Youth Development

Christopher S.

Chinatown YMCA

Parents worry about the decisions they make for their kids. For David, enrolling his sons in the YMCA's afterschool programs was one of the best things he has ever done, especially for Christopher. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.

"Christopher's Coming Out of His Shell." lT1YFYyzXYA

Backpack Buzz

Go-to tips, tools, hacks and facts sourced for families and youth development professionals who work with kids, teens and families during the school year.

Camp

Overnight, day or specialty camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.

Child Care

With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Education & Leadership

All kids have great potential. At the Y, we work every day to help them set and achieve personal and educational goals. Millions of children and teens build skills and confidence as they explore new interests and passions through the Y. Leadership and academic enrichment programs—including Achievers Clubs, Youth and Government and college preparation—along with our dedicated efforts to close the academic achievement gap for low-income youth ensure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue the best possible future.

Food Programs

Whether in the summer, or just when the school day is done, we're right there with our year-round food programs. The Y believes that children deserve every opportunity possible to learn, grow and thrive, and the meals we serve help more children get the nutrition they need for good health.

Let's Move! Outside

The Department of the Interior is the lead agency for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative. The Department was joined by the YMCA of the USA and the National League of Cities (NLC) to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work.

STEM

The YMCA is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, youth are engaged in year-round STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed.

Swim, Sports & Play

The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.

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The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.