Cross Island YMCA
At the Y, teens can work on leadership skills, prep for college, play a sport, and give back through programs designed for them. We’re committed to empowering youth around New York City, and many of our teen programs are free for qualified participants.
For more information, contact Marie Turenne at 718-551-9336 or mturenne@ymcanyc.org.
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Leaders Club
A nationally recognized core YMCA teen program provides participants with opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others and social development. Teens meet on a weekly basis in small groups, working closely with their peers and an adult advisor on skill and character building activities, as well as planning and organizing projects with an emphasis on educational success, community service and goal-setting.
Youth & Government
Youth & Government is the YMCA’s premiere leadership program for teens. Why is it the best? What makes it different? It is an opportunity to excel academically outside of school. State legislators and senators take an active interest in the program in their communities and at the State House. Young people from all over the state participate in YMCA Youth & Government.
For more information or to register, contact Marie Turenne at 718-551-9336 or mturenne@ymcanyc.org.
Teens Take the City
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.
Y Global Teens
YMCA Global Teens is a leadership development and service learning program that engages teens in a year-long empowering international experience culminating with a summer service abroad experience.
Teen Center
Fridays, 6:30-9:30 PM
Saturdays, 6-8 PM
Teen Center is a safe place where teens have the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that allow them to develop socially, physically and academically. Teens are welcome to enjoy the facility and participate in activities that include swim, basketball, arts and crafts, and board games. The Fitness Center and Weight Room are also open to participants. Teen Center is FREE to all in the community.
Swim & Sports
Teen Fitness Orientation
Ages 12-17
To start your teen’s fitness experience off on the right foot, we require a teen orientation to teach them gym etiquette, the proper use of equipment, and to work out in a safe manner. Stop by the membership desk to register.
Swim Lessons
Teens can learn to swim, improve their skills, or join a youth swim team. Swimming programs are not part of the Teen Center.
Lifeguard Training and Certification
Become a certified lifeguard and help save lives.
Youth Sports
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.
Camp
Summer Camps
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!
Sleepaway, Adventure, and Sports Camps
Teens can participate in traditional overnight 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.
