Opportunities with Jungle grow

Violet Bell, Editor|May 2, 2023

Milton Alumni Mr. Micah Fritz coordinates activities at the Jungle.
The Jungle provides a variety of free activities for Milton area students.

The Jungle Teen Center is an after-school program in Milton where kids in middle and high school can go to hang out, enjoy snacks, play games and help run the establishment.  

The Jungle first opened in 2007, said Executive Director of T.IM.E. Mr. George Venios. The Jungle re-opened with The Improved Milton Experience (T.I.M.E.) in December 2022.  

The Jungle opened as a teen center that was part of the YMCA before separating and becoming a “for teens, by teens” structure, added Project Director and Manager Mr. Micah Fritz, a 2022 Milton High School graduate.  

 “T.I.M.E. is a non-profit organization…” explained Makerspace Project Director Ms. Becka Warfel, “Their main focus is generating interest in and revitalizing the downtown Milton region, specifically to boost small businesses and support the community.”  

Mr. Fritz said The Jungle gives students the opportunity to volunteer through the Jungle Teen Action Board, a core group which oversees the program. There are executive positions like president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and event coordinator.  

“It is an educational experience; it teaches you parts of how to run a small business,” said Mr. Fritz. Students can develop events such as pool tournaments, video game competitions and head fundraisers for non-profits or charities, added Ms. Warfel.  

Mr. Fritz added volunteers can get involved with community focus projects such as Easter egg hunts, the veteran’s memorial, and creating a safe and drug-free environment for those in need. Students who volunteer at The Jungle can count their service hours towards National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society. 

T.I.M.E. hosts events, restores building facades, and maintains programs like The Jungle and the MakerSpace Academy in Milton, said Ms. Warfel  

The Jungle does not currently offer any paid employment opportunities, but, “it does look good on your resume,” said Mr. Fritz.  

The Jungle is open from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12-6 p.m. on Saturdays at the Milton Moose, 139 S Front St. Admission is free.  

 Students can email Mr. Fritz at [email protected] for an application or go to The Jungle and get one in person.