The Rotary Club of Nampa recently celebrated a meaningful milestone in youth service with the grand opening of a new Boys & Girls Club of Canyon County Teen Center at the Centennial School site in south Nampa. Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club and Panda Cares, Nampa Rotarians helped bring to life a safe, welcoming space designed specifically to support local teens.
Earlier this fall, Nampa Rotary members rolled up their sleeves and dedicated two full days to painting, assembling furniture, and preparing the two-room center for opening day. Their hands-on service ensured the space would be warm, inviting, and ready to serve students from nearby Nampa High School.
The teen center is more than just a place to gather—it’s a hub for mentoring, homework assistance, and positive engagement. Teens who visit the center will have access to guidance from caring adults and opportunities to participate in fun, healthy activities that encourage growth, confidence, and connection.
A Rotary District Grant played a key role in making the center fully functional, helping fund essential supplies such as board games, craft materials, electronics, décor, and kitchen equipment including a microwave, air fryers, and food preparation utensils. These resources help create an environment where teens feel supported and at home.
Significant support also came from Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group, which provided a major grant for the project. Nationally, Panda Cares focuses on creating safe spaces where young people can learn, play, and receive the support they need to become their best selves—an ideal partnership with Rotary’s commitment to youth development.
The impact of the project reached beyond those directly involved, as a local TV station helped commemorate the opening with a story highlighting local teens and center director Zuri Rosales, showcasing the center’s positive influence on the community.
Through collaboration, hands-on service, and strategic grant support, the Rotary Club of Nampa continues to demonstrate how Rotary makes a lasting difference—one project, and one young life, at a time.
