For high school students, finding a safe and fun environment to hang out with their friends may not be easy. For people that feel doing the same thing gets boring after a while, the Refuge is recommended, for it provides many activities that are both safe and fun.

First off, The Refuge is a Teen Center for middle school and highschool students, located in Peculiar at 13201 E 216th Street. This teen center provides students with multiple, age appropriate activities they can enjoy with their friends. For freshman Jacob Scott, the Refuge is more than just a fun place to hangout.

“It’s keeps students out of trouble and it’s a pretty big part of my life”, said Scott.

Scott’s mom was one of the co-founders of the Refuge, so he has been involved since it opened up around a year ago. Scott was one of the first students to continuously attend activities provided at the Refuge, and shares he feels this a place all students belong. Since Scott’s involvement other freshman like Matthew Stewart and Blake Jungman have began to attend too.

“I’ve been going to the Refuge since it opened, because my mom was one of the co-founders, and it’s such a great place for all students”. said Scott.

The Refuge gives Scott a place to go on Friday nights after football games or other activities where he feels safe, and can let loose. Some other students who go to the Refuge say they often see Scott there getting involved in activities with other students.

“It’s given me something to do on Friday nights when I have nothing better to do and I don’t feel any pressure to fit in or worry about drugs and stuff like that”, said Scott.

There are many various traits about the Refuge some of which include the laid back atmosphere, food and drinks being provided, and many activities. Scott and fellow freshman Matthew Stewart, Charles Scott, and Blake Jungman find playing video games to be one of their favorite activities, but also explore outside their comfort zone.

“I remember one time Jacob was playing Fifa and I turned off the game, and they all started chasing me around because they were mad but we ended up laughing about it later on” said Stewart.

The Refuge provides many great activities that Scott feels other people should check out and says he will continue to participate at the Refuge for a long time.