Trackside, Teen Center of Wilton

Mission Statement

The objective of Trackside Teen Center is to promote healthy age-appropriate development for teens and pre-teens in Wilton. This is achieved by providing an environment designed to develop positive social skills and social competence, foster moral development, and enhance self-esteem - all of which are related to reduced risk-taking behavior, academic success, and healthy interpersonal relationships. Over the past two years Trackside has decreased the number of unsupervised teens and pre-teens during after school hours while increasing the number of non-school related after school programs for Wilton teens.

Creating a hub within the community of teen activity - designed by teens and for teens - provides ample opportunity for teens to engage in healthy alternative activities. Studies show that after school programs are proven to cut crime and reduce risky behavior. Trackside supports Wilton teens in developmental tasks by providing them a place within the community, other than home and school, where they can be involved in healthy socialization, all the while gaining experience in participating as a citizen in a productive manner. Wilton teens and pre-teens are able to utilize Trackside Teen Center at vulnerable times where they are more likely to make bad choices. For high school students this time may be on weekend nights when they may succumb to peer pressure; for middle school students this time may be after school when they are left unattended while waiting for parents to return home from work.

Trackside is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. While the town of Wilton covers a portion of staffing costs, Trackside must raise money to fund the balance of these costs as well as 100% of annual operating expenses, regular maintenance, facility upgrades and programming designed to reach out and appeal to a broad cross-section of teenagers.