About Youth Development

"The YMCA has made me a better basketball and volleyball player and has taught me the value of teamwork over winning." - Alexis

At the YMCA, we view youth as assets to our community, each with unique strengths, skills and leadership abilities. All young people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or economic, geographic or religious background face choices that can positively or negatively influence their futures and the futures of our communities.

Through programs that give youth and teens opportunities to gain leadership skills, core values and an ethic of service, the YMCA empowers young people to make wise and healthy choices.

Following the Search Institute's Developmental Asset Model, all YMCA programs provide youth the building blocks necessary to become productive and caring adults. According to the Search Institute's research, the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in high-risk behaviors. Under the guidance of caring adults, youth learn fair play and positive communication and develop a spirit of cooperation - all skills that are needed to succeed.

Facilities, programs and amenities that our YMCAs offer vary by Center to meet the needs of the communities they serve. To see what each YMCA Center offers click here.