Youth Development

WHY IT MATTERS

The YMCA's Youth Programming  meets the mission and program objectives of our Movement. As a result, it makes for a better experience for participants and their parents. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids of today and contributing and engaged adults of tomorrow.

BENEFITS from participation

• Particpants begin with those skills they are ready to learn.
• Participants achieve new skills often, which helps them build self-confidence.
• Participants have fun and develop new friendships as they get to know one another through group activities.
• Participants gain important life skills that will keep them active and healthy.

BENEFITS FOR PARENTS

• Participants learn in a student-centered, caring atmosphere and receive personalized attention.
• Programs are developmentally appropriate and quickly and effectively teach lifelong skills.
• Well-trained staff members prioritize safety and encourage students to develop a lifelong interest in aquatics.
• Y staff inform parents of participants’ progress and actively encourage at-home activities and conversations related to activities, water safety, and character development.
• Our programs promote and reinforce the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Youth recreational programs

Our sports programs for children focus on the development of healthy lifestyles, the valuse of cooperation and fair play, the involvement of parents in a positive support roles, and individual children rather than the sport. Our coaches and leaders assure that the programs are developmentally appropriate, contribute to the YMCA goals for children and families, and reflect the organization's mission that everyone, regardless of sex, race, national origin, religion, or physical ability, is welcome to participate. 

swimming lessons

At the Y, we talk about the positive impact we have on individuals in terms of well-being. Well-being is at the heart of what we do. Every experience a program participant, member, or staff has at the Y results in a change in their well-being. Our swim lessons program gives us a way to ensure that change is a positive one, no matter where in the country a student lives or what YMCA the student belongs to.

Financial Assistance Available 

No one will be turned away because you can't afford to pay for a program. Financial assistance is available. Click here for more information.