Several years ago, faith leaders in Wardensville came together to provide a safe and family-friendly haven for teens to congregate and recreate. Called the Big Blue Teen Center, it has seen hundreds of area kids come by to hang out, make friends, and be kids without the social pressures that sometimes go with being that age.
Ryan Runions, Director of the Family Support Center in Moorefield related that “we have been wanting to find a way to work with teens. We’ve got a tremendous space here.” Partnering with Big Blue to open up in Moorefield served as a natural means to reach teens.
Last Friday night at 5 p.m., the center had already geared up for a good time. “Big Daddy” pizzas came through the door, set next to a refrigerator fully stocked with drinks. A big screen television offered up the West Virginia University College World Series opening game victory. Runion and Wade Armentrout manned the doors, welcoming those who had come before and asking newcomers to sign in.
The party lasts until 7 p.m. in Moorefield.
A few minutes after five o’clock, a small group of smiling teenagers came through the door with their mother. As she signed them in, Runion announced jovially “welcome guys! Pizza’s over there!” They responded with a hearty “thanks!” walked over to the counter, and grabbed some slices.
Immediately “seasoned veterans” of the Friday fun walked over and they all engaged in animated and joking conversation. Armentrout noted that one often sees the kids who have been coming and those there for the first time “gravitating toward each other.” Runion added that helps to form “peer-to-peer positive relationships.”
Runion intentionally scheduled the Moorefield Big Blue Teen Center at a different time than that serving Wardensville. That runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. He shared that the two cross-populate with some teens attending both.
“Not every kid plays sports,” said Runion, referring to how organized sports and other activities can build camaraderie and lifelong friendships. Big Blue is meant to serve that same purpose for those who have different interests, although every teen is warmly welcomed.
Big Blue has just kicked off in Moorefield and Runion says “it’s growing. We have a few coming regularly. It’s a good opportunity for kids to socialize.”
Said Armentrout “it’s definitely safe place for kids to come and express what they like, what they’re interested in.” Those staffing and volunteering for Big Blue are “role models to help steer them in positive directions.”
