Saugus gets a glimpse at new Boys & Girls Club

SAUGUS — The Boys & Girls Club has expanded with its new Teen Center, dubbed “The Club,” at the Square One Mall.

The center is in the former space of the Payless ShoeSource outside of the Dick’s Sporting Goods at the mall, and it will service children between the ages of 11 and 18.

The Teen Center feels considerably larger than the previous tenant. It houses a music studio with a “whisper room,” a sound-proof booth for kids to record music in, as well as a podcast studio, a makerspace to create art in various mediums, and an esports arena with high-tech computers and equipment.

Director of Development Anthony Guardia said that he expects the space to be “amazing” for young people, adding that the Teen Center’s team members are all very excited.

Director of Social Impact Brandi Artez — Guardia said she also has the unofficial title of “director of awesome” — shared similar sentiments, saying that getting the space into shape has been quite the undertaking, but it “came out beautiful.”

Artez said that John Cordero, the esports coordinator at the location and a former esports coach at Assumption College, was a “one in a million” hire, due to Cordero’s esports know-how and educational background. Artez said Cordero was able to create a program for young people that, through esports, teaches skills like emotional regulation, teamwork, and leadership.

“A guy like John (Cordero) can build an emotional connection and mentor a young person,” Guardia said. “Those adult connections make the most impactful difference in a young person’s life.”

Simon Property, which owns the Square One Mall, has been “nothing but great,” Guardia said, adding that the mall offered the opportunity for kids to share their creations from the makerspace at a kiosk.

“We are thrilled about the opening of the new Boys & Girls Club Teen Center at Square One Mall. The organization exemplifies commitment to fostering a supportive environment,” Square One Mall General Manager Michael Connell said. “At Square One Mall, we always look for new ways to connect with our local organizations and support the surrounding communities that we serve. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on the lives of the teens in the surrounding communities.”

Guardia said that the cost to attend the Teen Center is $10 per month, and stressed that while kids are there, they will be safe.

“There’s going to be adults in every room, there’s going to be activities in every room,” he said.

The esports arena is likely to be a big hit, Artez said, as it is an activity that many kids will be familiar with. She said that often, kids start with familiar activities, but eventually express interest in trying everything else that the center has to offer.

While all of the activities are fun for everyone involved, Guardia said that the most important thing the Boys & Girls Club is looking to do is be a part of the “expansion of the social safety net” within communities the club serves.

Guardia explained that Artez has done a wonderful job at the Stoneham and Wakefield Teen Centers, helping to connect families and kids with resources and services, and getting them in touch with insurers like MassHealth and programs such as SNAP.

The location inside of the Square One Mall is a unique one, according to Guardia, in that it allows for partnership with stores inside of the mall, such as Old Navy, which said it would lend a helping hand in prepping kids with things such as job training.

This Teen Center is also unique, Artez said, because it is the only location that is open on the weekends.

“It’s so essential to build that dedicated teen space,” Guardia said.

The Teen Center’s operating hours follow those of Square One Mall, with later plans to expand hours accordingly to coincide with the beginning of the school year.

Currently, activities for kids are from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with Saturday providing activities for kids all day long.

The Teen Center plans to hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony sometime in late August or early September.

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