Offerings | Gym

The Gym at Austin17House hosts more than just basketball games and intense bouts of four square; it also serves as the root of our creative arts nights.

A typical Wednesday/Friday at Austin17House sees the youth gathering in the gym to receive a warm welcome, a reminder of the agreements, and a breakdown of what the night has to offer. It is in this short thirty-minute window that new faces are greeted and shown about, and those we know we catch up with. Such a time allows for youth who opt to stick to one room or program to branch out and interact with those they may otherwise not. Though, if what they need is a moment of rest and quiet after school or work before the night begins, we have a corner dedicated to sofas and seating as well.

The Gym offers a whole host of entertainment options, including a basketball court, a foursquare court, two pool tables, a bumper pool table, air hockey, foosball, and a ping-pong table. Additionally, our extra seating and tables allow for light board/card games and art.

As you might imagine, some of our highest-energy youth gravitate towards the large open space and activities that allow them to move and exert themselves. This time is an excellent opportunity for us to work with the youth in modeling good sportsmanship, healthy rivalry, and fair play. What we see often in exterior settings is a boastful attitude, adversarial rivalries, and an inclination to toe the line to win. We’re all for playing hard and banter on the court, but we strive to model an attitude of cooperation and teamwork.

We have watched as many of our gym youth grow from self-centeredness and poor- attitudes to patient and humble in the games they play. They learn over time that it isn’t about being the star player every moment or the best all the time at what they do, but instead that it is about learning, growing, and playing well with those around them.

We believe that it is this attitude that contributes to the light atmosphere and joyful nights in the Gym. Where those engaging are having fun while doing so regardless of if they are winning or losing.