The Den is THE hangout spot for teens entering 6th through 12th grades. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 2:30 - 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 2:30 – 10 p.m. check out the website.

All participants must check in and have a current Registration Packet on file. Your annual registration fee of $35 includes a carabineer and free unlimited access to Drop In activities, the computer lab and game room. Don’t miss out on any of the fun. Renew your Den membership!

Rates are for Tahoma School District residents. A non-resident annual registration fee of $50 applies. Financial aid scholarships are available. Additional activity fees may apply. For information, contact Kristiane @ 425-432-1272.

NEED A PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY, YOUTH SPORTS TEAM EVENT OR OTHER GET TOGETHERS? RENT THE DEN

Full sound system for dances. Big Screen for Movies and Video Games.

Foosball, Air Hockey and Ping Pong.

Contact Kristiane @ 425-432-1272 for prices and availability.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

We want you to be a part of the 2012 Battle of the Bands on Mar. 3rd! Continuing a long and epic tradition, the Maple Valley Youth Council will host another Battle of the Bands. Expect large screaming audiences and considerable prizes for the best three bands. In previous years, we gave away cool loot and recording time to the top performing bands.

Twelve bands will be chosen by Maple Valley Youth Council to compete in the 2012 Battle of the Bands on Saturday, Mar. 3rd. The majority of band members must be under 23 years of age. Each band will have twenty minutes of playtime and your playlist must include at least one original song. Prizes will be awarded to the top three bands. If you want to perform, just download the Battle of the Bands Application Packet from our website and start filling it out. Get it back to us by the Feb. 24, 2012 registration deadline. Each individual band member must also complete and sign the Performer Contract. All proceeds from band registrations benefit Maple Valley Youth Council projects.

Tech Specifications: The Den uses a Mackie Onyx 24.4 mixer into EAW mains and subs. The Den will provide a sound engineer for the event. Any specific sound requests must be submitted to The Den at least seven (7) days prior to show date. For more information email kristianeb@maplevalleycc.org or call 425-432-1272.

KARAOKE AT THE DEN

Bring your friends to sing your hearts out on stage to your favorite songs as the lyrics roll across the screen on Friday, Jan. 20, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information call 425-432-1272.

CONCERT AT THE DEN

Come check out your local bands, SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC on Friday, Jan. 27, $5 cover, doors open 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information email kristianeb@maplevalleycc.org or call 425-432-1272.

CHILDREN & FAMILY TODDLER TIME

Get your wiggles out! Connect with other parents and caregivers at our drop-in play group for fall fun. For children ages 0-5 with parent/caregiver. Only $3/family pre-paid cards available. Toddler Time @ GMVCC Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Toddler Time @ Gracie Hansen Monday & Friday 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. For program information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cindy @ 425-432-1272.

Special thanks go to Keith Lewis at PRO-TOW/MOTORPLEX for graciously sponsoring Toddler Time at Gracie Hanson

CHILDREN & FAMILY PLAY & LEARN

Play & Learn school readiness co-op is a semi-structured playtime for children 2 ½ - 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Age-appropriate, hands-on activities promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, and emphasize early literacy and school readiness. Register now!

Session 1: Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2011 – Jan. 19, 2012 $155/child.

Session 2: Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31, 2012 – May 31, 2012 $155/child. For more program information contact Brandy @ 425-432-1272.

CHILDREN & FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Join your neighbors and meet new friends for dinner, a craft and the newest family movies on our Big Screen at Family Night. Now serving Frankie’s Pizza, salad, and dessert. What a great deal! Snacks are also available for sale.

Mats are available for the kids to lie on the floor. We encourage children to wear their PJs and bring their blankets, pillows, beanbag chairs and/or sleeping bags. Age requirement for families with children. Every 2nd Friday 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. $3.00/child and $5/sdult. Next showing Smurfs on Friday, Dec. 9. For more program information please contact Cindy at 425-432-1272.

Family night is funded in part by generous grants from the Maple Valley Black Diamond Rotary Club, Frankie’s Pizza and Maple Valley Signs.

FAMILY CRAFTS AT THE LODGE

Do not miss the largest display of holiday lights in Maple Valley when the Lake Wilderness Lodge and Arboretum turn on the twinkle. Bring your entire family and experience the thousands of lights that decorate the park

Inside the Lodge holiday treats will be served and the Greater Maple Valley Community Center Children & Family Program will be hosting the Family Crafts Room on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family Crafts Room Age Requirement: 2 ½ to 11 years. FREE. No pre-registration required. For more information contact Cindy @ 425-432-1272.

Holiday performances by the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and others will take place in and around the Lodge. Venture into the cold to hear the roving carolers sing, ride the train through the twinkling Arboretum and experience Santa’s arrival on Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety’s Holiday Fire Engine. Donations will also be accepted for the Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services.

KIDS CREATIONS Holiday Gifts & Decorations

Make the mess at our house as we celebrate the season with our annual Kids Creations by making holiday gifts and decorations. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the Greater Maple Valley Community Center. Age Requirement: 2 ½ to 11 years, $6 per child. No pre-registration required. Refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Cindy @ 425-432-1272 or email cindyb@maplevalleycc.org.

SAFE SITTER

Better sitters today. Better parents tomorrow.

This class is developed especially for 11-13 year olds and emphasizes safety for the sitter as well as the children in their care. Don’t miss out on classes because they fill up fast! Get on our wait list now! Pre – register $45. Jan. 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information contact Cindy or Brandy @ 425-432-1272

LOCATION GMVCC CHILDREN & FAMILY OTHER

1. LEGO Robotics Club 3rd Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

2. Home school support 2nd Tuesday 6:30 - 9 p.m.

3. Fostering Together 4th Tuesday 6:30 – 8 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
TODDLER TIME

TT @ Greater Maple Valley Community Center. TT @ Gracie Hansen.

SAFE SITTER

Safe Sitter instructor volunteer. Training provided, background check 8-hour commitment Saturday as scheduled. For more information contact Brandy or Cindy @ 425-432-1272.

LABELS FOR EDUCATION

Clip & Save Campbell’s UPCs all year long

Help the GMVCC Children & Family Program earn free educational materials and supplies by clipping proofs of purchase from Campbell’s products. Last year, thanks to the efforts of our community, we were able to redeem the labels we collected for many needed classroom supplies, including playground balls, a toy cash register, bucket stilts, hop scotch toys, 9-1-1 telephones, and a variety of manipulatives.

Bring in your labels during any Children & Family program or drop-off your labels anytime at the GMVCC front desk. For program information contact Cindy @ 425-432-1272.

Visit www.maplevalleycc.org and find us on Facebook! VOICE of the Valley Article The Den