Arts, Education, and Leadership
Leaders Made Here
Having guidance and support can make a real difference in helping you figure out who you are and what you can achieve. Whether youth come to the Y looking to explore their interests, or for support in navigating challenges, we are committed to nurturing them and encouraging their success.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING PROGRAM
The Morgan Family and Lakewood Family Y’s have a four week summer program for teens, grades 8-12 that will foster leadership, personal confidence, and character development. The first two weeks participants will receive training on child development, child abuse prevention, how to plan and deliver activities for kids, and gain hands-on experience shadowing our Day Camp staff. After completing the first two weeks of training, your teen is eligible to choose which two weeks during the summer they want to take what they learned an put it to action in our Day Camp program! The final week of camp will culminate with an end-of-summer bash to celebrate their success!
Youth and Government
This national YMCA program involves thousands of teens 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 meet in their local groups throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect their state and to propose legislation. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates at the state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature.
Teen Leadership
We believe that confident teens today will become contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. Teen leadership programs engage teens in a variety of group work, problem solving, and self-discovery that allows youth to explore their leadership potential.
Teen Leadership Programs at Camp
Camp provides a unique opportunity for youth to build leadership skills, particularly in assisting counselors with younger campers, which can be used at school, home, and community for years to come. Programs give youth age-appropriate challenges that build their skills, confidence, and capacity for working with people of all ages.
Outdoor Environmental Education
Fourth through sixth grade students get a once-in-a-lifetime overnight camping experience at YMCA Camp Seymour as they explore ecosystems, understand natural resources, and improve outdoor and group building skills in this idyllic setting.
Preschool
The Y offers quality full-day and part-day child care for preschoolers, so that when you have to go to work you know your children are in safe, stimulating environments.
