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Teens-B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center
The B.L.O.C.K. (Building Leaders Out of Canton's Kids) is a hip 3,000 square foot, state of the art youth and teen center. Since 2001, the B.L.O.C.K. has provides after school and youth development programs for thousands of teens in the community. The center offers a safe, supervised and social setting for teens ages 11-17. To learn more about the B.L.O.C.K.'s programming, or to schedule a tour, please call 734/398-5570 or email.
Required Forms for Participation
An Emergency Contact Form and Behavior Contract must be filled out to attend any programs at the B.L.O.C.K.
- About Us
- Amenities
- After School Programs
- Teen Night Out
- Daily Classes
- Summer Camp
- Outreach Program
- Youth Advisory Council
- Lead #LikeAGirl
- Be A #ModelMan
- Incentive Program
- Testimonials
- Meet the Staff
- How Can I Help?
About The B.L.O.C.K.
Mission Statement
At the B.L.O.C.K., we are dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and positive environment for all our participants to utilize and enjoy. The B.L.O.C.K. staff is trained to use good sense and moral character in order to be strong role models for all participants. We combine activities at the B.L.O.C.K. and other Canton Leisure Services facilities to make our facility relevant to teenagers.
Objectives
- Provide a safe, fun, recreational and caring environment.
- Promote physical, mental health and social well-being.
- Build a strong sense of community by protecting and improving the environment.
- Help recognize and reinforce the importance of empathy, kindness, and respect.
- Provide an outlet for exciting new experiences and opportunities.
- Utilize user feedback to improve programs and facilities.
Population
Canton teens between the ages of 11-17 are the target demographic. The facility serves a diverse group of teens from different school and school districts.
B.L.O.C.K. Amenities
By purchasing one of the programs below you have access to the B.L.O.C.K.
- Café
- Lounge
- Quiet Study Room
- Pool Table
- Foosball Table
- Video Game Room
- Music Room
- Computer Lab and much more
Free daily programs include tutoring (financial needs based), art class, teen TV, music lessons, cooking classes, library programming, and 3 on 3 basketball.
To learn more about the B.L.O.C.K.'s programming, or to schedule a tour, please call 734/398-5570 or email.
After School Programs
2019-2020 registration will open July 15, 2019!
After School Membership Program
This membership includes pick up from school at dismissal time and transportation to the B.L.O.C.K. With the After School Membership participants must be picked up from the B.L.O.C.K. by 8:30 p.m. Schools included in the After School Membership are:
- Achieve
- Canton Charter
- Canton Prep
- Discover
- East
- Liberty
- PCEP
- Pioneer
- South Canton Scholars
Days: M-F (School days only) Sept 5- June
Times: Mon-Thur 2:30-8:30 pm and Fri 2:30-6:30 pm
Fees: $494R/$613NR (Payment Plan Options)
Drop In Membership Program
If teens do not attend one of the schools provided in the After School Membership Program then the Drop In Membership Program may be a better option! Youth can attend the B.L.O.C.K. every day, although no transportation is provided by the B.L.O.C.K. A parent or guardian would be able to drop students off as early as 2:30 pm and would need to pick them up by 8:30 pm.
Days: M-F (School days only) Sept 5-June
Times: Mon-Thur 2:30-8:30 pm and Fri 2:30-6:30 pm
Fees: $213R/$267NR (Payment Plan Options)
Canton Express Shuttle
Canton Express can be combined with the After School Membership Program or the Drop In Membership Program. Canton Express is a shuttle that begins every day at 4:30 pm. With this addition the B.L.O.C.K. can drive students home, take them to soccer practice, or pick them up from home. The shuttle drives within an 11 mile radius of the B.L.O.C.K.
