The Rain Teen Center recently sponsored a special “Nerf Battle” between area law enforcement agencies and youths as a kickoff to special summer events at the facility.

Nerf is a toy brand formed by Parker Brothers and currently owned by Hasbro. Most of the toys are a variety of foam-based weaponry with the event at The Rain Teen Center featuring toy plastic guns, known as “Nerf Blasters,” which shoot foam darts.

The center sponsored the Nerf Battle on May 26 with law enforcement officers from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Decherd, Estill Springs and Winchester police departments participating.

The teens battled against the officers more than a half-dozen times with Nerf bullets flying everywhere throughout the facility at 1910 Sharp Springs Road in Winchester.

The winning team would go back and forth between the youths and the law enforcement officials.

“The ultimate victors were obviously the police departments as we expected,” Melanie Morrow, Franklin County Prevention Coalition coordinator, said.

She offered a special thank-you to Sgt. Sam Davidson, Sheriff’s Office public information officer, and Felicia Kelsey with the Franklin County Prevention Coalition for coordinating and making the event happen.  

The Prevention Coalition and the center are collaborating to offer youths a safe and drug-free environment and location to hang out.

The Rain is open every Wednesday night from 5:30-8:45 p.m. In addition, the facility will be open every Friday night in June.

The center will be hosting summer events at the facility with special activities planned such as a foam party, a scavenger hunt, cookouts and a carnival night.

The Rain will also be hosting a pool party at the Winchester Swimplex on Saturday.

The facility is open to all middle and high school students, including the incoming sixth-grade class.

For further information about upcoming events, visit The Rain Teen Center’s Facebook page.