Got a bored teen at home? Free Late Night program could help with that

The YMCA has worked with Wichita police to launch its Late Night program, which gives teens something to do after hours on the weekends in a safe environment.

“When teens get bored, oftentimes they can make bad choices,” said Shelly Conrady, vice president of marketing and communications for Greater Wichita YMCA.

The program is free to high school students from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday at the South YMCA, 3405 S. Meridian. Teens must bring their student ID and a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to attend. However, YMCA membership is not necessary.

“We’re hoping to give them a fun and safe place to be where they don’t feel peer pressure,” Conrady said.

The YMCA launched the pilot program in January. After viewing its success, it looked to raise money in order to afford the program year round.

By March, the YMCA had raised $100,000 through community and individual donors, allowing the program to run year round.

More than 90 teens came to the first Late Night event in January, said Kasey Williams, YMCA senior program director. The program has grown since then. On Saturday, more than 250 kids attended.

Police officers join Late Night, building relationships and trust with teens by participating in activities. Most of the teens know the officers by name, Williams said.

“There have been nights where the kids are all just sitting talking with the officers,” Williams said.

The activities offered differ week to week. There has been basketball, zumba, character-building exercises and motivational speakers. There are also snacks.

For more information about Late Night, visit ymcawichita.org/latenight.

This story was originally published June 20, 2017 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Got a bored teen at home? Free Late Night program could help with that."