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.

This Week at the BTC

Drop-in and let us know what you want to do! Here's a few options...

Drawing in December: As you may know, we will be painting a mural in January and February. So, we are going to be drawing all month! We'll have large paper for sketching mural ideas. We can tape up to the wall sketches we like, and start building our mural.

Games: we have various Settlers of Catan games, Dominion, Uno, Phase 10 Quiddler, Azul, Scrabble, King of Tokyo, Ticket to Ride, Magic: The Gathering, D&D, jigsaw puzzles, Switch games, computer games, Jackbox, and more.

Art stuff: the BTC has paint and D&D minis, stuff to make 'artist trading cards', zines, linocuts, watercolors, markers, and more.

Dungeon Lab: Quick, easy D&D. Run an encounter, try out a character, draw a map. All are welcome. If folks are interested Robert (or someone else... someone like you!?) will run a short game. You can learn more at D&D at the BTC.

FRIDAY D&D: If you'd like to run a game, let us know here: DM at the BTC. Players can check out this page for more info: D&D at the BTC

Other options: You are always free to play our many musical instruments, use computers, have snacks, and/or just hang out.

We’re always interested in your suggestions. Please share them here: Comments to the BTC

Our schedule…

Monday: OPEN 2-6 p.m. 

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

Tuesday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

4 p.m. Movie? If folks are interested in a movie, we've had some requests for The Muppets Christmas Carol. 

What would you like us to show next? You can share movie suggestions here: https://forms.gle/fTGw5zuxgGs2nTkS7

Wednesday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

Drawing Day. Make more art with us! There were some excellent drawings (and poems) last week.

Also, learn more about the BTC/Safe Art Mural Project, and share any suggestions, thoughts, or ideas you have here: https://forms.gle/f8cKWGPvoSFfT4aP8 

Thursday: OPEN 2-6 p.m.

Game day: Magic: The Gathering? Dominion? 2-hour Uno game?

Friday: OPEN 2-8 p.m.

3:30 or 4 p.m: want to run a Friday D&D game? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/vSVNYxQ61nXtwmPv6 

5 p.m. Dinner

After dinner: Jackbox

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.