The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center

Empowering Youth to Reach Potential

What do empowerment, connection, and loitering all have in common? TheShop!

For more than 10 years The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center, known locally as TheShop, has been a place for Brainerd Lakes Area youth to connect, be recognized, and grow toward independence. Everything we do is rooted in respect and inclusion and is modeled to and practiced by the youth we serve.

After school snacks and evening meals occur daily and offer a consistent source of nourishment for the hungry bellies that teens and young adults bring with them everywhere. Music, games of all varieties, art, laughter, loitering, and sometimes a nap on the couch are part of the experience of being at TheShop.

Educational programs, volunteer opportunities serving within our community, critical thinking development, and hands-on job skills are other facets of TheShop designed to help bridge opportunity and achievement gaps many of our young people experience.

We partner with a diverse group of community organizations, service clubs, and individuals to support youth as they transition towards independence. TheShop strives to remain a safe, accepting space where youthful energy is harnessed into creative fuel by providing opportunities to explore potential, build lasting relationships, and establish personal connections.

VISION

The Brainerd Baxter
Youth Center

The Shop

A non-profit charitable organization committed to providing community support to all teens and young adults as they transition into independence and adulthood.
We are a space where youthful energy is harnessed into creative energy with opportunities to explore potential, build lasting relationships, and establish personal connections.

MISSION

Mentor youth to improve overall wellness and develop assets to support healthy life transitions.

Translation: We are safe and soft place for youth to land where they will always find a listening ear, supportive mentors, and a space to be themselves.

“Belonging comes the minute you walk in the door; no strings attached”

GOALS

PEEP our goals
(See what we did here?!)

*Provide youth with meaningful educational, vocational, social, and spiritual opportunities.
*Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion while encouraging healthy intergenerational relationships and cultivating mutual respect.
*Empower youth to be critical thinkers and thoughtful community members.
*Promote opportunities for positive development and participation in our local community.
*Support and value youth voices as assets in our community. They are our future and it is BRIGHT!

Facebook Activity

The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - The Shop is attending an event.

2 weeks ago

Celebrate the Spirit of Giving and Join Us for Give to the Max Month!As someone who deeply values the vibrant community of Minnesota, I feel immense pride in our state, not only for its breathtaking lakes and natural beauty but for its steadfast commitment to community service, the arts and culture, mental health well being, philanthropy and more. Minnesota stands out as one of the most generous states in the nation, with a longstanding tradition of supporting causes that make a difference.One of the ways this generosity shines is through GiveMN, an organization that has transformed charitable giving across the state. Founded 16 years ago by the Minnesota Community Foundation and other dedicated partners, GiveMN has simplified the donation process, making it easier for people to support the causes they care about while helping nonprofits conserve valuable resources.To encourage this spirit of giving, GiveMN created Give to the Max Day—a single day of unparalleled generosity. What started as a one-day initiative in 2009, raising over $14 million in 24 hours, has now evolved into an annual tradition where Minnesotans come together to support organizations that enrich lives locally and globally. Each year, thousands of nonprofits and schools benefit from the collective kindness of donors like you.Today, GiveMN is more than just a day of giving. It’s a year-round platform that connects over 750,000 donors to 14,000 nonprofits and schools, creating a powerful network of support. Through initiatives like RaiseMN, GiveMN also equips nonprofits with the tools to strengthen their fundraising capabilities, helping them build sustainable futures.At The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center, we’re dedicated to creating a safe and enriching space where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Thanks to community support, we’re able to offer a wide range of programs and activities, including:LGBTQIA+ Support – Providing a safe place to connect, support, and plan events.Art and Creative Workshops – From painting to digital design, these programs offer young people the chance to explore their creativity and discover new passions.Life Skills Classes – Equipping youth with essential life skills, such as financial literacy, cooking, and career readiness, to prepare them for the future.Community Service Projects – Encouraging a sense of responsibility and pride in our community, we involve our youth in service initiatives, from neighborhood clean-ups to food drives.Mental Health and Wellness Support – Offering a safe space for counseling and wellness programs to promote emotional health and resilience among our youth.Healthy Food Program – We provide free after school snacks and free dinner for all youth.By contributing to Give to the Max Month, you’re not only supporting these vital programs but helping us create more opportunities for youth in our area to grow and succeed.How You Can Join Us and Make a DifferenceStarting November 1, you can participate in Early Giving, building up to the official Give to the Max Day on Thursday, November 21. Your support will have a direct impact on our mission, helping us reach new heights and expand our community of art, education, community support and youth services.Help us kick off the month with a gift that supports our community and youth development. Whether you give on November 1st, the day after Halloween, or as we approach Give to the Max Day, your contribution matters.Thank you for being part of Minnesota’s legacy of generosity and for considering a gift to The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center. Together, let’s make this a month of impactful giving!Breton MonroeExecutive DirectorThe Brainerd Baxter Youth Center218.454.0009theshopbrainerd.org/www.givemn.org/donate/Theshop ... See MoreSee Less

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The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - The Shop

4 weeks ago

We are excited to announce that we are now present in the Thrivent Choice Online Catalog located here, thank you! ... See MoreSee Less

302 Found

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The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - The Shop

2 months ago

Another great art night! ... See MoreSee Less

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The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - The Shop

2 months ago

Rainy weather? Perfect for Art Night 👀 See you in an hour! ... See MoreSee Less

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The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - The Shop is at Camp Knutson.

3 months ago

Our group had a great time at Camp Knutson this year!Thank you so much for having us out again, and a big thanks to the staff that made all the fun possible.✌️ Some highlights - we spent time on and in the water, practiced archery, sling shots, trust exercises and some great meals! ... See MoreSee Less

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PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH CENTER

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Hours

TheShop
723 Washington Street
218-454-0009

Wednesday – Saturday
3:00pm – 8:00pm

The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center

Empowering Youth to Reach Potential

VISION

MISSION

GOALS

Facebook Activity

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Hours

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