Teens at the high school can walk over to the CanTeen after school. Teens from the North Syracuse Jr. High can take a shuttle up to the CanTeen at the end of school day.  If you are coming from another school district you must have your own transportation to and from the CanTeen.

You may catch a late bus from the high school between 3:00 – 3:30 depending on where you live or get picked up by a parent, guardian, etc at the CanTeen before we close for the night.

There are many things to do at the CanTeen!  We have pool tables, a ping pong table, a media room with various video games, a half basketball court, numerous board and card games, and always plenty of food!  We also offer community service opportunities and field trips.

We are an alcohol, drug, and smoke free environment (including vaping). In addition, the youth over time have established 3 main expectations:

1. Regarding PDA (public displays of affection), it makes people feel very uncomfortable & therefore this isn’t the place for it.

2. Clean up after yourself. You are free to cook ramen noodles or mac’n’cheese, however, it is expected that you will wash, dry, & put away any & all dishes that you use so that others may use them. This includes throwing away your garbage, wrappers, cup, etc.

3. The use of foul language (i.e. swearing) & talking negatively about others either to their face or behind their back is not acceptable. This is a place where teens want to come to get away from judgments & drama. Respect of people at the CanTeen & the center itself is a must!

Yes!  We have a teen council that any participant can be involved with.  Our teen council plans events, field trips, lock-ins, celebrations, meals, and most things that go on at the CanTeen.  The council needs different groups of teens to be in charge of the various things. 

No.  We are not open if school is not in session (i.e. snow days, vacation days, etc).  During the summer we spend our time going on various field trips.

No, if you have graduated or left school for other reasons, you are no longer eligible to be a participant.

It does not cost anything for teens to come to the CanTeen & they are welcome as often as they choose to come.  With any of our field trips, there is a small charge ranging from $5 – $50 depending if it’s a day trip or a few days at the ocean.  However, if your family qualifies for free or reduced lunch, you may contact us for assistance with this fee.

It is important for parents to know that because the CanTeen is a drop-in teen center, focusing on helping adolescents learn life skills, personal responsibility, & independence, they are allowed to walk up to McDonald’s, the Dollar Store, workout at the high school if they have that arranged, etc. Our staff makes it very clear to the youth that if they have parents that don’t want them doing this, then that is their responsibility.  You may call the center any time to see if your child is here.  While at the CanTeen, there are many things to do!!  We have pool tables, a ping pong table, a media room with various video games, a half basketball court, numerous board and card games, and always plenty of food!  We also offer community service opportunities and field trips.  We also offer a dinner on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

No.  We are not open if school is not in session (i.e. snow days, vacation days, etc).  During the summer we spend our time going on various field trips.

We are an alcohol, drug, and smoke free environment (including vaping).  In addition, the youth over time have established 3 main expectations:

1. Regarding PDA (public displays of affection), it makes people feel very uncomfortable & therefore this isn’t the place for it.

2. Clean up after oneself. Teens are free to cook ramen noodles or mac’n’cheese, however, it is expected that they will wash, dry, & put away any & all dishes that they use so that others may use them.  This includes throwing away your garbage, wrappers, cups, etc.

3. The use of foul language (i.e. swearing) & talking negatively about others either to their face or behind their back is not acceptable. This is a place where teens want to come to get away from judgments & drama. Respect of people at the CanTeen & the center itself is a must!

The students at CNS are able to walk over to the CanTeen after school.  The students from the NSJH can take a bus up to the CanTeen after school, even if they need to stay after a late bus is available. To get home, teens can catch late buses at CNS between 3:00-3:30 depending on what area they live in which is listed at CNS. Also teens are welcome to stay up until our closing times to get a ride home.

Participants can come as often as they choose as long as they are following our expectations, are currently enrolled in school, not on a disciplinary leave from school.  They also can just attend field trips.

While at the CanTeen, teens are supervised by 3 staff members.  We also have college interns and community volunteers who come to the CanTeen to engage with the teens during the week.  The staff oversee & engage with the teens continuously when the center is open.

Yes, the staff is available to help teens navigate any challenges & we also have many connections in the community & at the schools to make referrals if more professional help is needed.