Being a teen in Cochrane just got that much better with the opening of "The Club" of the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area (BGCCA).

The 204- 5th Ave W. location opened on Monday and is dedicated to giving local teens, ages 13 to 17 their own space. It offers a safe, nonjudgemental setting that breaks down the barriers and allows youth to "Be Seen, Be Heard, Be You."

They are officially cutting the ribbon late this afternoon.

"This is definitely a project we wanted to do for a while," says BGCCA executive director Jill Bilodeau, "so that’s what makes it so exciting to be able to fulfil the need.

"The teens have asked for it, the community has asked so it so we’re thrilled to provide this opportunity for teens."

Truly, it's barrier-free. There is no membership required for teens to drop by; they just quickly sign in on an iPad.

What unfolds when you walk through the doors is an informal environment with plenty to space to just hanging out or enjoy a multitude of different activities by yourself or with others. There's video (with virtual reality) and board games, a pool table, wifi, a huge TV, Netflix access, mixer, mics, guitars... even a baby grand if you want to tickle the ivories in style. There's a fully equipped and spacious kitchen where they also offer popular teen cooking classes.

"The teens really seem to be eager to learn how to cook so we do have cooking classes from junior chef all the way up to master chief," says Bilodeau. "We have one particular teen who loves to come in and bake cookies for everybody here."

There's also a quiet room for those wanting to chill when they need a little space or to do homework. There's computer accessible for personal use or homework is available. The Boys and Girls Club also continues to offer the acclaimed Raise the Grade multi-faceted education program, supported by RBC Future Launch.

Trained qualified staff are also available to provide support when requested.

Did I mention food?

"They never go hungry. If they’re hungry they eat," she says.

Regular Hours

Regular hours are currently 2 to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Fridays, a time window that provides teens with a place to hang their hat between school and other activities.

Bilodeau says they would like to extend their hours on Thursdays and Fridays until 10 p.m. and open their doors on Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Currently, they don't have the funds to make this possible.

What happens to the 5th Ave. Location?

Moving teen programs to the strip mall to the former location of Big Hil Pizza and The Hideaway Pub is allowing the club to shift and expanding its services for younger youth as well. They plan to use their Glenbow location exclusively for kindergarten-aged children and on 5th Ave. the basement will be used for those in grades 1 to 3 and its upstairs for those in grades 4-5.

"It gives us the ability to increase numbers because we always have a wait list," Bilodeau explains.

Rental opportunities

The club is also considering offering rentals in The Club after hours for other teen activities, like birthday parties and other special gatherings.

"We’re looking at different opportunities because it is such a wonderful space and we’d love to share it with the community," she says.

Come Take a Peek in February

Adults curious about what The Club has to offer are invited to come and take a peek in February. They are welcome to drop by from Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 2 p.m. throughout the entire month.