The RARE Rollers

The RARE Rollers is a youth bowling league hosted by The RARE Place, Inc. at Kern's Bowling Center; the only Black-owned, veteran-owned bowling alley in New York State, right here in East Buffalo.

This isn't just a bowling league. It's a space where young people build confidence, learn discipline, develop sportsmanship, and discover what it means to show up and represent something bigger than themselves. Every week RARE Rollers step on the lane ready to grow; in their game and in their character.

Buffalo has lost too many young people. Gun violence, trauma, and the pressures of growing up in underserved communities don't wait for a solution; they show up every single day in the lives of our youth.

RARE Rollers is prevention.

Not a reaction. Not a response after tragedy.

Prevention; before the moment, before the decision, before the loss.

When young people ages 8–15 know who they are, feel seen, have a safe place to land, and are surrounded by adults who believe in them, they are less vulnerable to the streets, to violence, and to the influences that pull them in the wrong direction. That is the work of RARE Rollers.

Every Friday at Kern's Bowling Center — the only Black-owned, veteran-owned bowling alley in New York State — we give youth something to show up for.

A community. A creed. A standard. A place where being different, being rare, being set apart is celebrated instead of punished.

We believe the best crime prevention is a child with purpose.

RARE Rollers is that purpose in action.

Roll On In and Check Us Out!

What participants can expect:

Each week builds on the last; opening with our "Rules of How We Roll," a moment of reflection and real talk about the things youth are actually navigating, then moving into bowling instruction and play.

From learning proper form and lane etiquette to mastering spare shooting and competing in structured league play, every session grows their game and their character.

The program closes with our Grand Finale on August 21st — a full championship round, certificates, and a celebration of every young person who showed up and finished what they started.

Every participant receives a custom RARE Rollers t-shirt and a certificate of completion.

Program Details

RRRRRRoll Into The Details

When

Fridays, July 24 – August 21, 2026
5 weeks | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Drop-off begins at 10:45am | Pickup no later than 2:15pm

Where

Kern's Bowling Center
Kerns Avenue, East Buffalo, New York
The only Black-owned, veteran-owned bowling alley in New York State — right in the heart of the community where we live, work, and grow.

Why

Because our kids deserve more than something to do on a Saturday. RARE Rollers gives young people a space that sees them, challenges them, and holds them to a standard. Every lane, every week is practice for something bigger than bowling. The way we roll is RARE — and our kids already know it.

WHO

RARE Rollers is for young people ages 8–15 in the Buffalo community — beginners and recreational bowlers welcome. No experience required. Just show up ready.

A program of The RARE Place, Inc., hosted at Kern's Bowling Center — Buffalo's only Black-owned, veteran-owned bowling alley.

SEASON SCHEDULE

5 Weeks on the Lane

Orientation, team assignments, lane etiquette, open bowling
Rules of How We Roll: Peer pressure, social media, and staying true to yourself
Bowling skill: Aiming, targeting, and spare shooting
Rules of How We Roll: Goals — what do you actually want and why?
Bowling skill: Strategy, reading the lane, picking up splits
Rules of How We Roll: Community — who's in your corner and how do you show up for others?
Bowling skill: Full game structured league play and competition
One last Rules of How We Roll spoken together as a group
Championship round
Certificates, party, and celebration

Secure Your Spot Today

Registration & Parent Enrollment Form

Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).

You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours.

YOUTH PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

First name

Last name

Date of Birth

Age

Shoe Size

Gender (Optional)

School Attending

Grade (Fall 2026)

Bowling Experience

PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION

First and Last Name

Relationship to youth

Primary Phone

Emergency/Alternate Phone

Address

Emergency Contact (if different from above)

AUTHORIZED PICKUP PERSONS

Drop-off & pickup policy

Youth must be dropped off no earlier than 10:45am and picked up no later than 2:15pm. Youth will not be released to anyone not listed below. Authorized adults may be asked to show valid photo ID. Repeated late pickups may result in removal from the program.

Youth may not be left unattended before or after sessions.
If you are running late, call staff at 716-533-9099 before 1:30pm.
Written authorization is required to add or remove persons from this list after submission.

Authorized pickup person #1

Authorized pickup person #2

Authorized pickup person #3

HEALTH & MEDICAL INFORMATION

Allergies or dietary restrictions

Medical conditions staff should be aware of

Medications carried by youth during sessions

Physician / pediatrician name & phone

Medical Insurance Carrier

Agreements & consents

Code of conduct

All RARE Rollers participants are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and community pride at all times. Bullying, use of profanity, damage to property, or repeated disruptive behavior may result in removal from the program without refund of registration fees.

Liability waiver & release

I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, hereby grant permission for the above-named youth participant to participate in The RARE Rollers Youth Bowling League, a program of The RARE Place, Inc. I acknowledge that participation in bowling activities involves inherent physical risks, and I voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of my child. I hereby release, waive, and discharge The RARE Place, Inc., Kern's Bowling Center, their officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all claims, losses, damages, or liability arising out of or related to my child's participation in this program, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the above parties from any third-party claims arising from my child's conduct during program activities.

I have read and agree to the drop-off & pickup policy and understand my child will not be released to unauthorized persons.

I have read and agree to the participant code of conduct and will review it with my child before the first session.

I have read and agree to the liability waiver and release above.

I consent to emergency medical treatment being administered to my child if I cannot be reached and medical attention is immediately necessary.

I have read and agree to the drop-off & pickup policy and understand my child will not be released to unauthorized persons.*

I consent to my child's likeness being used in program photos and videos shared on The RARE Place social media and marketing materials. (Optional — uncheck to opt out.)

Parent/guardian signature — type your full legal name to sign

Relationship to child

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