Camas residents committed to creating teen center ‘because it’s such a needed thing’

Grant and Ann Gilson launched the Turf Teen Center nonprofit organization in 2023 with the goal of opening a facility in east Clark County for local teenagers where they could develop skills and meaningful connections.

The Camas residents built some momentum during the next several months but had to put their pursuits on hold in late 2023.

“It was just kind of a mix between the full-time jobs and buying a house,” Grant Gilson said. “It was a lot of personal stuff, adjusting to (kids’) sports schedules and things like that. It’s been crazy.”

But through it all, they never completely abandoned their teen center dream. They considered their efforts to be on pause.

“It was always in the back of our minds,” Grant Gilson said.

Now, the Gilsons have more time and said they have relaunched their efforts to open a teen center with more energy and focus than ever before.

“We’re absolutely committed to pulling this off, and it’s really going to be our focus,” Grant Gilson said. “The passion is a little bit more behind us right now … because it’s such a needed thing.”

The Gilsons are currently searching for a 5,000- to 8,000-square-foot space in Camas or Washougal for the future Turf Teen Center.

“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 said. “Our ultimate goal is 15,000 square feet.”

The Gilsons also are looking for board members to govern the nonprofit organization as well as a group of teens to have a voice in the center’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 said.

He said the teen center will feature indoor and outdoor spaces for a variety of activities, including art, music and gaming, as well as a roller-skating court and a study area with computers and internet access.

“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 said. “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, said that there’s a “huge need” for a teen center in east Clark County.

“There’s a huge gap,” he said. “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 said the teen center would likely be free for daily use but could charge a fee for specialized camps.

“Our goal is to make it as free as possible,” he said.

The organization will soon start fundraising efforts, including events, according to Grant Gilson.

“We would love to do some fundraising events in the summer to bring the teens together,” he said. “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 more information or to donate, visit theturfcenter.org.