Days: M-F (School days only) Sept 5-June
Times: Mon-Thur 4:30-8:30 pm and Fri 4:30-10:30 pm
Fees: $341R/$427NR (Payment Plan Options)
Daily Drop In
Not sure if your student will attend the B.L.O.C.K. every day? That's okay! They can drop in to the B.L.O.C.K. any day and anytime between 2:30 pm and 8:30 pm. No transportation is provided with the Daily Drop In option.
Days: M-F (School days only) Sept 5-June
Times: Mon-Thur 2:30-8:30pm and Fri 2:30-6:30pm
Fees: $3R/$4NR a day
For more information on registering for the Teen Night Out, Friday night program, please visit the Teen Night Out tab on this page.
In recent months, the BLOCK has experienced a significant increase in the volume of parents picking up/signing out their child(ren) late. (After the BLOCK is scheduled to close) To ensure the safety of our participants, staff always remain with participants until they are picked up by parents or other authorized adults. Late pickups can create a hardship on our staff who often have additional obligations, making it imperative that they are able to leave on time. Everyone will receive one "grace day"/"free pass" after the first late pick up and will not be charged. Any and all subsequent late pickups after that will be tracked and charged.
FEE SCALE: $1 per minute late, per child
Failure to pay late pick up balances by the dates indicated on the invoice(s) may result in the inability to register child(ren) for the BLOCK or other Canton Leisure Services programming in the future. We appreciate your time and attention to this important issue, as well as your cooperation with the policy moving forward.
Teen Night Out
Teen Night Outs (TNO) is a series of Friday night events designed just for teens. All events meet or take place at the B.L.O.C.K. Some TNOs fill up quickly and space is limited. We encourage you to register in advance. Pizza and snacks are provided.
Every Friday 6:30-10:30 pm.
Registration for Teen Night Out closes at 6:45 pm: No exceptions.
| Date | Teen Night Out Program |
| 9/6 | BLOCK Party at the BLOCK |
| 9/13 | Sportway |
| 9/20 | Hangout Night at the BLOCK |
| 9/27 | Ice Skating at Arctic Edge |
| 10/4 | Zap Zone |
| 10/11 | Swimming at the Summit |
| 10/18 | Cornmaze |
| 10/25 | Halloween Party |
| 11/1 | Whirly Ball |
| 11/8 | Hangout Night at the BLOCK |
| 11/15 | Skatin' Station |
| 11/22 | Movies (Film TBD) |
| 11/29 | NO TNO-BLOCK CLOSED |
| 12/6 | Ice Skating at Arctic Edge |
| 12/13 | Holiday Party at the BLOCK |
| 12/20 | NO TNO- BLOCK CLOSED |
| 12/27 | NO TNO-BLOCK CLOSED |
*Schedule subject to change without notice
TNO Participant Requirements
All participants of the B.L.O.C.K. are required to have a current Emergency Contact Form and Behavior Contract on file.
Daily Classes
All daily classes are free with the purchase of the After School Membership or Drop In Membership. Programming takes place everyday. Examples of programming is listed below.
BLOCK Buzz - Teen TV
In partnership with Canton Community Television. Teens will create their own news show featuring interviews, BLOCK program segments, and current events. You could be the face of BLOCK Buzz!
Cooking Class
Hungry? Or do you have dreams of being the next Top Chef? Join us for our weekly cooking classes. Recipes are easy and the food is delicious!
Glee Club
Join this musical choir group to sing your favorite hits and perform with your friends!
Library Programs
In Partnership with the Canton Public Library offering FREE, fun and exciting. Examples are: Music Mashup/Remix Class, Pinterest Party, Hobbit Movie Party, and Food Fighters Club.
Tutoring
Tutoring scholarships are available for participants. Please see the front desk for more information.
3 on 3 Basketball
Sign up to shoot and score with your friends! Games take place at The BLOCK basketball court and the Summit on the Park.
Summer Stay-Cation 2019
June 17 - August 23
Registration opened March 9th and currently all weeks except for week 3 are full. Click below to be added to the waitlist.
