So much of what we learn has to do with the opportunities we’re given. At the Y, we want young people to explore their possibilities and think big!

It can be hard to figure out your place in the world.  As a young person with your whole life ahead of you, having the right guidance and support can make a real difference in figuring out who you are and what you can achieve.  Whether kids come to the Y looking to explore their interests, or for support in navigating challenges, the Y is committed to nurturing children and teens and roots for their success. 

Leaders Clubs

Leaders Clubs help develop youth ages 12 to 18 as leaders while fostering a culture of service.  With adult advisors, teens have role models and mentors who can have a positive impact on their lives as they grow in their desire and ability to be a positive force in the community.

Youth and Government

YMCA Youth in Government is a national program of the Y that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Students from every corner of the U.S. have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement and to, quite literally, practice democracy. Teens from across every state meet in their local Youth in Government groups throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of their state and to propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.