Zach Gordon Youth Center
The Zach Gordon Youth Center is a free, drop-in facility for youth. All are welcome to come by for food, fun and friends. The center has a wide variety of amenities from table tennis and pool tables, to a rock climbing wall and basketball courts available to youth of all ages.
Drop-In Activities
Drop in and use our facilities!
Indoor/outdoor basketball courts, outdoor toddler play area, weights and gym equipment, pool and ping pong tables, outdoor fire pit and grill, board games, foosball, arts and crafts projects, the climbing wall and more!
Good Eats
Meals served every day!
Our staff prepare simple and healthy hot meals for any kid that comes through our doors. Meals are free and can always be taken to go if you are only stopping by for a quick visit.
Connection
Connection to community.
Our staff are here to build a safe space and positive relationships with youth in the Juneau community. We are available to connect kids to various resources that will help them live their best life.
About the Center
When youth arrive at the Zach Gordon, they can expect to be greeted by our friendly staff! Staff are usually cooking food, playing games or leading activities with kids. The center has some awesome features including: Indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a weight room and exercise equipment, table tennis, foosball and pool tables, an outdoor fire pit, board games, arts and crafts and so much more.
Youth must be 9 or older to be at the center without a supervising adult
After 6pm, youth must be 14 or older to be at the center
The center hosts a variety of events and activities. For the most up to date information on our events, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook or Instagram. The following events are happening on a weekly, drop-in basis. For more info, check out the calendar page or give us a call.
The Zach Gordon offers housing and navigation services. The Housing Navigator connects with community partners to provide housing services to youth 18-24. They coordinate our Rapid Rehousing program that houses young people in the community and provides rental assistance. They also provide supportive services to youth under the age of 18, such as help obtaining IDs, accessing food support and connecting with Shéiyi X̱aat Hit Emergency Youth Shelter. The Housing Navigators are a great resource to assist youth in their transition into adulthood.
To connect with a Navigator, call us at 586-2635 or text 500-4338.
The Center features a public climbing wall, courtesy of the Juneau Rotary Club. The climbing wall is free for youth 19 and younger during open facility hours. If available, our staff can provide all training and climbing knowledge necessary, so don’t worry if you have never climbed before!
All participants must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian before climbing.
During the summer, the climbing wall will have no official hours; however if you or your family wants to climb, feel free to stop in and our staff will gladly help you. For more information, call 586-2635.
We are unable to do facility rentals at this time due to short staffing.
The Zach Gordon is available to rent for gatherings, birthday parties or other events.
- Full Facility Rental with Climbing Wall: $125.00/hour+ tax
- Full Facility Rental without Climbing Wall: $100.00/hour+ tax
- Climbing Wall Only *Only available while facility is open $25.00/+ tax
To make reservations call 586-2635 during regular business hours and at least one week in advance. Facility rentals are available before 3pm on Saturdays and any time on Sundays.
The center offers a variety of programs and resources for LGBTQ+ youth including:
-Queerspace, a social group for LGBTQ+ teens, Thursdays at 6pm
-The Alliance, a drop-in afterschool activity for LGBTQ+ middle school students, weekly from 3-4:30 at FDMS and DHMS.
-Trans Youth Support Group, an interactive, psychotherapy support group for individuals ages 12-19, who identify as transgender, gender-expansive, genderqueer and non-binary. It will provide a safe, affirming space to explore, process and grow as we examine different aspects of our gender identity. Registration is required. This group meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5-6.
-Gender Affirming Scholarship Fund, this fund can provide gender affirming items to any youth.
– A Resource for Trans Youth in the Juneau School District
For more information about any of these resources, stop by the center or contact Ty Shae at [email protected] or 907-586-2635.
General Announcements
4/24/23 – Safe Sitter at the Zach!
Join staff from Bartlett Regional Hospital for Safe Sitter, a class for youth going into grades 6-8 that teaches skills to be safe when home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. This session will take place at the Zach Gordon Youth Center on June 19th and 20th from 11am to 2pm. The registration form can be found here and emailed to Autumn ([email protected]).
4/24/23 – Join us for Adventure Club!
Starting this week, join us every Thursday from 4-6p for a different adventure! Zach Gordon staff will be taking youth out and about for different outdoor activities such as hikes, beach walks and frisbee golf! Anyone ages 9-19 is welcome. Just show up to the center dressed for the weather!