Escape to the BLOCK this summer and experience a summer vacation like none other. Our summer program mixes the right amount of hang out time with fun activities. Every Friday, we'll whisk you away on an adventure to some of the coolest spots around. Register by the week, day, or just for road trips.
Location: B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center- 3rd Floor of the Canton Administration Building
Day: M-F
Time: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ages: 11-17
The BLOCK will be closed Aug 24-Sep 2
2018 Fees:
Fee: Weekly Rate $128R/$153NR
Week 3 fee $77R/$92NR
There is a $10 sibling discount for those who register a second child the same week.
Registering online or in person allows you to pay in full or in three equal payment plans on June 1, July 1 and Aug 1.
In order to attend the BLOCK Summer Camp the following forms must be completed and returned.
- Emergency Contact Form (PDF) | (HTML)
- Behavior Contract (PDF) | (HTML)
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
2019 Friday Field Trips (Schedule subject to change)
- "Summer Blast" Week 1 June 17-21: Red Oaks Water Park
- "Rawr!" Week 2 June 24-28: Youth Day at the Capitol 6/26 and Toledo Zoo
- "I-N-D-E-P-E-N-dence" 3 July 1-3 (CLOSED 7/4-7/5): Kensington Lake (Trip on Wednesday)
- "Kick, Punt, Pass" Week 4 July 8-12: Comerica Park Tour
- "Cinema Frenzy" Week 5 July 15-19: Movie and Bowling
- "Detroit Hustles Harder" Week 6 July 22-26: Detroit River Boat Tour
- "Live your best life" Week 7 July 29-Aug 2: Adventure High Ropes Park
- "Come out and Play" Week 8 Aug 5-9: Canoe Trip
- "Made in Michigan" Week 9 Aug 12-16: University of Michigan Stadium Tour
- "Summer Lovin'" Week 10 Aug 19-23: Dave and Busters
*Trips and schedule is subject to change
EXAMPLES of Daily Activities Include:
- Mondays: Game time, Fitness Class, Ice Cream Run
- Tuesday: Game time, Art Class, Park Trip
- Wednesday: Game Time, Cooking Class, Community Gardening
- Thursdays: Game Time, Swimming at the Summit, Movie Time
- Fridays: Field Trips
Other Activities Offered Throughout the Summer:
Tie-Dye, Talent Show, Library Visits, Scavenger Hunts, Water Day, Messy Day, Field Day and More!
The B.L.O.C.K. Outreach Program
The program targets at-risk youth as identified by the Canton Public Safety Department. Teens who qualify receive free program admission and free transportation.
Available for teens living in:
- Academy Point
- Canton Crossings
- College Park
- Fordham Green
- Holiday Estates
- Sherwood Village
- Wagon Wheel
To find out if your child or children qualify for this free outreach program, please contact the B.L.O.C.K.
Required Participation Forms
If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for families in need and are awarded annually. Applications are available at the B.L.O.C.K. front desk.
Canton's Youth Advisory Council (Y.A.C.)
The Y.A.C. continues to assert itself as an influential group of high school students who truly make a difference in their community. Members participate in community service projects, lead special events, participate in local decision making, and award annual grants to organizations that benefit Canton Youth.
Members are selected via an application process. Applications are accepted annually each school year. Click here for the application (due September 28, 2018) If you are a student in grades 9-12 who lives in Canton, and are interested in getting involved with this dynamic group, call the B.L.O.C.K. at 734/398-5570.
Youth Advisory Council Purpose
Canton Township Leisure Services has identified Youth Development as a priority in the Canton Community. The Youth Advisory Council, through interaction with the community, philanthropy, and the Community Foundation will provide the Recreation Specialist (youth) input and guidance as Canton Leisure Services strives to enhance a sense of community among youth through empowerment and the education regarding the responsibility youth have to their community.
Lead #LikeAGirl
This leadership initiative through the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center aims to inspire young women to rethink what it means to do something #LikeAGirl. A group of 15 women are selected though an application process at the B.L.O.C.K. every fall. Applications require permission from parents and school administrators for consideration.
