Teen Programs

Ages 12-17

This program provides club members with opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, community service, and social development. Young people meet on a weekly basis in a small group of peers and advisors to map out career and educational goals, seek information, and share experiences related to self-improvement.

Fridays, 3-4:30 PM

Ages 12-17

By working alongside local political leaders, teens have the chance to see how political decisions are made, and learn how to become effective agents of change. Writing legal memoranda, resolutions, and press releases gives teens hands on experience, and exposure to how the democratic process impacts NYC communities.

Wednesdays, 3-4:30 PM

Ages 12-17

In addition to our programming, the Teen Center at the Bed Stuy Y also provides young people with a safe space to socialize, seek support, and participate in activities. After a long week in school, come to the Bed Stuy Y for fun and relaxation. Fridays at the Y is all about teens: play video games, basketball, soccer, flag football, or just work out.

Fridays, 4-8 PM

Ages 15-18

The enormous need for meaningful employment among New York teens is growing. The Y trains teens to become both competent and compassionate workers as Counselors-In-Training. Through the Y, teens develop the personal and technical skills necessary to become an effective youth worker. This progressive, experimental, educational course instills all the core competencies teens need to work in any Y camp or program setting.

For more information, contact Kevin Wilkinson at kwilkinson@ymcanyc.org or 212-912-2239.

Ages 12-17

Teens can learn to swim, improve their skills, or join a youth swim team. Swimming programs are not part of the Teen Center. 

Find a Swim Lesson

Ages 7-17

The Piranhas swim team is for boys and girls who can swim at the Stage 5 level, can swim all four (freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke and butterfly) competitive strokes with good form and technique, and have the approval of Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA coaching staff.

Our season runs September-June. The team practices four times per week (pool & dry land workout) and compete in local, city-wide, and state-wide meets. All participants are required to be members of the New York City's YMCA. All participants must try out to be on the team, by appointments only.

Practice Schedule

• September-June
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5-6:30 PM
• Fridays: 7:30-9 PM
• Saturdays: 8-9:30 AM

Try-outs for the swim team start in July for if you are not presently a member of our swim team.

Contact Us

Ages 16+

Become a certified lifeguard and help save lives.

Become a Lifeguard

Teens can learn to play a sport, develop make new friends, and become empowered in youth sports programs such as basketball, soccer and martial arts. Sports programs are not part of the Teen Center. 

Find a Sports Class

Ages 12-17

Teens must participate in a free one hour orientation session designed to introduce them to fitness center etiquette before using the Y's fitness facility. Learn how use the strength training and cardiovascular equipment for a safe and effective workout.

Stop by the Member Service Desk to schedule an appointment.

YMCA teen camps in all five boroughs are designed to immerse campers in fun activities that keep them active, learning, and engaged during the summer months. Teen campers participate in hands-on programming geared towards building self-confidence as well as activities designed to engage teens in developing educational and career goals. Campers go on field trips, and participate in swimming, dancing, singing, sports and more!

Find a Day Camp

Teens can participate in traditional sleepaway camps, adventure camps, and sports camps at YMCA Camp in Huguenot, New York, located 86 miles northwest of NYC between the Delaware Water Gap and the Catskill Mountains.

Camp Info