Teen center hosting line dance

Local teens looking to get a line on fine need look no further than a new program being offered by the Sandpoint Teen Center.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the center is hosting a professional line dance teacher for a line dancing class and event. The program will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Sandpoint Teen Center, located in the community room at the First Lutheran Church on Olive and Ontario. 

Middle and high school teens from any public school, private, or homeschool are invited and no line dancing experience needed, the center's Kate Mansur said.

"We have a professional line dance teacher that loves teaching teens, so come out and give line dancing a try," she added.

In addition, healthy snacks and refreshments will be provided for all teens. The cost for line dancing is $7 teen. Teens who want to attend but aren't sure if they want to dance can pick from any number of teen center activities going as well with board games, cards, art, cooking classes and more. 

The Sandpoint Teen Center provides meals, movement and mentorship to Bonner County teens ever day after school. Mansur said between 115 to 150 teens attend programs at the center's two locations, one at First Lutheran Church and the second at a portable at Sandpoint Middle School.

"The Sandpoint Teen Center supports local youth by drawing teens into constructive challenges in a supportive family-type environment, building self-esteem and a positive personal outlook," she said. "Our aim through activities, games, homework help, service opportunities, and classes is for teens to turn vulnerable, unsupervised afternoons into a springboard to success, building healthy eating and recreation habits, positive relationships, and learning new skills that will benefit them in the future."

The 501(c)3 aims to provide a positive and enriching after-school environment where Bonner County teens in the seventh through 12th grade can safely socialize as well as take part in activities that help develop leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and community awareness. 

Founded 16 years ago, the center's Healthy Teens After School program offers a culinary program, healthy snacks, special hot meals, and teen cooking/kitchen classes, mentorship, homework help and games and sports, including bowling, pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and a variety of board and card games. In addition, teens can take part in arts and craft activities and community service opportunities.

Most teens stopping in at the teen center walk to the two locations from Sandpoint middle and high schools, Forrest Bird Charter, Lake Pend Oreille High School, and the Homeschool Academy. 

The center is open Monday through Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays from 1:30-5:30 p.m. 

"Teens visit the Sandpoint Teen Center because there is either no one at home after school or they are looking for a place to socialize with their peers," Mansur said. "Other teens are seeking food to eat, an adult to connect with, help with homework or school assignments, or to try fun new things and make friends."

Information: online, sandpointteencenter.com; or program director Dannette Carnegie, 208-603-7064