Programs are held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of, and exposure to local resources. Workshops, activities and conversations are centered around self-esteem, healthy living and relationships, women in the media, service learning, women who wow and so much more! Participants who complete the 9-month commitment graduate from the program in front of family and friends, celebrating their new understanding of what it really means to Lead #LikeAGirl.
Watch the video from the past years program!
Click here for this year's application- due September 14th 2018
For more information you can email our Lead #LikeAGirl Program Coordinator.
2019 Generous Program Partners & Sponsors
PRIMARY SPONSOR-MASCO CORPORATION
- Arctic Edge
- Becca Riley, Photographer
- Bosch Global
- Canton Township Board of Trustees
- Canton Community Foundation
- Canton Community Television
- Canton Leisure Services
- Canton Public Safety
- Canton Observer and Eccentric
- Dana Hater, Fitness Instructor
- Eastern Michigan University
- First Step
- Kim Muir, Power Skating
- Kristy Pagan, Michigan State Representative
- Kristi Zebrowski, Grace Savory and Sweet
- Lisa Rozum and Katherine Law
- Meaghan St. Pierre and WDIV
- St. Joseph Mercy Health System
- The Village Theater at Cherry Hill
Be a #ModelMan
Be A #ModelMan is a youth leadership and empowerment initiative for young men ages 11 - 15 in the Canton community. Be A #ModelMan is designed to grow six core values in young men that develop respectful, responsible, and reliable young, male leaders. These core program values are integrity, empathy, compassion, inner strength, courage, and respect. Be A #ModelMan aims to meet the following program values through themed workshops.
A group of 15 young men are selected through an application process at The B.L.O.C.K. in early fall. Applications require permission from parents for consideration. Programs will be held at various community facilities to increase knowledge of and exposure to local resources.
For more information on this program, email Program Coordinator.
Download the application (PDF) - due September 14th 2018
2019 Generous Program Partners and Sponsors:
- Brian Cowen, 102.9 FM Radio
- Canton Township Board of Trustees
- Canton Community Television
- Canton Leisure Services
- Canton Public Safety
- Chris Riley, Photographer
- Darian Moore, Keller Williams Realty
- David Evoy, EMU Social Work Department
- Eastern Michigan Admission Office
- Eastern Michigan Football Program
- Mary Kerwin, Community Financial Credit Union
- Roderick Wallace, EMU Upward Bound
- Ronald SImpson, Just Leadership USA
- Shamar Herrom, Michigan Works!
- St. Joseph Mercy Health System
- The Summit on the Park
- Tyler Weston, Real Estate One
- Vassels Main St. Catering
- William Bryson, Will Bryson Acting Workshops: Ascension
Incentive Program
Get involved in The B.L.O.C.K. Programming, the Canton Community, and make change through positive behavior and involvement. Build points for being involved in B.L.O.C.K. Programming and getting "caught" doing the "right" thing. Ex: 15 points for attending weekly Glee Club, 5 points for helping another participant with homework. Cash in points for mini prizes (ice cream trip, B.L.O.C.K. T-shirt, Pizza Party, Free Teen Night Out, Free Field Trip, etc.). The top 25 participants who earn the most points during the 15-16 school year will win a free trip! Sign up at The B.L.O.C.K. front desk.
2014-2015: Michigan Adventure
2015-2016: Kalahari Water Park
2016-2017: Cedar Pointe
2017-2018: Kalahari Water Park
2018-2019: Michigan Adventure
2019-2020: TBD
Testimonials
"Thank you very much for providing my daughter a safe place to grow. Since she started attending the B.L.O.C.K., her whole mannerism and engagement with others has significantly improved."
-Anil Manikkara (Parent)
"I used the B.L.O.C.K. for my kids when they attended CCA. This place is awesome! It is a great option for the Canton/Plymouth area. The best part was the staff!"
