YMCA’s Youth Development Programs Return This Fall with Renewed Focus

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teenagers at state capitol
Image via YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine's Youth & Government program culminates in a model conference where teens debate bills on the floor of the legislature.
ymca of greater brandywine logo

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine will bring back key programs focused on teens and preteens this fall, helping young people to connect, engage, and get involved in their communities.

“We know that our youth are struggling, even if they’re unable to voice it,” said Erin McDonnell, a board-certified behavior analyst. “Adolescence is a challenging time in a person’s life, and it is being compounded by the pandemic and subsequent increase in screen time and social media use and decrease in opportunities to engage with adults outside of the home or classroom.”

Youth development is a key part of the YMCA mission, and programs focus on developing underlying abilities such as resilience, self-awareness, resourcefulness, and philanthropy while providing opportunities for mentorship, growth, and connections. 

Programs returning this fall include Youth & Government, Earth Service Corps, and the Seventh Grade Initiative, as well as numerous career opportunities and programs such as Jr. Lifeguards. While these programs vary in their topics, they share a consistent goal of empowering young people to make a difference in their lives and in their communities. 

“Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of offering youth in our community a variety of opportunities to get involved, explore their interests and passions, and build meaningful connections – all in a safe space,” said Denise Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

Programs Enrolling Now

Youth & Government is an experiential civic engagement program where participants debate, discuss, and draft legislation. The program culminates in a model conference where teens debate bills on the floor of the legislature. 

Earth Service Corps connects teens with the environment and through service projects, field trips, and outdoor adventures. Studies show that spending time in nature, especially during the pandemic, has a positive impact on mental health. 

Free YMCA memberships are available for seventh- and eighth-graders through the Seventh Grade Initiative. These teen members can enjoy indoor gyms, wellness centers, and more.

YGBW also provides teens beginning at age 15 an opportunity to enter the workforce and start developing their professional skills through jobs such as lifeguards or child watch coordinators and volunteer opportunities at events and programs.

Learn more about the teen and preteen programs offered at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

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