Teen Program
Each season, PFO brings together a group of teens from in and around Charlotte who are diverse in almost every way imaginable. What unites these teens is that they are willing and excited to answer the questions, “Who am I?” and “How will I give of that?” Through PFO’s nine-month program, teens learn self-awareness, self-motivation and self-confidence.
PFO offers a flexible and customizable program designed to help teens get as much out of their experience as possible, while still allowing them to find a healthy balance with school, work and other activities.
Once accepted to the program, teens and families receive a detailed schedule for the year, and PFO staff works with each family to create their teen’s personalized PFO package. All packages include three Retreats and monthly Deep Dive Dinners, but beyond that, each teen’s package speaks to their interests, works with their schedule, and expands their comfort zone. Read on for more details about what teens experience in PFO.
All Teens Experience:
Retreats
Retreats are for fun, bonding, learning and more! All retreats are mandatory.
- Annual Retreat, 5 days in mid-August
- Mid-Year Retreat, 1.5 days in December
- End of Year Retreat, 1 day in April
Small Groups
Every teen is placed in a “Small Group” of 6-8 teens who function as a mini-family throughout the entire season. Teens attend Deep Dive Dinners with their Small Group, and keep the conversation going while physically apart through a GroupMe chat.
Deep Dive Dinners
Once a month, Small Groups gather for dinner and conversation. Through an interactive workshop and discussion, the group takes a “deep dive” into topics such as the power of gratitude, seeking first to understand, taking things personally, making assumptions, and more.
Buddy Program
At PFO, we are passionate about being inclusive. PFO teens spend dedicated time at the Annual Retreat learning about the disability community and are supported in fostering genuine friendships with their buddies. Each month presents a different opportunity to continue to grow and connect with their buddies, such as the PFO birthday party, an all inclusive trunk-or-treat, the Buddy Show, and much more!
Customized Arts Programming:
Based on a teen’s interests and schedule availability, they are placed in a variety of events/experiences from the categories below. Teens are encouraged to experience at least one workshop, outing, and experience – but there are no strict requirements.
Arts Workshops
Each month, a 2-hour workshop in a new art form is offered. Workshops vary by season and include topics like:
- Design
- Illustration
- Drumming
- Beat making and recording
- Stage Combat and more
Arts Outings
Through these monthly events, teens head out into the community to experience the arts in Charlotte. Outings vary by season and include options like:
- a dance concert
- mural tour
- drum circle
- musical theatre performance
- Comic Con
- poetry slam, etc.
Arts Experiences
These longer-format Experiences give teens the chance to go deeper and further explore the arts as a way to grow personally and make a difference. Each Experience builds to a public event and includes an element of service to others. Examples include:
- Storytelling, teens learning the art of storytelling and sharing personal stories
- Visual Art, creating a gallery of artwork inspired by local creatives
- Spoken Word, exploring social issues through an original show performed at different locations in Charlotte
- Buddy Show, performing an original children’s show with a mixed cast of teens and children with disabilities
Apply to Join – Teen Program
The PFO Teen Program runs from August to April each year. PFO accepts applications from prospective new teens each spring/summer in advance of our new season. The application process includes an opportunity for teens and parents to attend an open house to learn more about the program, time commitment and program fee / scholarship opportunities, a one-on-one conversation with PFO staff, and an application with questions for both teen and parents/guardians. This process is designed to help teens determine if PFO is a good fit for them, and for us to learn if the teen is ready for PFO.
A note on program fees: We are committed to ensuring that PFO is accessible to all teens, and scholarship need never affects final acceptance decisions. Scholarships are funded by generous donations from families, community members, and corporations.
What Parents Are Saying
Hear directly from our parents about their experience with PFO: