Our Blog
Marble Run? Tons of Fun!
Teens at the Kingswood Youth Center have been learning physics the fun way. We all took on a few challenges to build a marble run that would travel with target accuracy.
Check 0ut the slopes on a few of these builds! And even better, some teens built in jaw-dropping loops.
Every marble run was different, and every group found creative techniques.
Recess Break! KYC’s Playground Visits and Volunteer Opportunities
Kingswood Youth Center stopped by Crescent Lake Elementary this past Friday. We headed there to run the Face Painting Room during Carpenter School’s “Fight Cabin Fever” event.
Our group conquered the jungle gym before getting down to work. Five teens offered everything from glitter tattoos to hand decals to good ol’ face paint. They ran the station for the full hour and a half, to great success!
Check out more photos below!
So far this year we’ve held yoga four times, all of which led to meditation and sharing of skills. The flexibility and calm music has been nice for participants, volunteers, and staff alike!
Another ongoing treat is the birthday celebrations that have been held at KYC. It’s a great chance to light candles and celebrate people reaching new milestones. 
Happy February, all!
Governor’s Commendation and General Happenings
It’s the middle of February, and due time for a KYC update! This past week at the youth center, we welcomed a representative from the governor’s office, bringing a certificate of commendation. We also received information for our group about being community leaders and building recovery-friendly spaces.
Another outing was to the library! Teens created duct tape bookmarks, bags, and even mini backpacks. 
And back at the youth center, our group participated in Knights Against Hunger by cooking a Carrot Ginger soup. Delicious work for a good cause!
Starting A Birthday Tradition, and Continued Fun in the Snow
KYC is starting to celebrate birthdays in 2026, with a cake baked each month for the occasion. Our January experience came after a nice yoga session. And the cake was made fully from scratch by a talented volunteer, Diane!
Making wishes is as easy as 1…2…3.
Outdoor activities include biking and bike maintenance. Some talented folks can even pull off stunts, like the wheelie shown here.
And if you’re stopping by this week, there’s a tunnel to be seen. Snow fort deluxe!
We’re out in the community and swimming around!
KYC was at the Windrifter in their heated pool yesterday, and will be headed there for an afternoon of fun and splashing again today. 
Hoping more teens will join us! It’s a fun shakeup of our winter programs.
Kitchen Snapshot: Cooking up a Storm
It may be cold outside, but here at KYC we’ve been sharing good food. Karen from 4H has been taking us through a multi-week crockpot course. With valuable lessons on how they conduct heat (and how a crockpot should be operated safely), Karen got us started. And with chili on the menu, soon there was chopping and cooking to be done.
Another culinary adventure combined budgeting with real-world experience. Teens went to Hannaford’s with a $30 limit to buy a meal for later in the week, sides and all. Pickles were a must, and waffle fries (with extra crispy edges). Chicken quesadillas as the entree was a smart move with crowd appeal. 
And finally, the festive season lingers as long as there’s cookies to be had. We’re lucky to have some treats on hand — from coconut cookies to cocoa with white chocolate chip — baked from scratch by our loving volunteers. Big compliments to our bakers, as we happily hand out one… no two… more.
Annual White Elephant Swap
This year’s swap included mysteries, Grinches, and some festive hats with gifts to match. KYC finds traditions to celebrate every season. So come join us! The more the merrier.
Festival of Trees participation… and a paper airplane competition
Monday was a fun start to the week at KYC. A group of us went out into the neighborhood — taking down our trees at the Wright museum and handing out holiday cards to local business partners.
The rest of our participants held down the fort with a great effort in a paper airplane competition. Furthest wins, and our top prizes went to planes that flew the whole length of the youth center and would have kept going if walls didn’t stop them first!
Thanks for the good times! More to come soon.
KYC and Whitehorse Recovery
Gracie from Whitehorse brought a special guest to Kingswood today. Tiana (far left) gave a great speech on the impact of teen addiction and her lived experience.
And later, a couch pile!