Teens need safe places with productive activities surrounded by caring adults. The Shasta Family YMCA knows this and is that place. From the time a teen walks in the door, greeted by our Member Services staff, they will be surrounded by caring adults, find ways to keep engaged, and will be supported in making healthy choices. Here are some of the ways the Shasta Family YMCA helps nurture youth potential:
Y Club is an afterschool program designed for 6th - 12th graders, with designated space at the Y. Youth can feel at home, do school work, exercise, meet new friends, have a healthy snack, and play a variety of games.
Y Club has partnered with Shasta College's Fellows Program to provide free tutors to participants, Monday - Friday from 3 - 6 pm. It is one more way that we want to help ensure academic success to our community's youth.
From Trainer on the Floor to group exercise instructors to Aquatics staff, Y staff is available to help teens navigate their fitness journey, and will help instill in them self-confidence and good body image.
The Y has partnered with ESYAC for over 10 years, helping to serve at-risk youth. We provide productive physical activities and teach basic sports skills; teens have volunteered at special events, helping them develop job readiness; we have provided free Resident Camp enrollment, where are exposed to first-time experiences, many becoming Counselors-in-Training; and we have provided free enrollment in lifeguard classes, opening the door to employment.
Teens can volunteer at the Y. We have teen volunteers in Aquatics, Membership, Child Watch and Property Management. Not only have these teens been a tremendous help to our departments, but learning career skills has readily led to employment and even enlisting in the Armed Forces.
Stay tuned as the Y continues to grow its Mentoring program. If you would like to partner with the Y in nurturing our community's youth, please contact Helen Vela at 530.246.9622 or [email protected].
