Orland's Bridge Teen Center Hosts Month-Long Membership Event

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park is now accepting new student membership applications for incoming 7th graders (and ALL 7th-12th graders) during “May Membership Month.”

The month-long event will provide local teens and families the opportunity to tour the facility, and discover the 300+ free unique and innovative programs and events offered year-round that help teens in 7th-12th grade discover who they were created to be.

“Summer is incredibly exciting for us because we have the opportunity to welcome hundreds of new students and families to The Bridge and introduce them to the free programs, events, and opportunities available to them year-round,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director. “There is something so special about watching teens walk through our doors for the first time and begin discovering a place where they feel accepted, encouraged, and inspired. For many students, this first connection to The Bridge becomes the start of meaningful growth and lasting impact.”

The Bridge Teen Center wants teens and families to be aware of the following opportunities this summer:

FREE Weekday Programs for Teens
During the summer months alone, The Bridge Teen Center offers over 100+ programs designed around the interests of suburban teens. Program varieties include interactive STEM programs, art programs, music lessons, culinary programs, trade-focused programs, community service programs, social hangout events and more. All weekday programs are completely FREE to teens but require advance sign-up. Online sign up for all summer programs begins on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at thebridgeteencenter.org.

FREE Friday Night Events
Every other Friday Night, The Bridge Teen Center hosts their infamous Friday night events from 7:30-10:30pm. These events provide teens a safe environment and typically include live music, karaoke, free food samples from local restaurants, outdoor activities (weather permitting) and more. The first Friday night event of the summer will take place on Friday, June 12. Advance sign up is NOT required for Friday Nights, however, an approved student membership is required. Like all Bridge programs, Friday night events are free of charge.

Student Community Service
The Bridge helps local teens earn community service hours at their Orland Park and Frankfort thrift stores. Not only will teens show their heart of service but their service helps fund the free programs and events at The Bridge Teen Center. To learn more about scheduling service The Bridge Thrift Store in Orland Park or Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration in Frankfort, visit their website.

Membership is FREE of charge and open to students who will be in 7th-12th grade in the fall. This includes current 6th graders going into 7th grade. All teens and families that are interested in joining The Bridge are required to complete a one-time Student Membership Application online. Families are also strongly encouraged to schedule a 20-30 minute “family tour” in May to make the most of their Bridge membership. All who attend will receive a special “welcome bag.” Tours can be scheduled by sending an email to tours@thebridgeteencenter.org or calling 708.532.0500.