Teen+Ally Night

The Smash Club Spirit: Why We Host Teen+Ally Night at Lake Creek Academy

If you grew up in the 90s, you might remember the Full House episode "Smash Club: The Next Generation," where Uncle Jesse reopens a club as a safe, all-ages, no-alcohol hangout.

That was the original lightbulb moment for Teen Night at Lake Creek Academy.

Our version is a bit more low-key—there is no loud music, no dancing, and no full food service. If you remember the intense dance club scene of places like Numbers Night Club back in the day, imagine the exact opposite. This is a space specifically designed for kids who aren’t into the club scene or the after-school sports scene. It carries the exact same wholesome vibe as 90s school gym lock-ins or Girl Scout clubhouse sleepovers.

So, why do we dedicate our Friday nights to hosting this?

Redefining the School Space

First and foremost, it establishes our physical building as a true safe space. It removes the stigma that the adults who work at the school are only here for learning. We want our students to know that we are here for them, as people, not just as students.

A Real-World Safe Haven (Free of Charge)

We may live in a nice area, but the reality is that teenagers are targets. The Woodlands is not immune to muggings, shootings, and abductions.

Teen Night gives our kids a place to hang out for three hours without:

• The pressure of spending too much money.

• The fear of being assaulted or targeted.

• The danger of being offered drugs.

• The risk of driving to highly populated areas, which reduces the chances of Friday night car accidents for our driving-age teens.

Additionally, it gives teenagers a dedicated space to socialize without having to loiter in public. Let's face it: most businesses today, like Starbucks, no longer allow "freeloading" or hanging around without making continuous purchases. Teen Night gives kids a place to just be without needing to buy a coffee to justify taking up space.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things we see as a result? The teens who hang out here generally put their cell phones away for the full three hours. Unplugged and unpressured, they actually engage in genuine, face-to-face connection.

Freedom with Invisible Guardrails

Teen Night is an incredibly valuable, supervised place for teens who are dating to meet up. This is a massive relief for parents who worry about their teens being coerced into experimenting with drugs or sex before they are ready.

At Lake Creek Academy, the cameras are rolling, and no one goes outside unsupervised. There is zero opportunity for illicit behavior. However, the teens still have the absolute freedom to sit, hang out, and talk about whatever they want without adults hovering and eavesdropping.

High Standards and Community Outreach

Originally, I focused Teen Night on our most at-risk group: our LGBTQ+ kids. But we quickly realized that their friends wanted a safe place to hang out, too, so we opened the doors. Today, this event also serves as a fantastic outreach program, allowing us to highlight the wonderful community at Lake Creek Academy to homeschool, public school, and other private school students in the area.

While everyone is welcome, we maintain high standards at Lake Creek Academy. Whether a student is enrolled here or visiting as a guest, they must abide by our rules:

• Be respectful of one another.

• Do not bring drama or cause a commotion.

• Treat the physical building and the adults running the event with respect.

The Best Part

Ultimately, the best part of Teen Night might just be the price. The cover charge is only $5, and it allows for soda, candy, popcorn, and three full hours of supervision.

And for the parents? You get to go out on a date night—or just stay home in your sweatpants—with total peace of mind, never having to wonder what your kids are doing or if they are safe.

Teen Night: Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

• Who can attend Teen Night? Everyone is welcome (ages 13 to 18 - or 12 with a sibling)! While hosted by Lake Creek Academy, the event is open to local public school, private school, and homeschool students. Our only requirement is that attendees are Allies and adhere to our high behavioral standards.

• How much does it cost? The cover charge is just $5 at the door. This includes three hours of a safe space, adult supervision, and snacks (soda, candy, and popcorn).

• What are the rules and expectations? We expect all students and guests to be respectful of one another, avoid bringing drama or causing a commotion, and treat our physical building and the adults running the event with respect.

• How is the event supervised? We provide "invisible guardrails." Adults are present to supervise, cameras are rolling, and no student is allowed outside unsupervised. However, we intentionally give the teens space to hang out and talk without adults hovering or eavesdropping.

• What do the teens actually do? It’s a low-key environment—no loud music, dancing, or structured activities. They sit, eat popcorn, talk, and hang out. It’s a space to just be. In fact, we find that most teens end up putting their cell phones away for the full three hours to enjoy genuine, face-to-face connection!

• When is it? Teen Night runs every other Friday night from 7:00pm to 10:00pm sharp. Drop them off, enjoy your evening, and pick them up when it's over!