Mission

The mission of Rhino's Youth Center is to provide entertainment and engagement for the youth of our community in a safe environment, free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Rhino's afternoon programs are designed not only to give youth something sustentative and positive to do in the crucial 3–6 p.m. time frame, but also to encourage and facilitate youth in using their own unique voice through media.

With the assistance of our partners and collaborators, we now offer 4 remarkably successful and innovative programs to accomplish that goal. All of these programs are implemented with professional staffing and support from the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and are offered free of charge to youth ages 13–18.

Youth Video

Meets: Monday & Tuesday, 3–6 pm
Show: Friday, 10 pm, CATS

Youth produce Rhinoplasty, an award-winning monthly half-hour television program that airs on local cable access television (CATS), channel 3.

Using industry standard digital editing software and digital video cameras, youth plan and assemble the show while learning valuable computer and interpersonal skills. Participants in the program also work with many other local social service and youth agencies to produce promotional or instructional video pieces.

Recently, the Youth Video Program won a First Place award in the Youth Entertainment Category from the Hometown Video Competition, sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media, for "Episode #12" of Rhinoplasty.

Youth Journalism

Meets: Wednesday, 3–6 pm

Begun by grants from Monroe County CAPE and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), the participants produce a monthly newspaper by and for the youth of Monroe County, The Antagonist.

The Antagonist features news, creative writing, photography, poetry, cartoons, editorials, and a youth activities calendar. Youth work with industry standard software and digital cameras to create the publication. Along with computer and photography skills, youth plan and distribute the newsletter as well as act as an editorial board.

Now, Rhino's has compiled an anthology from the last two years of The Antagonist, entitled The Book: Writings Out Of Rhino's 2003–2005. The Book is filled with poetry, fiction, drawing, and photography all produced by local teens. The Book is available for $20 from Rhino's and select outlets. For more information, or to reserve your copy, call (812) 333-3430 or e-mail rhinosantagonist@gmail.com.

Youth Radio

Meets: Thursday, 3–6 pm
Show: Saturday, 5–10 pm. WFHB

Over 70 registered youth are part of Youth Radio, Rhino's biggest program. Youth plan and produce a weekly 5 hour show that is broadcast locally on WFHB (91.3/98.1 FM).

Participants train on industry standard digital and analog editing and broadcasting equipment. Along with the vocational experience, youth use public relations and problem solving skills to produce the widely popular program.

Youth Mural Arts

Meets: Friday, 3–6 pm

Youth use a wide variety of free art supplies to create murals that are placed in Peoples Park (downtown Bloomington on Kirkwood Avenue).

All of Rhino's media programs feature anti-tobacco and positive life-skill public service announcements too.

Other Programs

In addition, Rhino's produces concerts nearly every weekend. Teens learn how to book bands, promote shows, and operate a small performance venue. The teens themselves play a role in providing a safe, healthy place for teens to congregate.

Along with these structured programs, Rhino's serves as an afterschool "drop in" center. High speed internet access, cable television, homework assistance, service referral, and one-on-one mentoring are also a part the Rhino's Youth Center experience.

Along with the Harmony Education Center, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, WFHB, CATS, CAPE, and ICJI, our youth programs are supported by Monroe County United Way, Monroe County CARES, the Monroe County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition, as well as many other foundations, businesses, and private individuals.