Before & After School

Participants will have a chance to be physically active every day at the Before & After School program. This could include time spent outside on the playground and sports fields or inside in the gym or other open space. No matter where we play, we are sure to have a blast!

We set aside time everyday to focus on getting homework completed with the help from YMCA staff. If participants do not have homework, alternative quiet activities are available.

An afternoon snack (or dinner at some locations) is offered to every participant. The Y follows the HEPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity) standards which outlines specific nutritional guidelines that must be met.

Art projects can be done individually or as a group. These projects allow participants to use their creativity and fine motor skills to create works of art (and sometimes get a little messy along the way)!

Academic activities are offered daily to participants, and could include math, literacy, or STEM activities. Often times, these activities are connected to what your child is learning in the classroom as an extension of the school day!

The Y offers "youth led programming" which allows participants to develop critical leadership skills. Often times, participants are able to teach others about their interests and passions, like soccer or making friendship bracelets.

We spend time every week learning about different cultures and events that celebrate diverse perspectives, ideas, beliefs, and customs.

Guest speakers and activities are offered that focus on the different people and jobs within their communities!

We offer multiple ways for parents and families to engage including monthly events, interactions with staff, and volunteer opportunities.

Participants help to plan and implement projects designed to give back to the community. Examples include a recycling program or donating homemade items to animal shelters.

We want to make sure that every child tries something new and leaves the Y with a new skill. This could be trying kickball for the first time, learning how to make friendship bracelets, or even developing their leadership skills by leading a group activity. Every child should have the chance to step outside of their comfort zone to experience new things.

We want to make sure every child makes a connection at the Y with their fellow classmates and the staff. We want to help kids not only make new friends, but learn how to be good friends, too. We do this through being intentional with team building activities, opportunities to learn about those around us, and using our four core values.

Every child should feel safe and at home at the YMCA Before & After School program. The Y is a space to be yourself and be welcomed by the people around you! We create this sense of belonging through the relationships we build and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.