-Pam Bellino (Parent)
"It brought her (daughter Hannah) out of her shell. She went from below average grades to making the honor roll. She has become a social butterfly. I feel like this program was heaven-sent. I can't say enough good about it."
-Charlene Grant (Parent)
Meet The Staff
A team of dedicated staff members provide supervision during program hours and serve as positive adult role models. Staff members focus on providing a safe and secure environment for this diverse group of teens. When it comes to finding an environment that works best for your children, the B.L.O.C.K. staff creates a unique gathering spot that provides plenty of fun and creative programming. To contact us please call 734/398-5570 or email Opens a New Window. .
Recreation Specialist
Laura Mortier: Laura graduate from Eastern Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science. She majored in Psychology and minored in Communication. While in college, Laura worked at the B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center as a supervisor and adviser for the Youth Advisory Council. Laura has over 12 years of experience in after-school programming, youth development, and special event planning. In her spare time, she dances at Central City Dance and absolutely loves being a wife to Matt and Mom to Matilda. Some fun facts about Laura - She had a goldfish that live more than 7 years (RIP), her nails are always polished, and she loves ranch dressing!
Teen Services Coordinators
Scott Kardel: Scott has been "around the block" for awhile. Scott was a part of the Canton Youth Advisory Council for all four years of high school, which met at the B.L.O.C.K. every month. He also volunteered at Teen Night Out events the year leading up to getting hired. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University earning a degree in Social Work. If you get caught in a conversation with Scott, you're likely to hear about his love of dolphins, intense fear of frogs, and at least one serious rhyme every time. He considers few things more rewarding or special than the relationships he has made with the kids he's been lucky enough to meet through this program, and he looks forward to another great year!
Frania (Frani) Lantigua: Frani graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor with a major in Family Life. She is completing her internship at the Summit, B.L.O.C.K., and Lead Like a Girl program. Frani has worked with kids and youth of all ages. She was also a leader of her dance team and is also part owner of A2 Fit-Kid. Frani loves to read, dance, and spend time with her fiance and two crazy dogs, Tyson and Kia.
Courtney Smith: Courtney is a student at Eastern Michigan University to earn her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has played guitar for 10 years and has been dancing all her life. Courtney tries to always listen, learn and be inspired by kids everyday.
Meghan St. Peter: Meghan is a proud graduate of the Plymouth-Canton School District. She also graduated from Madonna University with her teaching certificate in Social Studies, History, and English. Meghan is currently a teacher at Liberty Middle School for both 6th and 8th grade Social Studies. She is very passionate about working with middle school age students at a time in their lives when life can be a bit rough. In Meghan's spare time, she can usually be found "nerding out" and strolling along the streets of Greenfield Village, or spending quality time with her husband and friends!
Chelsea Schmitt: Chelsea graduated with honors in 2013 from Eastern Michigan University, and teaches English at Summefield High School. Chelsea has a passion for working with youth, in particular working toward youth empowerment with at-risk youth. Chelsea has several years experience with youth leadership both as a teacher and a youth council coordinator. In her free-time. Chelsea loves to hang out with her rescue dogs, Colby and Bridgette, and go camping with her family!
Youth Advisory Council Advisor
Jenny Porter: Jenny worked for the Township for more than 12 years! Jenny is currently in school to earn her degree in Social Work. Jenny says that she absolutely loves what she does here at the B.L.O.C.K. and the teens that she has been lucky to have met and formed connections with. She strives to help the teens that come to the BLOCK have the best time possible. After all you're only a kid once, and you might as well enjoy it! In her spare time she loves spending time with her large family, which includes 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
Teen Services Supervisors
Ciara Szostek: Ciara graduated from Eastern Michigan University in the Spring of 2017 with degrees in Sport Management and Communication. She hopes to return to school for her Masters in Marketing and obtain a job with a professional sports team, but in the meantime, she will be working at the BLOCK and is very excited to do so! In her free time, she enjoys watching and attending sporting events, hanging out with friends and family, exploring new places and binge-watching Netflix shows.
