Welcome!

Welcome to the Franklin Township Youth Center where youth will find fun, engaging, and educational programming and activities!

We encourage parents/guardians and youth to become familiar with our center guidelines in support of a positive youth center culture. Please read the policy in whole as it becomes effective upon registration.

Youth Center activities are offered in a supportive environment that promotes a culture of belonging through positive interaction and maximum engagement. Our goal is to empower youth to realize their personal goals and grow into productive citizens of the community through diverse opportunities that encourage leadership, teamwork, self-improvement and healthy lifestyles.
All youth center members will be held to a high level of expectations relative to behavior, respect for themselves, others, and the facility.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Franklin Township Youth Center!

We are Committed To:

PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH CARING ADULTS
The Franklin Youth Center is staffed with caring, trained, and qualified adults. Our staff members are trained in the policies and procedures of the Recreation Department and are instructed in caring for the well-being of all participants.

PROMOTING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The Franklin Youth Center is committed to strengthening character development through activities that will involve participants in civic and global engagement, social justice, and empathy building.

DEVELOPING PERSONAL DISCIPLINE AND TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
The Franklin Youth Center fosters responsible behavior and self-management by creating an environment where activities are presented, but not dictated, and in which guidance is offered to promote self-confidence and youth empowerment. Youth Center rules, activities, and curriculum are created with a collaborative effort between participants and staff.

Guidelines For A Positive Youth Center Culture

As a member of the Franklin Township Youth Center, it is expected that you will actively participate in creating a positive Youth Center culture. This includes demonstrating the appropriate behavior, adhering to our policy guidelines, and assisting with keeping our facility and equipment in the best condition possible. Along with parent notification, violation of center guidelines may result in the suspension and/or termination from the Youth Center. It is therefore expected that YC members and staff will report all potential and actual violations to always ensure a positive center culture.

Matters that involve illegal activity and/or jeopardize center safety will result in automatic suspension and will immediately be directed to the Franklin Township Police Department.

The following guidelines are outlined to ensure understanding and compliance of general Youth Center policies. Please note however that this list is not all inclusive as there may be other matters that are in violation of center policies and will be addressed accordingly.

General Guidelines

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION:
Positive Youth Center culture requires that all staff, YC members, and visitors, exercise respectful and professional language, and behavior at all times. Profanity, racial epithets, derogatory names, or other harmful language or gestures are not allowed. Bickering, teasing threats and bullying are also prohibited.

ATTIRE:
YC members are expected to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves and others. Undergarments should not be visible, and sleepwear is not acceptable attire. Gang affiliated attire of any kind is prohibited as well as any clothing that displays offensive or disrespectful slogans, symbols, pictures, or words (e.g., racism, nudity, profanity, alcohol, drugs, or overt sexual gestures/references). Footwear must also be worn at all times. Hats, hoods, and non-prescription sunglasses should be removed while indoors.

CELL PHONES:
While inside the Youth Center, members should be engaged in positive and constructive activities. As such, cell phone usage should be limited to emergencies or very brief calls using a respectable speaking tone and volume. Cell phones must also be placed on silent or vibrate while inside the Youth Center. Any inappropriate behavior related to text messaging, social media and/or bullying through cell phones will not be tolerated. Photos (via cell phones or any other devices) should only be taken by YC staff or with staff approval.

PERSONAL PROPERTY:
YC members are discouraged from bringing large amounts of money or expensive items inside of the Youth Center. This is important to note as Franklin Township and Parks & Recreation Department are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. Sharing your personal items is at your discretion.

CENTER CLEANLINESS:
It is expected that all YC members and staff will work together to organize and clean areas as needed and immediately report any damaged areas and/or missing or broken equipment. Equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended and stored properly after use. It is the responsibility of all YC members and staff to keep the Youth Center neat and clean.

COMPUTER USAGE:
Youth Center computers are available for the enjoyment of our YC members however online activities should be positive, constructive and/or related to academic assignments. Sites that glamourize drugs, tobacco, alcohol, profane language, sex/violence are prohibited along with anything else in violation of our positive center culture. Priority usage will be given to YC members who are engaged in school homework assignments and YC members should contact staff to reserve computer time beyond thirty minutes.

ROOM ACCESS:
YC members are not allowed to enter offices or storage rooms without the assistance of a staff member.

FOOD/BEVERAGES:
Snacks and vending machines are available at the youth center and members may also bring their own meals as desired. Food and beverages from delivery services will not be accepted at the Youth Center. Food may only be consumed in designated areas, and it is expected that members will clean-up after themselves while also assisting as necessary with overall cleanliness of center.

LOITERING:
We ask that teens be respectful to surrounding businesses and residents. Hanging out is not allowed in the front, sides, or rear of the Center. YC members should wait for rides inside of the Youth Center without blocking the entranceway.

BIKES & SKATEBOARDS:
Bicycles, rollerblades, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, and similar recreational transport items are not allowed in the youth center. Bicycles may be placed in the bike rack located outside of the center however the Township of Franklin assumes no responsibility for thefts or vandalism. Unapproved items discovered inside of the Youth Center will be confiscated by staff and if found to be illegal will be turned over to the Franklin Township Police Department.

INFANTS/CHILDREN:
To ensure a safe and productive environment, infants and small children must always remain with their parent or guardian while inside of the Youth Center. Infants/children will not be managed by center staff and cannot be assigned to other youth center members (i.e., no babysitting). As such, parents/guardians and members are encouraged to contact youth center staff prior to visiting the center with infants & smaller children to discuss the best approach for creating a meaningful and safe environment.

SMOKING, FIREWORKS & FLAMMABLES:
YC members are not to be in possession of fireworks of any kind while at the Youth Center or the surrounding area, or at any Youth Center sponsored activity, nor are they to have possession of matches, lighters, or other combustible materials. If a participant of the Youth Center has in his/her possession, tobacco or cigarettes, cigarette lighter, or matches, this is grounds for suspension. Participants who are with other participants who are smoking should make a responsible decision to remove themselves from this area. Otherwise, they too may be suspended.

ANIMALS:
Except for service animals, pets are not allowed inside of the Youth Center.

SCHOOLWORK:
Members are expected to be responsible for getting their schoolwork done. The Youth Center staff is happy to provide space and assistance for schoolwork whenever possible.

HEALTH & SAFETY:
Members of the Youth Center are expected to attend to the health and safety of themselves and others. Including but not limited to washing your hands often, disposal of soiled items, and not spraying perfumes. Maintain overall mindfulness and respect for the medical and safety needs of others. We expect all members to avoid engaging in activities with a high risk of injury while attending the Youth Center. Practice general respect for the facility and property of others.