A deluge of dodge balls: Teen Mayhem Night at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre

On Friday night at 7:30 p.m., the Allan & Jean Millar Centre hosted its monthly Teen Mayhem Night where youths 12 to 18 were encouraged to take advantage of all the recreation the facility had to offer. For the month of January, it was a simple evening of games and fun.

According to Recreation Co-ordinator, Emma Harper, Teen Mayhem Night is all about offering events and activities that will interest teens all within a comfortable environment. Even those who show up alone are swiftly added to groups assuring that every person attending will get to join in on the entertainment. Past events have included scavenger hunts, pool activities, and hikes in the spring.

While numbers at the beginning of the night were low, Emma had already anticipated a reduced number of attendees right after the holidays and quickly sprang into action hailing a group of youths by the fieldhouse to join in some games. Mason and Marcus Day, and Deegan O’Reilly started the night with some casual badminton, but the net quickly disappeared as they called their friends from the neighbouring fieldhouse to join in some dodge ball.

“The theme of the night is hit or miss!” declared Mason Day as he launched a ball at an unsuspecting opponent. Emma was all smiles as she joined the kids in several games of doctor dodge ball, basketball dodge ball, bench baseball, and even a free-for-all game. It was clear that she takes her job very seriously.

As more kids joined in, the noise level in the fieldhouse rose until everyone was running, dodging, laughing, and yelling in exhilaration. “I’m invincible!” proclaimed Deegan O’Reilly as he bobbed and weaved around oncoming attacks.

The next Teen Mayhem Night will be held on February 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Eastlink Park. Youths are encouraged to come and enjoy some tubing in the snow followed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate in the chalet. Following this in March will be a games night with video and board games for the choosing. There will be tournaments for the competitive gamers as well as casual play for anyone wishing to just hang out with their friends and have a bit of fun.