Magdalena launches new teen night series March 20 to offer safe hangout space

A coalition of local organizations, business owners and volunteers is launching a new series of teen nights in Magdalena, beginning Friday, March 20, at Cold Backed Coffee House. The effort aims to give local youth a safe, supervised place to gather, socialize and build skills in a town where opportunities for teens are limited.

The initiative grew out of conversations between coffee shop owner Charity Saulsberry, longtime youth program organizer Jim Sauer, and SCOPE (Socorro County Options, Prevention and Education), after each heard repeated concerns from residents about the lack of activities for young people.

“There are no jobs here for these kids. There’s not even anywhere for them to go on a date,” Saulsberry said in an interview. “We just want to give them something to do, a safe place to hang out, and keep them off the streets and out of trouble.”

SCOPE Coordinator and Grant Director Sam Winter said the organization joined the planning group early on, with staff member Veronica Espinoza attending meetings and helping shape the program.

“We provided ideas, answered questions, and we’re paying for the food and providing some outdoor games,” Winter said. “Kids need a way to get together and talk to one another. It’s great for their mental health and development.”

The March 20 kickoff will feature a build‑your‑own nacho and taco bar, games and time for teens to help set expectations and brainstorm future activities.

Winter said SCOPE sees the event as the start of a recurring series. 

“Teen night is going to be the kickoff of regularly scheduled teen nights,” she said. “They will rotate around Magdalena at the library, Cold Back Coffee Shop, and the Kids Science Café.”

Saulsberry said her shop will host the first several gatherings while the Kids Science Café completes renovations. She plans to open her back patio and parking area for outdoor games, giant Jenga, dominoes and other low‑cost activities.

“There will be no alcohol, no firearms, no fighting, no sex, no drugs, nothing like that,” she said. “If they tell their parents they’re going to the coffee shop, they’re supervised to a point. I’m not going to get all up in their business, but at least they’re safe.”

She said the group also hopes to eventually offer practical workshops on public speaking, interview skills, résumé building and financial literacy.

Sauer, who runs the Magdalena Teen Science Café and several STEM‑focused youth programs, said teen participation in community activities has dropped sharply since the pandemic.

“Before COVID, we’d have 25 or more kids show up at night,” he said. “Now it’s getting harder and harder to get kids off the couch. They don’t go outside like they used to.”

Sauer said the planning group, which includes representatives from SCOPE, the library, the school, the Chamber of Commerce, and Magdalena Mayor Michael Thompson, meets every two weeks to coordinate ideas and resources.

Their long‑term vision includes rotating weekly or biweekly teen nights among the three host sites, offering everything from movie nights and robotics to art projects, scavenger hunts and outdoor activities.

“The kids have to have ownership of this thing or it’s not going to work,” Sauer said. “We want them to help set the rules, choose the activities and decide what this becomes.”

Organizers emphasized that the events are not limited to Magdalena students.

“If kids from San Antonio, Alamo, Datil or Socorro want to come, we’d be glad to have them,” Sauer said.

Saulsberry said even a small turnout would be worth the effort.

“Even if we have five kids show up, we’re still going to show up for them,” she said. “Word of mouth travels. If they enjoy it, they’ll bring their friends.”

The event takes place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 20 and will be free and open to all teens and 18-year-olds who are still enrolled in school.