Location: First Congregational Church North Adams
Hear Me is a 50 minute documentary film, features seven young people from Berkshire County, some from North Adams, who have been affected by gun violence.
Calling all teens! Let’s make our parking lot a place to hang out! Join us for a vision session hosted by Berkshire Regional Planning Session to explore how we can turn our parking lot into more green space!
Doth one seek adventure and whimsy? Come join our Live Action Role Playing Combat Workshop!
Join us on May 15th for our next Teen takeover at North Adams Clay! Teens will have the chance to get their hands dirty with a guided clay activity, exploring the meditative and artistic world of ceramics in a professional studio setting. To make the evening complete, we’ll be providing plenty of free food, ensuring that teens can fuel their creativity while building relationships with each other and the makers in our community.
RSVP is required: https://airtable.com/appqmw9yQeVyBcjXB/shrf8eQwR9WYDbFxM
What is a Teen Takeover? Our Teen Takeover program is a high-energy community partnership initiative that bridges the gap between North Adams businesses and local youth. During these events, ROOTS partners with area establishments to host "teen-centric" evenings, allowing young people to reclaim and enjoy local spaces that might otherwise feel inaccessible or intimidating. By bringing the energy and culture of our center into the storefronts of our neighbors, we are not just providing a night of fun; we are actively weaving our teens into the economic and social fabric of North Adams.
These takeovers serve a dual purpose: they provide local businesses with a vibrant, engaged audience while giving teens a sense of civic belonging and ownership. Whether it’s a takeover of a local cafe, a retail shop, or a community space, these evenings are designed to be inclusive, high-visibility celebrations of youth presence. It’s a powerful way to show our city that teens aren't just "the future" of North Adams—they are a vital, positive part of our community right now.
Connect with the process of setting intentions and manifestion. Creating spell jars and satchets is an ancient cross cultural practice of using herbs and other martials to set and create powerful intentions. Come learn about the herbs that support intentions around protection, love, and abundance. At this workshop you will have the opportunity to create your one of a kind spell jar or Sachet with the herbs and some other small items.
Tiny jars, linen satchets, a selection of herbs, crystals, pebbles, feathers, etc are provided and laid out in a buffet style offering for people to choose from based on their intentions.
Celebrate love in all its forms at our Valentine’s Day Pride Mixer, a welcoming space for queer teens and their allies to connect and be themselves. Enjoy music, crafts, and community as we honor the beauty of friendship and self-expression. Come with a partner or hang out with your best friends!
Learn how to navigate difficult conversations without escalating conflict! Learning how to productively communicate with others when strong emotions and differences of opinion arise is a life-long skill. While there isn’t any magic formula that will work every time, you can learn a set of skills that will help a lot! Teens will discuss the challenges they experience in communicating about difficult topics with others and will learn new skills for navigating these conversations with courage, assertiveness and respect.
Unleash your inner artist at our Mocktail Paint and Sip, designed exclusively for teens! Sip on mocktails while you follow along to create your own colorful canvas masterpiece. It’s the perfect vibe for hanging out with friends, vibing to great music, and discovering your creative side in a chilled-out atmosphere.
Drop In will be closed for Winter Break
December 22nd through the 26th.
Your Voice, Your Future!
Calling all teens! Get ready to make your voice heard at our Ideas Exchange. This is your chance to connect, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. We'll be discussing topics that matter to YOU, so come ready to chat, brainstorm, and make a real difference.
This event was an idea generated by the teens at ROOTS.
Ready to build your dream edible home? Come hang out and design an incredible gingerbread house. This is the perfect chance to destress, get creative, and load up on holiday candy. All supplies are provided!
Heads up, Teens! ROOTS is launching TEEN TAKEOVER!
We heard you loud and clear: You need more chill, fun, and accessible places to hang out downtown. So, we're dedicating the Plant Connector to you for one evening of good vibes, plants, and community!
Come Hang Out!
This event is more than just a party—it’s the start of a new movement! We’re turning The Plant Connector into a safe, free space for you to connect, relax, and take ownership of a downtown spot.
What's Happening?
Music & Chill: Local tunes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Free Snacks & Drinks: Fuel your socializing!
Plant Vibes: Make a terrarium FOR FREE!
Why are we doing this?
During our recent planning, we heard from tons of teens that they want downtown access but feel like cost is a huge barrier. This is our answer! Join us for the inaugural event and help shape what these Takeovers look like going forward.
