from the BLOCK. Transportation home is as early as 4:30pm and as late as 7:00pm. All daily enrichment programming is included in this membership. Examples of daily enrichment include: art class, cooking class, summit sports, Real Talk, tutoring, and more.
- Who: Lincolnshire Village youth 11-17, By application; first-come, first-served
- When: Monday – Thursday from school dismissal to 7:00pm, Friday from dismissal to 6:30pm.
- Where: BLOCK Youth and Teen Center
CANTON TEEN CONNECTION DROP-IN MEMBERSHIP
Canton Teen Connection drop-in membership program is intended for those participants who do not attend one of the schools provided in the After-School Membership or who don’t need programming every day. BLOCK staff will pickup and drop-off registered participants from their homes. Programming includes: Monday – art class, hot meal Monday, Wednesday – tutoring, cooking class, Friday – summit sports, TNO
- Who: Lincolnshire Village youth 11-17, by application, first-come, first-served
- When: Monday, Wednesday 4:30pm-7:00pm; Friday 4:30-9:30pm
- Where: BLOCK Youth and Teen Center
CANTON TEEN CONNECTION WEEKLY DROP-IN
Not sure if you want to come to The B.L.O.C.K. regularly? Just looking to try it out? You can still drop in to The B.L.O.C.K. on school days. Transportation is provided to and home from the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center on a rotating schedule every Tuesday and Thursday to youth ages 11-17 living in Westpoint, Academy, Sherwood, and Glenridge. The rotation is below:
- 1st week of the month – Westpoint and Academy
- 2nd week of the month – Sherwood and Glenridge
- 3rd week of the month – Westpoint and Academy
- 4th week of the month – Sherwood and Glenridge
Who: Youth ages 11-17 living in Westpoint Village, Academy, Sherwood, and Glenridge
What: FREE after-school programming
When: Tuesday and Thursday every other week
Where: The BLOCK Youth and Teen Center
Why: Exposure to the BLOCK
Participation Forms
These forms need to be completed in order to attend.
- Emergency Contact Form The BLOCK Emergency Contact Form (PDF)(PDF) Opens a New Window. | (HTML)
- Behavior Contract (PDF) Opens a New Window. | (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 Opens a New Window. .
B.L.O.C.K. Amenities
By purchasing one of the membership programs, participants have access to The B.L.O.C.K.
- Café
- Lounge
- Quiet Study Room
- Pool Table
- Foosball Table
- Video Game Room
- Music Room
- Computer Lab and much more
Free daily programs include tutoring , art class, teen TV, music lessons, cooking classes, library programming, and 3 on 3 basketball.
To learn more about The B.L.O.C.K.'s programming, or to schedule a tour, please call 734/398-5570 or email Opens a New Window. .
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 Opens a New Window. .
Recreation Specialist
Chelsea Straub: Chelsea graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in English and Health Education and in 2020 with a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She taught high school English and health for eight years and was a programmer for the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center for six years before moving into the Recreation Specialist position. Chelsea has over ten years of experience in youth development, programming, and empowerment. In her free time, Chelsea loves to hang out and go camping with her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Emery.
Teen Services Coordinators
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.
Chelsea Murphy: Chelsea Murphy is a graduate of Michigan State University (Go Green!) where she earned her degree in art history with a specialization in museum studies. After six years working as a museum educator, she is excited to use her experience in informal education to benefit kids in the local community. She especially enjoys thinking of fun and creative ways to help kids learn new things or engage with new topics. Chelsea lives in Canton with her husband and their two cats. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys reading, watching sports, finding new recipes to whip up, and keeping up with the latest movies and shows.
Sarah Mallon: Sarah is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She majored in Psychology and minored in Social Work. In the next couple of years she hopes to go to graduate school for a Masters of Social Work. Sarah has a passion for disability advocacy and working with kids. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, exploring the outdoors, swimming, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!
TEEN SERVICES STAFF
Leanne Coleman: Leanne graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Social Work and is currently working towards her Master's in Social Work from Madonna University and will graduate in May 2022. Leanne has worked at The Block previously for three years and left to pursue her career in school social work. Leanne teaches ice-skating in her spare time and enjoys hanging out with her dog, CheChe.
