I was recently hired to run a government funded Youth Drop-In Program for my small rural town after the general public demanded one be provided. My relevant work experience has been with younger children, in a paid enrollment program instead of drop-in. This program is geared towards 11-17 year olds, and is meant to be a safe and fun place for teens to go, away from the watchful eye of parents and hopefully keep them out of trouble.

We operate out of a large portable that is a daycare during the day. My program is on Friday nights from 6pm-9pm with the potential to be open Sat/sun too if turnout is good.

I had lots of fun ideas initially, but so far my first few meetings have had very low attendance, even with major advertising. We've done Board Game Night, Book Exchange, Pumpkin Carving Part with Trophy (all of which were requested by attending youth).

Other requests we haven't done yet but plan to do: Baking/Cooking Nights All Nighter Sleepover Bad Art Night Minute to Win It Party Video Game Comps Role Playing Game Night

I'm thinking they won't want structured/planned nights each week, so we need to also have free time activities available like Pool table, cards etc but because we are new, we have to accumulate this stuff over time.

Anyhow, I'm looking for some ideas/suggestions on how to increase attendance and make it what teens would expect it to be.

Got any ideas Reddit?

FYI - I have a measly $50 budget per meeting, but can ask for donations of materials from the general public.