Tusten Social Launches Teen Club Program to Empower Local Youth with Culinary Arts, Mixed Media, and Creative Writing

Tusten Social, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community connections in rural Sullivan County, has announced the launch of its Teen Club program, a free after-school initiative designed to support local youth through creative exploration and skill-building. The program, which will run weekly from February 19 through June 18, 2025, offers a range of exciting opportunities for teens to connect, create, and learn in a welcoming environment.

The Teen Club is open to students in grade 7 and above from Tusten and surrounding areas, including residents of Pennsylvania. Sullivan West students will also be able to utilize bus transportation to the program, making it accessible to a wider range of teens in the region.

Giniece Noble, Tusten Social Board Member, and Meg Sullivan and Chef Bruno Carvalho of the Blue Fox Motel appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the initiative.

The Teen Club will feature three distinct sessions, each designed to engage youth in hands-on learning and artistic expression:

Session 1: Cucina Italian Culinary Exploration
Starting on February 19, internationally acclaimed Chef Bruno Carvalho, in partnership with the Blue Fox Motel, will lead teens through a six-week intensive on Italian cooking. Chef Carvalho, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with a global culinary career, will teach students the fundamentals of Italian cuisine, including bread-making, pizza crafting, pasta-making, and dessert creation. This exciting session will give teens a chance to explore the world of culinary arts and develop skills they can use for years to come.

Session 2: Art & Design
From April 2 to May 14, local artist Catherine Chesters will lead teens through an immersive six-week course in mixed-media art. This session will focus on creative exploration, design fundamentals, and portfolio development. Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their work at the upcoming Deep Water Literary Festival in June, highlighting their artistic achievements and gaining exposure in the local community.

Session 3: The Art of the Zine
In the final session, from May 21 to June 28, teens will dive into the world of self-published magazines, exploring the creative process behind zine-making and design. Led by local artists and zine makers, this session will culminate in a showcase event at the Deep Water Literary Festival, offering students a platform to present their own zines to a wider audience.

“The afterschool program for local teens represents our commitment to addressing unmet social needs in our rural community,” said Greta Knutzen, cofounder of Tusten Social. “By providing these enriching after-school activities, we’re creating opportunities for teens to develop new skills while building lasting connections with their peers.”

The Teen Club is designed to not only foster creativity but also provide an important space for teens to connect with others and build a sense of community, said Knutzen. The program is free, though registration is required by emailing hello@tustensocial.org.

Image Credit: Tusten Social