Zach Smilo: Zach is currently a student at Eastern Michigan University, with a degree in Social Work. He is a former collegiate football player at Ferris State University. His hobbies include reading, camping, and driving his dirt bike. Zach is excited to be apart of the BLOCK.
Teen Services Staff
Ramzy Ali: Ramzy began his experience with youth at Eastern Michigan University's Bright Future Program. Ramzy values the opportunity to engage and guide those still in development on their character. He is excited to continue his experience at the BLOCK, working with kids is the only time a job doesn't feel like a job for him. Since around the age of our participants, Ramzy's dream job would be a character voice actor.
Justin Dooley: Justin is a portrait photographer and student filmmaker. Justin attends Wayne State University and has three younger siblings and has years of experience with youth.
Tiffany Jackson: Tiffany is a graduate of the University of Michigan, GO BLUE!! She studied Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling. Tiffany loves sports; and actually plays basketball, softball and volleyball. One of her favorite hobbies is coaching and coaches softball and volleyball at a local high school in Detroit. Her favorite colors are purple and blue and her favorite food is Lasagna.
Fatin Jafri:
Fatin is a student at Wayne State University doing a bachelors of science in Psychology. After she graduates, she is planning on going to graduate school for either clinical psychology or developmental neuroscience. She is really excited to start working at the B.L.O.C.K. Teen center and getting to know the kids there. Fatin has a big family and a lot of younger cousins who she spends some of her free time with. She loves to watch films and listen to music from all around the world. She enjoys dancing and singing, writing, and traveling!
Emily Libby: Emily has been working at the B.L.O.C.K. for the past six years. Emily graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Along with working at the B.L.O.C.K., she is a preschool teacher. When Emily is not working, you can usually find her at the gym, golfing or spending time with family and friends. Although Emily is very active, she has also been known to eat ice cream out of the carton and eat large quantities of chips and salsa! Teaching and working with children is her passion, there is nothing else she would rather do. Changing lives one day at a time!
Ian Litchtenberg: Ian is a graduate of Concordia University, Ann Arbor. He graduates with a bachelors in Psychology fall of 2016. When he is not spending time hanging out with kids of the BLOCK or his wife, you can find him delving into dungeons with his friends or writing. He enjoys the time spent here and describes it as, "One of the best parts of his week."
Lauren Manor: Lauren is a student at Wayne State University studying Social Work with a minor in Health Psychology. She volunteers at Henry Ford Hospital Detroit in the NICU and at Alternatives For Girls, a shelter in Detroit for women and children. In her free time, Lauren likes to play video games and enjoys time outdoors. Upon completion of her degree, Lauren is looking forward to working with premature infants and/or human trafficking victims.
Amber Porter: Amber is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University for interior design. She originally heard about the BLOCK from her aunt, who worked there when she was younger. While that was her main reason for wanting to work here, after being here, she loves the friendships you build with the kids who go there. Amber hopes to somehow help kids struggling with mental health problems because mental health awareness is something she is very passionate about. In her free time she finds herself watching tons of Netflix, trying to learn how to cook, or spending time with her friends and family.
The BLOCK is always accepting donations. If you are interested in donating something please contact us to see how you can help.
Examples of donations:
- Monetary donation to the BLOCK (to purchase program supplies or sponsor a participant)
- Monetary donation to our Youth Advisory Council Endowment fund which helps fund youth projects in Canton. Donate here!
- Board Games
- Movies
- Video Games
- Arts and Craft Supplies
- Holiday Decorations
- Passes to local movie theaters, pizza restaurants, etc.
- Gift Cards
Inclement Weather Policy: If the Plymouth/Canton School District closes due to inclement weather during the school year (typically due to winter weather conditions), all Leisure Services Department programs/classes held prior to 4 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2 pm that day.