Donate Now
Facebook-f Instagram
  • Home
  • About
    • About the Funhouse
    • People
      • Funhouse Staff
      • Funhouse Board of Directors
    • Our Annual Report
  • Programs
    • Afterschool Programs
      • Program Registration
      • Program Payments
      • Programas después de clases
    • Music with Miss Mary
    • Mentor Program
    • Summer Camp
    • Teen Programs
      • College Week
      • College Scholarships
      • SAT Prep Classes
      • Junior Staff
    • Strengthening Families 10-14 Program
    • 5K
  • Funhouse Stories
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Wish List
    • Jobs
  • Donate
    • Donate now!
    • Superheroes for Super Kids
    • Legacy Giving
  • Contact Us
    • Info
  • In the News

Strengthening Community Bonds

October 21, 2015 By Audrey Neddermann

When the Funhouse Commons opened its doors in 2000, one of the main goals was to meet the need in the community for teens to have a safe and fun place to hang out. In direct response to the community, the Funhouse geared its programming to meet teens needs – with huge success!

For years the Funhouse has offered a space for teens during Friday and Saturday nights, teen events, and educational programming in partnership with Orcas Island High School.

It is essential for the Funhouse to evolve, change, and adapt to the current and pressing needs of Orcas island youth. In the last 12 months the Funhouse, responded to feedback from students to determine programming most important to their needs.

In response to student ideas, the Funhouse initiated an annual job fair with Orcas Chamber of Commerce that will officially begin in spring of 2016. To kick off the program last May, the Funhouse and the Chamber sponsored “Lunch Talks”, inviting several business owners in the community to share their advice and talents with the teens regarding job experience and training.

The Funhouse also started a successful Jr. Staff program for early job training and volunteer experience for 6th grade and up.

For older students, the Funhouse offers leadership through the Student Advisory Board, provides opportunities for teens to volunteer at the Funhouse and in the community, tutor students after school, mentor a younger student, and more.

Along with hosting the annual county-wide Science Fair (for all age students), the Funhouse offers an impressive college scholarship for a graduating senior, an annual College Counseling and Futures Fair at OIHS, SAT prep classes, and skill mentoring. The Funhouse also supports Teen Tutoring at the public school and will be co-sponsoring environmental education youth outings in partnership with DVSAS starting in February.

The Funhouse also offers student groups such as a baby sitting certification class, a 6th grade Girls Group, Love and Rockets Workshop, and the “Tissues: Teen Issues” group with local counselor and youth advocate, Beth Jenson.

The Funhouse could not accomplish this without the outstanding community support they have received over the years.

Filed Under: Slider

  • 360-376-7177
  • info@thefunhouse.org
  • 30 Pea Patch Lane
    Eastsound, WA 98245

Programs

Virtual Funhouse

Afterschool Program

Young Children & Families

Mentor program

teen programs

Summer camp

Coalition for orcas youth

Volunteer

wish list

about us

Funhouse stories

Sign up for our newsletter

© 2020 Funhouse Commons

Facebook-f Instagram