There are many distractions that compete for the attention of our youth today. It’s important that the messages they hear are coming from positive sources. All young people, regardless of economic, geographic, ethnic, gender or religious background face choices that can positively or negatively influence their futures. Every day, the YMCA sees teens that are excited about learning leadership skills and participating in projects.

The YMCA wants teens and families to know there is a way for youth to reach new heights, and is committed to programs for older youth and teens that offer character development, citizenship, leadership and service programs in collaboration with local school districts and other community organizations.

To meet these needs, the YMCA has several leadership programs.

Youth Achievers

High School Students Making Things Right.
The central purpose of the program is to help older youth and teens develop a positive sense of self and to set high educational and career goals. The program strives to:

• Assist students and their parents in identifying and qualifying for financial resources to continue their post secondary education
• Raise the academic standards of youth
• Expose students to diverse career options
• Provide youth with role models whose success and knowledge will inspire them to reach their personal goals
• Create channels for continuing community involvement by business and industry
• Recognize and promote excellence in our youth

Session: Year-round

When: Monthly meetings and Service Learning Project once a month.

Summer Trip for year-round participants.

Teen Camp

(Ages 13-15)

Registration: TBA

NOTE: Age 12 accepted w/Camp Director’s approval.

YMCA Teen Camp provides teens with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution and leadership skills. Teens have fun while making new friends, developing new skills, building self-confidence, appreciating teamwork and growing in self-reliance. For teens, Y Teen Camp is a fun and happy place to enjoy the summer. Y Teen Camp gives teens the opportunity to play games, participate in service learning projects, explore the arts and technology, swim, participate in youth-led field trips, appreciate nature and discover and value our many cultures.

*1 field trip included per week

Dates	Days	Times
June 1-TBA	Mon-Fri	6:30am-6:30pm

Contact the Welcome Center at 713.697.0648 for rates.

G.I.R.L.S.

(Girls in Real Life Situations) This program is for girls in grades 5-7. The goal of the program is to provide structured, fun, educational and self-exploring sessions led by strong, positive female role models to young adolescent girls in order to promote character development, self-determination, social development and positive life choices. Helping you and their supportive structure identify and develop internal and external developmental assets (Search
Institute Model).

Ages: 10-12

Session: Academic School Year

Registration: Ongoing

Location: School-based

Meetings: Will be determined at each school.

Days: TBA

Time: TBA

Additional Info: Contact Sherry Bernard at 713.697.0648