Discovery Den: Next Gen

142 W 36th Street on the 3rd floor

A Brave Space for Neurodivergent Youth (ages 14-24) to Be, Create, Connect & Grow.

In partnership with Hunter College, EKC is proud to introduce Discovery Den: Next Gen, a Saturday space created specifically for neurodivergent youth ages 14 to 24 to build community, explore their interests, develop independence, and practice the skills they need to navigate the world in their own way.

At EKC, we believe teens need spaces where they can show up as themselves, take risks, make choices, try something new, and sometimes make mistakes without judgment.

The Discovery Den is that kind of space—a place where teens can build meaningful relationships with peers and trusted adults while developing confidence, self-awareness, creativity, and autonomy. Through engaging activities, shared interests, and opportunities for connection, youth are encouraged to discover what they enjoy, express themselves, and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.

What to Expect

We are scheduled to begin programs in November, and will reach out to confirm registrations before then.

9:45 AM — Doors Open
Check in, put your name-tagged snack in the refrigerator, hang up belongings, connect with friends, and settle in. The 9:45 arrival window is intentional. It gives participants time to transition into the space at their own pace before workshops begin. We want the transition into the Discovery Den to feel calm, predictable, and welcoming rather than rushed.

10:00 AM — Programming Begins
Welcome, check-in, community connection, and introduction to the day's activities.

10:15 AM–12:00 PM — Workshop & Creative Exploration
Hands-on learning, creating, collaborating, and exploring teen interests.

12:00–12:30 PM — Snack & Community Time
A chance to refuel, talk, decompress, and connect.

12:30–1:45 PM — Choice, Projects & Community Building
Teen-directed activities, projects, games, creative work, or continued workshop time.

1:45–2:00 PM — Closing & Transition
Wrap up, reflect, gather belongings, and prepare for departure.

Program Offerings

Textiles & Fashion

Explore creativity through fabric, fashion, and hands-on making! Youth can experiment with sewing, weaving, design, upcycling, and different materials while building confidence, fine-motor skills, and creative problem-solving. Neurodivergent youth and youth of all abilities are encouraged to express themselves, explore their interests, and create at their own pace in a supportive environment.

Robotics

Build, create, and experiment! Robotics introduces youth to STEM through hands-on building challenges, technology, and creative problem-solving. Participants develop teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills while bringing their ideas to life. The program welcomes neurodivergent youth and youth of all abilities, with opportunities to learn through exploration and experimentation.

Gaming

Play, connect, and create through the world of gaming! Youth will explore different gaming experiences while building communication, teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving skills. Designed to welcome neurodivergent youth and youth of all abilities, Gaming provides a supportive space where participants can share their interests, connect with peers, and have fun at their own pace.

Perspectives Photography

Photography is a community-based visual arts program that invites youth of all abilities to explore self-expression, storytelling, and community through photography. Using digital and disposable cameras, participants document their surroundings and experiences, learning how images can communicate thoughts, emotions, and perspectives beyond words.

Important: Before Your Teen Begins

Because the Discovery Den is a new space for EKC, we know families will have questions about how the Teen Zone works, what to expect, and how we can best support each teen. To help us start this relationship together, we require a member of each family—including a caregiver, respite worker, nanny, or participating teen—to attend an EKC orientation before participating in Teen Zone Saturday programming.

The orientation can be held virtually or in person and will be led by a programs team member.

The orientation is an opportunity to:

• Learn more about Discovery Den Next Gen

• Meet program team member and ask questions

• Review the Saturday schedule and routines

• Talk about your teen's interests, strengths, and support needs

• Learn how EKC approaches autonomy, community-building, and regulation

• Understand how adults can support teens without taking away their independence

• Know who to contact when questions or concerns arise

We know this is an investment of your time. We are asking for it because we want to get this right together from the beginning. Our goal is simple: families, teens, and staff should feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the community from day one.

What Are We Building?

Build Autonomy Participants will have opportunities to make choices, manage their belongings, express their preferences, take on responsibilities, and develop greater independence.

Build Community Participants will have opportunities to develop friendships, find common interests, collaborate, and feel part of a community.

Develop Self-Awareness We want teens to better understand their own feelings, energy, sensory needs, interests, strengths, and ways of communicating.

Practice Regulation Participants will have opportunities to explore strategies that help them navigate transitions, emotions, sensory experiences, social situations, and different energy levels.

Explore Interests & Creativity Music, art, gaming, anime, photography, making, storytelling, and other creative interests are important pathways for connection and self-expression.

Take Positive Risks Trying something new, sharing an idea, joining a group, making a mistake, asking for help, or taking on a leadership role can all be brave acts.

Practice Life Skills Discovery Den provides opportunities to practice communication, collaboration, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and self-advocacy in real community settings.

We use the Zones of Regulation as a shared language for understanding ourselves and communicating with others. All zones are okay. Our goal is not to make teens "stay in Green" or behave a certain way. Our goal is to help young people recognize what they need and build tools that support them.

We extend a heartfelt thank-you to our board member, Dr. Tamara Buckley, professor at Hunter College, for facilitating this wonderful partnership and space.