RSVP is strongly encouraged: https://airtable.com/appqmw9yQeVyBcjXB/shrf8eQwR9WYDbFxM
Join us for a cozy, hands-on workshop where we transform discarded materials into one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments. We’ll provide all the bits, baubles, rescued fabrics, and creative prompts—you bring your curiosity and community spirit.
No experience needed. Just come ready to play, make something beautiful, and give new life to materials that deserve a second chance.
Join local artist Sarah DeFusco who teaches fundamental sewing techniques and how to creatively repurpose discarded fabrics, plastic wrappers, and other "trash" into functional art and fashion items. Participants not only develop key stitching skills but also gain an empowered perspective on sustainability by turning ordinary waste into unique, self-designed accessories or garments
This special gathering is our annual Friendsgiving celebration, offering a warm potluck meal focused on gratitude for the chosen family and peer connections built within the center. It creates an inclusive, low-stress holiday environment that counteracts social isolation and strengthens the vital sense of belonging for all participating teens.
This hands-on workshop introduces teens to the versatile art of needle felting, teaching fundamental techniques for manipulating wool fibers into three-dimensional characters or soft sculptures. Participants foster tactile creativity and fine motor skills while designing their own unique pieces, providing a calm space for focus and self-expression. Hosted by local artist Jen Aviles!
Join Anthony Bennet in a workshop exploring Game Design. This workshop guides teens through the collaborative process of brainstorming, prototyping, and testing their own video or board games, learning the foundational principles of creative design and mechanics. Participants gain essential skills in problem-solving, digital storytelling, and constructive feedback, culminating in a playable game concept they can own.
A pilot tabletop game for teens concerned about book bans and censorship, led by authors of banned books!
Get your hands dirty and connect with nature at the ROOTS Teen Garden Club, in partnership with Growing Healthy Gardens! This isn't just any club; it's your chance to actively help grow fresh, healthy food right in our community garden. You'll learn everything it takes to cultivate food from scratch, from planting seeds and nurturing sprouts to harvesting delicious produce. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and make a real difference in your community. Join us and watch your efforts grow!
Every Tuesday from 3pm-4:30pm
Ready to boost your fitness and feel great? Join our exciting Fitness Challenge! This is your chance to push your limits, achieve new goals, and build healthier habits in a supportive environment. Get ready to sweat, strengthen, and celebrate your progress!
This event is facilitated by the Northern Berkshire YMCA.
Your Voice, Your Future!
Calling all teens! Get ready to make your voice heard at our very first Quarterly Teen Town Hall. This is your chance to connect, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. We'll be discussing topics that matter to YOU, so come ready to chat, brainstorm, and make a real difference. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be heard!
You will also get an opportunity to give us feedback on our Strategic Plan and have a voice in the future of ROOTS. Youth Board members will also be in attendance and you will get an opportunity to learn more about the Youth Board.
Community members are also welcome to attend our Teen Town Halls.
This event was an idea generated by the teens at ROOTS.
Get your hands dirty and connect with nature at the ROOTS Teen Garden Club, in partnership with Growing Healthy Gardens! This isn't just any club; it's your chance to actively help grow fresh, healthy food right in our community garden. You'll learn everything it takes to cultivate food from scratch, from planting seeds and nurturing sprouts to harvesting delicious produce. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and make a real difference in your community. Join us and watch your efforts grow!
Every Tuesday from 3pm-4:30pm
Bring your own Squirt Guns & Water Balloons!
Get ready for an epic splash-tacular event! Join us for our Water War Extravaganza, where squirt guns and water balloons rule the day. Prepare for refreshing fun, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs as we battle it out to see who will reign supreme in this ultimate water showdown. Don't forget to bring your A-game and be ready to get soaked!
This event is facilitated by the Northern Berkshire YMCA.
Get your hands dirty and connect with nature at the ROOTS Teen Garden Club, in partnership with Growing Healthy Gardens! This isn't just any club; it's your chance to actively help grow fresh, healthy food right in our community garden. You'll learn everything it takes to cultivate food from scratch, from planting seeds and nurturing sprouts to harvesting delicious produce. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and make a real difference in your community. Join us and watch your efforts grow!
Every Tuesday from 3pm-4:30pm
Join us for a sweet treat at our upcoming Ice Cream Social! Beat the heat and mingle with friends while enjoying delicious scoops, a variety of toppings, and good company. It's the perfect opportunity to cool down and connect. We can't wait to see you there!
