The Loft—West Marin’s “Valley-minded teen center”—opens on the first day of school for Lagunitas School District, Tuesday, August 28, for all kids in grade four and up. The Loft is open Monday through Thursday until 5 p.m. and membership costs $200 per year. Beyond its weekday offering of open gym, healthy snacks and fun classes, the Loft hosts other events throughout the school year, including movie nights, family game nights and Saturday morning pancake breakfasts. This year the Loft will provide free training for eighth graders through the Youth Leadership Institute, with small focus groups meeting on Wednesday afternoons to develop leadership, resume-writing and job-acquisition skills, and more. For information and registration call (415) 488.4118 ext. 218. Scholarships available.