Nastassja Chambers: Nastassja graduated in 2020 from Wayne State University with a BS in Criminal Justice. She is currently working on her Masters's Degree in Social Work at Wayne State University and will graduate in May 2023. She spent her college years as a student-athlete as she was a member apart of the Wayne State Universities Women's Basketball Team. Nastassja has always been passionate about helping others and believes that our current generation of youth is key to the future. She believes in empowering youth and allowing them to find their voice. In her free time, Nastassja enjoys hanging with her nieces and nephew, working out, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Fatin Jafri:
Fatin is a student at Wayne State University doing a bachelors of science in Psychology. After she graduates, she is planning on going to graduate school for either clinical psychology or developmental neuroscience. She is really excited to start working at The B.L.O.C.K. Teen center and getting to know the kids there. Fatin has a big family and a lot of younger cousins who she spends some of her free time with. She loves to watch films and listen to music from all around the world. She enjoys dancing and singing, writing, and traveling!
Yusuf Jafri: Yusuf is a student at the University of Michigan Dearborn majoring in Economics and Political Science. After graduating, Yusuf plans on going to law school and practice law. Yusuf is super excited to work at the B.L.O.C.K. Teen center and getting to know the kids! In high school, he ran track and played basketball. His hobbies include playing basketball, trying new things, playing video games, listening to music, and watching movies.
Scott Kardel: Scott is back for his second go around of working at the BLOCK and is so excited to be back! He is currently studying at Eastern Michigan University where he is pursuing his masters in social work. Scott has spent seven years working with teens and adolescents and is passionate about promoting youth empowerment. Scott hopes to provide mental health services to youth and teens upon completing his masters. When he isn't working or studying, Scott loves to explore, travel, and write.
Joran Lozier: Jordan is currently attending college at Schoolcraft, working to earn a degree in criminal justice. He is excited to be a part of the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center as he has a passion to be able to support and mentor young people. Jordan's interest include include reading, photography, biking, writing and sports.
Lauren Peterson: Lauren is a graduate student at Wayne State University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Child Welfare Certificate. She will also be an intern at Child Protective Services for the upcoming school year, which she is very excited about! After graduation, Lauren would love to continue down the path of Child Protective Services, which is her dream job, or work for another child welfare agency. Lauren loves exploring the outdoors, fishing, spending time with her husband, and playing video games in her free time. She has a passion for working with, helping, and supporting kids, and wants to work with kids long-term. Lauren loves that she is able to work with kids and see their smiling faces every day at The B.L.O.C.K.!
Ashley Rodriguez
Ashley graduated in 2015 from Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach and is currently a college student at Tidewater Community College in Virginia beach. She is working on enrolling into college in Michigan at Washtenaw Community College to get her associates degree, then bachelors degree in nursing at University of Michigan. That is her goal and what she is working up to be (a neonatal nurse level one). This is Ashley’s first year working at The B.L.O.C.K. and also her first time living in Michigan. Ashley lives in Monroe, Michigan with her fiancé, soon to be husband! Ashley has three dogs! Two are brothers, silky terriers named Eeyore and Tigger and one Scottish terrier named Kobe. Ashley is a twin to her brother Timothy. She takes family really serious. In her free time, Ashley loves napping, drawing, cleaning, watching movies and shows , working out, playing video games, online shopping and being around people who are positive and push her to do better.
Testimonials
"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)
How can I help?
The B.L.O.C.K. 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 B.L.O.C.K. (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
2023 SUMMER CAMP
Register here online 2022 SUMMER CAMP 2022 SUMMER CAMP or you can register at the BLOCK Front Desk beginning March 14, 2023, at 1:00pm
The B.L.O.C.K. Summer Stay-cation camp is open for youth ages 11-17 yrs. Each week we will have excursions, daily activities, and plenty of time to hang out with friends. Weekly membership options are available
Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm -hours subject to change due to staff shortages.
June 19-August 25 (The B.L.O.C.K. will be closed August 26-September 4)
Weekly registration cost: $139R/$181 (Week 3 prorated due $84R/$109NR- CLOSED July 3 and 4 for the holiday)
Second child discount of $10 per week if they are registered for the same week.
Registration will open to all returners on February 6th and open to the public beginning on March 14th. Even if you are a returner, your spot is not guaranteed. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.
2023 Themes
Daily Activities are: Park and Library Trips, Fitness Classes, Cooking Classes, Scavenger Hunts, Movies, and more!
