Play has an important role in adolescent development, which is why the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services provides teen centers as a safe, structured environment for youth to learn and grow. On Feb. 14, PRNS' Seven Trees Community Center hosted an overnight event for more than 50 teens from Alma, Roosevelt and Seven Trees community centers. During the event, teens made new friends and played group games like hide-n-seek, dodgeball, basketball, and futsal. After the recreational play, participants watched movies, participated in cooking workshops and played video and board games. These activities support the California Quality Standards for Expanded Learning which include teaching youth about healthy choices and behaviors, keeping them active and engaged in learning, and skill building which all lead to positive long-tern outcomes for teens.

For more information, contact Andrea Flores-Shelton, PRNS Acting Deputy Director, at 408-535-3571.