It seems there are more and more things for Minot youth to do when not in school, whether it be sports, community service or the like.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Wednesday church night activities all have their place, their followers. But not every kid makes it to one of those organizations or events. Some kids, even the ones who turn to the traditional organizations to channel their energies, can find themselves in need of a place to just hang out.

Minot Salvation Army is now meeting that need with the reopening of its after-school youth center. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. – and it is free, meant for kids ages 13 to 17.

While we don’t claim to know just how badly such a program was needed, it does sound like a fun and safe environment for kids to play pool, ping-pong or other games – a place parents can feel good about saying “yes” to.

“We have kids running around and thought it would be something fun for them to do that is safe and bully free,” said Randy Stahl, one of two Captains of the local Salvation Army.

Stahl said they know kids coming out of school are hungry and starting at 3 p.m., they offer hot dogs, popcorn, slushies, and other various snacks.

Oh, to be a kid again.

The center is located in the Salvation Army building at 315 Western Avenue SW. Check it out, and if you approve, let a teenager know about it. Then, support the Salvation Army for all of the wonderful things they do for Minot – in good times and bad.