- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Leisure Services
- Programs
- The B.L.O.C.K Teen Center
Teens-B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center
Please Be advised that the B.L.O.C.k. Facility Is closed through early 2021 DUE TO COVID-19. Virtual and outdoor offerings Now Available.
The B.L.O.C.K. (Building Leaders Out of Canton's Kids) is a hip 3,000 square foot, state of the art youth and teen center. Since 2001, the B.L.O.C.K. has provides 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 email Opens a New Window. .
2020/2021 SCHOOL-YEAR UPDATE
After much discussion and review, it has been decided that the BLOCK’s physical location will remain closed through early 2021. The safety of your children and our staff has, and will always remain our top priority. This decision has been made in order to serve a larger group of teens safely, through virtual and small-group physically distanced programming.
BLOCK & Beyond is available as a membership or drop in option, which will offer families a variety of fun and safe program options, There will be no transportation offered. If internet access will be a roadblock to your participation, please let us know! VISIT THE BLOCK & BEYOND TAB BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
VIRTUALLY TOUR THE BLOCK IN 360 VIEWS
Please visit The Block in 360 views. youtube link
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 (PDF) Opens a New Window. | (HTML)
- Behavior Contract (PDF) Opens a New Window. | (HTML)
- 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
- Block & Beyond
- Program Schedule
- Outreach Program
- Amenities
- Meet the Staff
- Testimonials
- How Can I Help?
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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
The BLOCK’s goal is to provide reliable social outlets, learning opportunities, mental health support, health & wellness programs, and important outreach for local tweens and teens, that can remain in place as Michigan's pandemic phases and executive orders potentially change or shift. The need for access to positive role models and regular social interactions with peers hasn't changed, but the need for adjustments in our delivery of service has. We are excited to offer a monthly menu of affordable programming options, with maximum schedule flexibility to meet your family's changing needs.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships are perfect for those attending more than 5-7 programs a month! Members have access to all programs for no additional fees.
$25 for Canton Residents
$33 for Non-Residents
No deposit is required and you can cancel or register at any time, (monthly automatic payments will be set-up).
Registration is open now at www.cantonfun.org/register.
DROP IN OPTIONS
Starting in January 2021 Drop-In Options will be available
- Virtual Programs $3R/$4NR
- Enrichment/Teen Night Out Programs $5R/$6NR
If you are planning to pay drop in fees, January classes will be available for registration on December 15
Each individual class will require advance sing up, as some classes will have a maximum participation number to ensure safety and program quality. Waitlists may be utilized as necessary. If demand is high and an additional class cannot be added, limits/maximums of the amount of classes one teen can sign up for each month may be limited. Program cancellation is required 24 hours in advance of each program. Failing to cancel/participate in line with our policies may result in revoking BLOCK & Beyond memberships.
Please know that masks will be required for all in-person/outdoor programming
MONDAYS
For the love of you - mental health programming: 3-4 pm (VIRTUAL)
Feeling anxious and unsure during these times? You’re surely not alone! Join our weekly virtual group therapy sessions led by certified therapist. Topics and activities will include but are not limited to: Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Social Media, Loss, ADHD/ADD, Traumatic Events, etc.
Tuesdays
TUTORING SERVICES: 2-4 PM (VIRTUAL)
College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual half hour tutoring sessions with a 2 participant to 1 tutor ratio.
It's Time for gym: 4-5 PM (VIRTUAL)
Feeling like you need to get up and move away from all the school work? Here we are offering weekly virtual fitness class lead by a certified fitness instructor. And don’t worry it will be fun, we promise!
ENRICHMENT CLASSES 5:30-7:30PM (VIRTUAL)
Try something new each week with our Tuesday Enrichment Classes! Register before the deadline and we will deliver the supplies to your house (if you live within a 5 mile radius of the BLOCK)
1/5: Stop Motion Animation
1/12: Covid Safety and Dun
1/19: CPR Lesson
1/26: Soap Making
2/2: Brain Games
2/9: Karate
2/16: Knitting
2/23: Robotic Building
3/2: Crocheting
3/9: Painting
3/16: Science Experiments
3/23: First Aid Class
3/30: Canton Public Library Program
WEDNEsDAY
Tutoring services: 4-6 pm (VIRTUAL)
College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual half hour tutoring sessions with a 2 participant to 1 tutor ratio.
