The Cave is a free after-school drop-in center for pre-teens and teenagers in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Students from all schools (public-, private-, or home-) in Highland Park or surrounding areas are welcome to attend. At The Cave, you can:

• Socialize. Meet friends with similar interests.
• Relax. Choose what you want to do without schedules or pressures.
• Play games: foosball, ping pong, shuffleboard, billiards, board games, and more.
• Make stuff: accessories, crafts, and art projects.
• Get homework help. Stuck on a problem? Find help at the Cave!
• Have a snack. Enjoy a healthy, delicious treat after school.
• Go online. Surf the web or play games in a supervised computer lab.

The Cave is underground--in the basement of the Reformed Church of Highland Park. Hot days outside are nice and cool down in the Cave!

How do I start attending the Cave?

Please print and fill out this registration form and mail or bring it back to the Cave:

• The Cave registration form

Be sure you and your parent(s) read and understand the Rules of the Cave. Your parent's signature is needed for you to attend.

Hours (New for 2009-2010)

3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, October through April. The Cave is open on normal school days (or days when school ends at the usual afternoon time) and closed on days the school is closed or has early dismissal. See the 2009-10 Highland Park Public School calendar for details.

A blue and white A-frame sign will be set outside the back of the Church (parking lot side) to welcome you whenever the Cave is open.

How do I get home?

Some people live close by and walk home, others have their parents pick them up on the way home from work, and still others get rides home with the parent of a friend who came to the Cave. For your safety, do not accept rides from strangers.

Homework 

Whether or not you do homework while you are at the Cave is a matter between you and your parents. However, it is smart to do it here because you may find students working on the same assignment, plus you can get help from Cave volunteers. If you need supplies for a project (before it is due, of course), adults at the Cave can help you.

Snacks

A free nutritious snack is served daily, often donated by local groups, merchants, parents, or community members. Typical snacks include fruits, vegetables, chips and dip, pretzels, and cookies.

Calendar

Each day, the Cave features a special game, activity, craft, or tournament. These are shown on our monthly calendar of events.

Suggestion Box 

Students who attend the Cave are welcome to place their suggestions about activities, contests, and events, in the Cave Suggestion Box. In previous years, students have suggested and planned some very successful events: potluck dinners, crafts to make and take home as gifts, the Cave Wall of Fame, pool tournaments, dance contests, and even a chair painting project. At least twice a month, students can read and vote on the best suggestions.

Get Involved