YMCA offers teen-inspired programs to help teens navigate life
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Centennial Hills YMCA is hosting a series of programs created for teens, by teens. The goal is to inspire youth in the Las Vegas valley to be the best they can be by providing them with the resources they say they need.
The teen programs were created in 2017 in response to a wave of caught-on-camera crimes committed by young people throughout the Las Vegas valley. They started as an idea pitched to YMCA directors, and now, are a reality in the form of eight teen groups with a new one coming this fall. The programs include Teen Talk, Teen Connection, Teen Night, and Teens Together, all focused on various aspects of youth growth and development.
“It’s super important for our teens to just have a space where they can learn, grow, and develop as young professionals,” said Joshua Poole, Youth Development Director for the Centennial Hills YMCA. “I think any person left to their own devices, sometimes the outcome isn’t always favorable for the community so we just want to provide resources for our teens to be able to expose them to all we can from professional development to creativity to fun, to team building and building long-lasting friendships.”
From professional to social development, the series of programs aims to create a safe space for teenagers to learn a new skill, foster meaningful relationships, even get experience in leadership, and most importantly – have fun.
“The Y is just happy to be a part, to be a resource for those teens, to give them the tools to be better,” Poole said. “It’s really cool to see the teens blossom and grow and find their way and their own path in becoming the individual that they are.”
The teen programs are held every first and third Saturday of every month. They are open to grades 6 and up, through the age of 17.
To register your child for the YMCA Teen Programs, visit this link.
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