Hangout Hub delivers a mix of social time, hands-on learning, and pure fun. Every session is built around helping teens grow, laugh, and feel connected.

Activities Include:

• Food & Snacks: Pizza, treats, and occasional DIY snack challenges kids love.

• Games & Laughter: Team games, board games, competitions, and surprise activities that get everyone involved.

• Skill Time: Opportunities to learn practical life skills like following recipes, basic home repairs, teamwork, problem-solving, and more.

• Chill Zone: A relaxed space where kids can hang out, talk, unwind, and be themselves without pressure or expectations.

• Monthly Themes: A rotating schedule of fun, seasonal, or activity-based themes—posted in 3-month increments. 

Every Friday night is different—but always fun, welcoming, and meaningful.

January 9th & 30th : Game Time
One of the best ways to meet new people and build new friendships is 
through PLAY! We’ll spend our January gatherings playing board 
games and gym games! Bring your own board game to share and 
teach others, or play the games we have here. We might even work 
in some Improv or Minute to Win It games to add to the laughter!
Foods of the month: Jan 9 – Pizza, Jan 30 – Donuts
 

February 13th & 27th : Mythbusters
Our first gathering lands on Friday the 13th, so we will work on 
debunking some spooky myths about that day. Make sure you bring 
your thinking camp to logically work through & break through the 
“unlucky” idea of the day! Our second Friday will offer up a full list of 
Myths for you and your friends to pick what you want to work through, 
or bring your own myths to the table to figure out! (Laptops and 
Chromebooks allowed to be brought to help in your research and 
debunking)
Foods of the month: Feb. 13 – Foods that bring good luck, Feb. 27 – Raising Canes
 

March 13th & 27th: Shark Tank
Ever watch Shark Tank on tv? Now’s your chance to come up with an idea 
that can help solve a common problem, create a prototype and deliver your 
pitch! You’ll have to bring out a part of the inventor in your as well as the 
entrepreneur in you to help sell your product! You never know where this 
may take you!
Foods of the month: March 13 – Salad Bar, March 27 – Snack ba

Hangout Hub is intentionally designed for middle school students in grades 6–8 who need a safe and engaging place to spend time on Friday nights.
It’s perfect for:

• Kids looking to expand their social circle

• Tweens who want structured independence

• Families wanting a safe Y-supervised environment

• Students who thrive in hands-on, creative, and social experiences

• Kids who may not be involved in sports or clubs, but still want something fun and positive to do

Middle school can be a challenging time—Hangout Hub offers community, confidence, and connection when young teens need it most.

The Lake County YMCA created Hangout Hub to support local families and strengthen the wellbeing of middle school youth. The program exists because today’s teens need:

• Safe, supervised spaces to gather outside of school

• Positive peer interactions that build confidence and belonging

• Opportunities to disconnect from screens and connect in real life

• Life skills and learning moments wrapped in fun, social activities

• Trusted adult mentors who encourage healthy choices and help guide development

The Y’s mission is to help teens grow in spirit, mind, and body—and Hangout Hub is one of the ways we fulfill that promise.
 

Have Questions?  Reach out directly to E Hennies at ehennies@lakecountyymca.org 

There’s no better place for middle schoolers to spend a Friday night. Hangout Hub gives youth:

• A chance to meet new friends and strengthen social skills

• Fun, themed activities that keep them engaged

• A safe place to be themselves—no pressure, no judgment

• Opportunities to learn real-world skills through hands-on experiences

• A welcoming environment filled with positive mentors and supportive peers

• A break from screens in favor of real connections and real fun

• Affordable pricing—and scholarship opportunities are available for families who need financial support

Hangout Hub helps young teens have fun, feel supported, and build the confidence they need as they grow into their next stage of life.