Summer's just around the corner, and for teens in the Las Cruces area, that means the return of the Teen Connection summer program. Beginning on May 5, the Parks and Recreation Department will open registration for the upcoming 2025 session. Spots are limited, and the department will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll want to get in fast. Registration is available through May 23 or until the max capacity is hit, whichever comes first, according to the City of Las Cruces.
The program itself is a golden opportunity for kids entering grades 6 through 12 in the 2024-25 school year to get out of the house, meet new people, and participate in a variety of activities. It's all happening at the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, and get this: it's free. That's right, no charge. Zero. Zip. Nada. We're talking Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting June 3 and running through July 18 (excluding June 19 and July 4 for obvious holiday-related reasons). For those who prefer the convenience of digital over in-person dealings, an online registration can be found under the "Out-of-School Time" section at the City of Las Cruces website.
If digital's not your thing, you can also register in person at various locations: A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven is available Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You also have the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center itself as an option, with registration open from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Lastly, the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office provides another venue from Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an early bird session on Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember, this is the time to step away from the rotary phone; telephone registrations are not on the table this year.