Teen Art Guild: 4-5 pm (VIRTUAL)
The perfect creative outlet is our bi-weekly virtual art class lead by a qualified art instructor. Supply/Material list will be sent out prior to activity and participants will follow along virtually with art class.
LUNCH AND LEARN: 5-6PM (VIRTUAL)
Home alone or your parents are busy and not sure what to make yourself to eat? Look no further. We are offering bi-weekly Lunch and Learns lead by a local chef. Ingredient & material lists will be shared prior to each activity and participants will follow along virtually.
Transpire: 6:30-7:30 pm (VIRTUAL)
Transpire is monthly social activities, games and discussions led by Affirmations Community Center representatives. Topics will include: Gender Identities, Acceptance, Safe and Inclusive Schools, LGBTQ Artists, Coming Out, Being an Ally, etc.
Thursdays
TEEN RECESS: 4-5 PM (VIRTUAL)
The weekly social hour lead by BLOCK Staff will include activities like trivia, virtual games, scavenger hunts, contests, etc.
Tutoring Service: 6-8 pm (VIRTUAL)
College Nannies and Tutors will provide virtual half hour tutoring sessions with a 2 participant to 1 tutor ratio.
Fridays
TEEN NIGHT OUT: 5:30-7:30 PM (VIRTUAL)
Weekly Teen Night Outs is the perfect way to start your weekend! Register on time and we will drop supplies off to your house! (if you live within a 5 mile radius of the BLOCK)
1/8: New Year Party
1/15: Riddle Run and BINGO
1/22: Fluffy Slime
1/29: Crayon Melting
2/5: Movie Night
2/12: Valentine's Day Party
2/19: Paper Mache Crafts
2/26: Game Show Night
3/5: 90's Theme Party
3/12: Scavenger Hunt (In Heritage Park if weather permits)
3/19: Minute to Win It
3/26: Movie Night
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 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. .
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for families in need and are awarded annually. Applications are available at the B.L.O.C.K. front desk.
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
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 14 years of experience in after-school programming, youth development, and special event planning. In her spare time, she dances at Central City Dance and absolutely loves being a wife to Matt and Mom to Matilda. 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
Frania (Frani) Lantigua: Frani graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor with a major in Family Life. She is completing her internship at the Summit, B.L.O.C.K., and Lead Like a Girl program. Frani has worked with kids and youth of all ages. She was also a leader of her dance team and is also part owner of A2 Fit-Kid. Frani loves to read, dance, and spend time with her fiance and two crazy dogs, Tyson and Kia.
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.
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 Straub: 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 12 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 STAFF
Gina Dossantos: Gina is a sophomore at Madonna University and is working towards getting a degree in English and Spanish. She hopes to continue with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Gina is extremely passionate about working with youth and kids and has been working with kids for 3 years. In her free time, Gina loves to read, write, and hike! You can usually catch her with paint on her hands or listening to music.
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!
Emily Libby: Emily has been working at the B.L.O.C.K. for the past six 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!
Lauren Manor: Lauren is a student at Wayne State University studying Social Work with a minor in Health Psychology. She volunteers at Henry Ford Hospital Detroit in the NICU. In her free time, Lauren likes to play video games and enjoys time outdoors. Upon completion of her degree, Lauren is looking forward to working with premature infants and/or human trafficking victims.
Sydney Potts: Sydney is student at Eastern Michigan University. She is studying Therapeutic Recreation, eventually going into Orthotics and Prosthetic. Sydney has two dogs: Cash and Brody. And she also has three goldfish: Domi, Guppy, and Tiger!
Lauree Pryor: Lauree is from the Metro Detroit area and graduate of Stevenson High School. She is a student at the Florida Tech University, studying child psychology. Once she completes her Bachelor of Arts in psychology this summer Lauree plans to start graduate school in the fall. Her career goal is to become a Case manager or Child Advocate in hopes of helping and providing resources for children and families in need. Lauree has been working with young children for over 10 years and is excited to be branching out and engaging with older children. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, painting, cooking and spending time with her husband and daughter.
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)
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
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.
-
Laura Mortier
Recreation Coordinator
-
Leisure Services
Physical Address
1150 S. Canton Center Road
Canton, MI 48188
Phone: 734/394-5360