- Week 1: Mission Summer Impossible
- Week 2: BLOCK Out of this World
- Week 3: Superhero vs Vilians
- Week 4: Hollywood BLOCK of Fame
- Week 5: Survivor: Stay-Cation
- Week 6: Shark Week
- Week 7: Made in Michigan
- Week 8: Unplugged
- Week 9: Where the Wild Teens Are
- Week 10: BLOCK Olympics
September 2022-June 2023 After School Session
Register here online September 2021-June 2022 After School Session September 2021-June 2022 After School Session September 2021-June 2022 After School Session or you can register at the BLOCK Front Desk beginning July 19th (Registration opens to returners on July 5th and July 12th)
After School Membership
Includes pick up from your school at dismissal time and transportation to The B.L.O.C.K. Schools included are: Canton Charter, Canton Preparatory, Discovery, East, Liberty, PCEP, Pioneer, and South Canton Scholars.
Time: M-Th 2:30-7:00 pm, F 2:30-6:30 pm
Annual Fee: $533R / $693 NR (Register at any time; fees will be prorated) Payment plan options available.
Drop In MEMBERSHIP
The Drop-In Membership Program is intended for those participants who do not attend one of the schools provided in the After-School Membership. You can attend The B.L.O.C.K. every day, although no transportation is provided by The B.L.O.C.K. A parent or guardian would have to drop you off and pick you up.
Time: M-Th 2:30-7:00 pm, F 2:30-6:30 pm
Annual Fee: $230R / $299 NR (Register at any time; fees will be prorated) Payment plan options available.
Daily Drop In
Not sure if you want to come to The B.L.O.C.K. every day? You can still drop in to The B.L.O.C.K. on school days. No transportation is provided with the Daily Drop In option
Time: M-Th 2:30-7:00 pm, F 2:30-6:30 pm
Annual Fee: $4R / $5 NR daily (Register at any time; fees will be prorated) Payment plan options available.
Canton Express Shuttle
Canton Express can be combined with the After-School Membership Program or the Drop-In Membership Program. Canton Express is a shuttle that begins every day at 4:30pm. With this addition, The B.L.O.C.K. can drive you home, take you to soccer practice, or pick you up from home. The shuttle drives within an 11-mile radius trip total of The B.L.O.C.K.
Time: M-Th 4:30-7:00 pm, F 4:30-6:30 pm
Annual Fee: $373R / $485NR (Register at any time; fees will be prorated) Payment plan options available.
2022-2023 Transpire
In partnership with plymouth-Canton pflag and sponsored by masco
LGBTQ+ and ally students are invited to attend "Transpire Nights" at the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center from 5-7 pm in a safe, affirming and inclusive environment.
$3 Resident Per Session/ $4 Nonresident Per Session (Session fee may be waived with a yearlong Transpire program commitment)
- March 22: Read Between the Lines: In Partnership with the Canton Public Library features a LGBTQ+ session at the library for a book and author night.
- April 19: Safe and Inclusive Schools: Round table discussion with school administrators. Social: Games/Trivia
- May 17: Overcoming Adversity: Self-care, community resources, and living out loud. Social: Out Loud Chorus
- June 7: Broadway Pride Party: Planning and preparation for events in July
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. 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.
2022-2023 application window is now closed.
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 regarding the responsibility youth have to their community.
TEEN NIGHT OUTS
Register online here TEEN NIGHT OUTS TEEN NIGHT OUTS TEEN NIGHT OUTS or you can register at the BLOCK Front Desk.
Teen Night Out is a series of fun Friday night events designed just for TEENS ages 11-17.
All events meet or take place at the BLOCK from 6:30-9:30 pm.
Registration promptly ends Friday night at 6:00 pm. Be sure to register in advance, as spots fill quickly and space is limited.
Fee: $6R/$7NR and includes Pizza and Pop.
- Mar 3- Hang Out Night at the B.L.O.C.K.
- Mar 10- Movie at Emagine Theater
- Mar 17- St. Patrick's Day Party at the B.L.O.C.K.
- Mar 24- Bowling at Superbowl
- Mar 31-NO TNO-B.L.O.C.K. closed
- Apr 7- Fowling Warehouse in Ypsilanti
- Apr 14- Hang Out Night at the B.L.O.C.K
- Apr 21-B.L.O.C.K. Luau
- Apr 28-Escape Room at the B.L.O.C.K.
Inclement Weather Policy: If the Plymouth/Canton School District closes due to inclement weather during the school year (typically due to winter weather conditions), all Leisure Services Department programs/classes held prior to 4 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2 pm that day.