If you’re in a position to do so, we welcome donations to help keep our programs accessible to everyone: donate here.
Questions? Contact Hananiah Wiggins, hananiah@neutral-zone.org, or 734-214-9995.
NZ SUMMER 2025
This summer join us for six weeks of free, drop-in programming June 23-July 31. Teens are welcome daily, Monday- Thursday from 2:00 - 6 PM. Come every day, join for a few weeks, or just attend on the days you want.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Please complete the registration form linked below to participate. Programs are for high-school-aged teens (entering grades 9-12 in fall 2025). Please register online in advance, however, teens can always register on-site when they get here.
Summer Programs by the Week
Each week, Monday-Wednesday offers a daily drop-in space, healthy snacks, and three activity options that include featured artists. We host a field trip and/or community activity on Thursdays engaging everyone. We welcome new youth at any time throughout the summer; all levels of experience are welcome.
Content subject to change due to weather or other circumstances, check back here or follow us on socials for the latest updates.
Week 1: June 23-26
Building a Band
Work with singer, recording artist,and all-around talented artist Dani Darling on discovering the perfect sound for you. Whether you’ve sung/played music your entire life or you are just curious about getting into music- this is the perfect week for you.
Photography
Interested in learning how to capture the perfect picture wth your cellphone and a critical eye? Show up to the photography program this summer for tips, tricks, and general photographic joy.
Free Library
Knowledge is power and sharing knowledge is our duty. Work with Neutral Zone staff to help design a free library and choose some books for the world to read.
Thursday Field Trip:
EMU Photowalk
Capture stunning photos while touring the Eastern Michigan University campus. This guided walk encourages creativity through the lens of a camera. We will leave from Neutral Zone at 2:45 via the van—anyone interested in meeting us at EMU please email hananiah@neutral-zone.org (please bring your own camera/phone)
Week 2: June 30-July 3
Creative Writing
Focus on exploring what makes your world (and yourself) special while engaging in active, low-stakes, writing exercises (poetry, drama, prose all welcome and encouraged!)
Fairy Doors
Constructing your own world can begin with the simple step of making a door. Join this week to learn how to build fairy doors and open up your mind in new and exciting ways.
Tie Dye
Summer is the best time to tie dye! Bring some color to shirts, socks, and more.
Thursday Field Trip:
Hike to the Arb
Explore scenic trails leading to a beautiful arboretum filled with diverse plant life. Along the way, learn about local ecosystems, conservation, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Week 3: July 7-10
Creature Costumes
Use cardboard, duct tape, zip ties, paint, and more to create creature costumes to roam with around downtown. Learn about sculpture and performance art, and become a strange spectacle for the public.
Brain Hugs
Learn how to make a variety of fidget toys, mental health helpers, and safety tools that you can keep and use in your daily life or when you need a pick-me-up.
Chopped
Participate in a series of food-related challenges while learning about food safety and how to cook! Plus you get to eat what you make, what could be better?
Thursday Field Trip
Fuller Pool Day
Come cool off, play pool games, and relax with friends to beat the heat and enjoy the summer with your favorite youth-driven community.
Week 4: July 14-17
Earth Week
From creating an eco-art show case to particpating in eco-olympics make the world a more sustainable place.
Songwriting
Make the next summer banger by writing the perfect song to express your feelings.
Creature Costumes (pt 2)
Learn about sculpture and performance art by using cardboard, duct tape, zip ties, paint, and more to create creature costumes to roam with around downtown.
Thursday Feature:
Movie Day at NZ
Watch a movie with delicious popcorn or roam the Art Fair with friends.
Week 5: July 21-24
Mural Design
Design and paint a mural on our B-Side concert venue that highlights the importance of the NZ space.
Make a Music Video
Tell the story of the summer by making a music video. Whether you want to perform the song, shoot and edit video, create the costume or direct project, there is a perfect role for you.
Yes, And
Make your own entertainment through improvisational theatre including comedy, drama, and playback. No experience necessary to participate.
Thursday Field Trip:
Hands-On Museum
Walk over to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and explore the exhibits together.
Week 6: July 28-31
Summer Finale Week
Dance, Dance
Learn different forms of dance and get into the groove!
Mini Book Club
End the summer by reading some fun books with friends or telling us about the books you’ve read this summer.
Sustainable Fashion
Interested in fashion and thinking about different ways to save our planet? Learn about upcycling, recycling, and all the other ways to keep fashion affordable and sustainable while saving our planet.
Thursday Feature:
Summer BBQ
Hang out at the BBQ at NZ from 2:30-5:30 PM
All parents/ guardians/ caregivers/ siblings grandparents or other guests are invited to join us on Thursday, July 31st at 4:30pm for a final show to share our talents from the summer.
Donate to Support Free NZ Summer Programs for All Youth
Our commitment is to support free, no cost programming to ensure all youth have access to high quality programming where they know that they belong and matter. Please consider a donation this summer.