Grant and Ann Gilson launched the Turf Teen Heart nonprofit group in 2023 with the aim of opening a facility in east Clark County for native youngsters the place they may develop abilities and significant connections.
The Camas residents constructed some momentum throughout the subsequent a number of months however needed to put their pursuits on maintain in late 2023.
“It was just kind of a mix between the full-time jobs and buying a house,” Grant Gilson mentioned. “It was a lot of personal stuff, adjusting to (kids’) sports schedules and things like that. It’s been crazy.”
However by way of all of it, they by no means utterly deserted their teen heart dream. They thought-about their efforts to be on pause.
“It was always in the back of our minds,” Grant Gilson mentioned.
Now, the Gilsons have extra time and mentioned they’ve relaunched their efforts to open a teen heart with extra power and focus than ever earlier than.
“We’re absolutely committed to pulling this off, and it’s really going to be our focus,” Grant Gilson mentioned. “The passion is a little bit more behind us right now … because it’s such a needed thing.”
The Gilsons are at present trying to find a 5,000- to eight,000-square-foot area in Camas or Washougal for the longer term Turf Teen Heart.
“We know we’re going to end up probably having to start smaller than what we would like and either build out from there,” Grant Gilson mentioned. “Our ultimate goal is 15,000 square feet.”
The Gilsons are also in search of board members to manipulate the nonprofit group in addition to a gaggle of teenagers to have a voice within the heart’s programming.
“I think the biggest part is getting teens involved, because you can build it, but if you don’t have teen support or teen backing, they’re not going to come,” Grant Gilson mentioned.
He mentioned the teenager heart will function indoor and out of doors areas for a wide range of actions, together with artwork, music and gaming, in addition to a roller-skating court docket and a examine space with computer systems and web entry.
“And we would love to partner with some organizations to come in and teach cooking classes, nutrition classes, finance classes, that kind of stuff,” Grant Gilson mentioned. “We want to keep teens engaged during after-school hours or on the weekends and allow them to have fun, but also be learning stuff at the same time.”
Grant Gilson, a Camas native, mentioned that there’s a “huge need” for a teen heart in east Clark County.
“There’s a huge gap,” he mentioned. “After the schools get out, you can just see droves of kids scattering to go find something to do. I know that school districts are hurting financially, so if we can help take some of the strain off of them, that would be great.”
Grant Gilson mentioned the teenager heart would probably be free for day by day use however may cost a price for specialised camps.
“Our goal is to make it as free as possible,” he mentioned.
The group will quickly begin fundraising efforts, together with occasions, in response to Grant Gilson.
“We would love to do some fundraising events in the summer to bring the teens together,” he mentioned. “There’s a lot of opportunity there, whether it’s throwing a kickball tournament or some kind of outdoor activity. We want to work with other organizations to provide opportunities to get kids outdoors — hiking, fishing, that kind of stuff.”
For extra info or to donate, go to theturfcenter.org.
