Van seats, rather than couches, give more space and go along with the theme "Road to Life", which is only one thing that makes the ROCK stand out among teen centers. The ROCKs reward program, called "ROCK (Recognition Opportunity Champion Kingpin) BUCKS" is a favorite among staff, volunteers and visitors alike and is just another example of why this place is so different. Kids graduated to different levels based on positive behavior. Each volunteer gets five rock bucks per shift to pass out each night. The ROCK BUCKS can be redeemed at the concession stand or they can be banked for prizes that are donated by local businesses or purchased by the ROCK. The volunteers interact more with the teens because they're looking for opportunities to hand out a ROCK BUCK. The teens love it because they get cool stuff like lava lamps and crackle lights from places like Spencers Gifts and mountain bikes. Very much the realist, Graham believes in the old adage "You can catch more flies with honey". As a mother of teens, who have some "unsaved" friends, I can certainly understand his theory. Kids that are hanging out at Spencers and that have never seen a bible as more than "something boring that the church folks cram down your throat' are not very likely to go to a place where they're rewarded for good behavior with a bible. Prizes that are "cool" not only bring them in; they also give them plenty of opportunities to talk about the cool place where they got them. My hat is off to Graham, the steerage board and the youth board behind the ROCK. It is a brilliant strategy.
With all of the "goodies" offered at the ROCK, you would think that they would charge a hefty cover fee at the door. You'd be wrong. All of the programs at the ROCK are free because three local churches in Utica support the ROCK. Donations from companies and individuals are welcome however. Since they are a 501c3 entity, donations are tax-deductible.
I would love to see something like this in every town in America. In my town, and in many others, the Christian teens are really segregated from the unsaved youth. Parents of the Christian teens won't allow them to go to most "teen clubs" because the supervision isn't of a Christian nature and the unsaved teens wouldn't be caught dead in a Christian venue because it's "boring". Places like the ROCK truly bridge the gap by offering the best of both worlds ... fun that is safe and Christian!
The ROCK
105 South Main Street Utica, OH
740-892-3949
