The Basement Teen Center

a program of Elevate Youth Services, in partnership with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

FOR YOUTH AGES 12-17
An after school and vacation time drop-in space.

The Basement Teen Center (BTC) is a free, welcoming drop-in space for all folks ages 12–17. Located in the heart of Montpelier (at 135 Main St., in the basement of Kellogg-Hubbard Library), the BTC offers a substance-free, adult-supervised environment where youth can feel safe, seen, and supported.

Whether you're looking to unwind after school, meet new friends, try out a workshop, or get involved in leadership opportunities, BTC is your space to connect, grow, and have fun.

To learn more about the teen center’s programs and to get involved, contact Robert Morgan at basementteencenter@elevateyouthvt.org or 802-505-3722.

Upcoming at the BTC

BTC in Barre?!

Yes! This Saturday, March 7th, we’ll be bringing a bit of the BTC to Barre’s Aldrich Public Library. D&D at the Aldrich, with DMs Aylwin and Robert. There will be snacks (donuts+++) and character creation at 10 a.m. and the game will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. All teens are invited! We will provide all materials and instruction, and it’s FREE!

New things at the BTC...

XP Pen Magic Drawing Pad Come play around, try some digital art!

Ableton LIVE/FL Studio Come make beats, mash-ups, video game music, sound effects, hip-hop, the theme song for your YouTube channel, or whatever else you're hearing in your head!

We have lots of equipment, and we can teach you. Do a little for fun, or plan a whole musical project.

Zine Athenaeum

There are a couple of zines projects that the BTC will give the creator/s a gift card for! $$$$$! Let Robert know if you're interested.

BTC/Safe Art Mural Project

We NEED painters!!!!

We’re always interested in your suggestions, and you can share them here: Comments to the BTC

This week…

Monday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

Dungeon Lab Quick, easy D&D. Leo, Robert, or YOU can run some encounters.

Tuesday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

3 - 5 p.m. Welcome OUTRIGHT Vermont! Courage V Pearson (Outright's Director of Community Organizing and Advocacy) will be here to talk about "a Vermont where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity, and power".

Wednesday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

All day: BTC/Safe Art Mural Project Jasper will be around this week. We need painters!!!

Thursday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

3:30-5:30 Linocuts! Learn about printmaking. We'll provide all tools, materials, and instruction. 

As always, this opportunity is FREE! 

Print on paper, print on fabric. Make a patch for your jacket or bag. make a flag, print a t-shirt, make cool cards, or just a bit of art for your wall.

Friday: OPEN 2-8 p.m.

4ish: want to run a Friday D&D game? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/vSVNYxQ61nXtwmPv6
5 p.m. Dinner What should we have this week? https://forms.gle/WA7Aqe1hji5pnBHH8

After dinner: Jackbox? Movie? Make suggestions here: https://forms.gle/fTGw5zuxgGs2nTkS7 

Play some games, eat some snacks, make some art. We hope you can drop in!

  • The BTC for me is a place to connect. A way to break up the monotony of school, work, and home. A place to seek guidance and help from those there/running the btc. A please that truthfully, is one of the only reasons I can sit down in school everyday and try my darnedest. I personally wouldn’t trade it for anything.

    A.N.

  • The BTC for me is a way that I can keep friends as well as a support system when I’m needing help. I love how I can walk down and I’ll be greeted and if I’m in a bad mood staff understand! Thank you guys!!

    R.S.

  • To be completely honest the btc is by far 100% my favorite place, so warm and welcoming. everyone is understanding and supportive. it gives me something to do. i rarely attend school anymore but im sure ill always come down to the btc. staff are extremely helpful and trustworthy. you all have created such an amazing place for local teens to make amazing memories and have an awesome time, and like ari said i wouldnt trade it for anything. im glad i discovered it when i did and im glad i chose to keep going.

    J.M.

  • I love the BTC in the library basement. It's a lovely, safe space, and it's easy to get to. It's in the middle of town and close to all the library activities. It's accessible and a great place to hang out with my friends.

    D.R.

  • It's absolutely amazing to have a space downtown to be and coexist with other teens, and the library placement is great for access to and from the rest of downtown. I'm really happy that the BTC is open 4 days a week now, and hope that we can get a 5th soon.

    S.A.

  • The BTC for me is a way that I can keep friends as well as a support system when I’m needing help…

    J.M.

  • The BTC’s a great place to hang out with my friends and to play games. As well as to eat snacks.

    L.A.

  • It’s like a community that you’re accepted in, and that you’re able to connect with people like building community, and having friendships, and all that. Fun place.

    D.S.

Teens: Please Share Your Thoughts

Help us build the BTC around TEEN wants, needs, and ideas. 

Your feedback really helps! A huge thanks to those who've already responded.

Suggest BTC activities with this form: Creating a New BTC

Share what kind of snacks or meals you'd like to have: Food at the BTC

and, what to watch on Movie Night: Movies at the BTC

You can also leave Anonymous Comments here: Anonymous Comments

Four children sitting at a table with papers, colored pencils, and gaming items, engaged in activities. One girl in a gray and yellow jacket is holding a diagram, another girl with green hair and a black hoodie is smiling, a boy in a blue jacket with headphones is drawing, and a girl in a dark hooded jacket is eating. The table has cups, bottles, and books.

Resources

Music

Song chord charts, Ukulele chord diagrams, uke tips, etc.

Sex-ed, & Relationships

Sex-Ed/Relationship videos, etc.

D&D, & other TTRPGS

D&D at the BTC

Community Resources

Help with housing, food, mental health, etc.