Ridgewood 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.
In addition to our programming, the Teen Center at the Ridgewood Y also provides young people with a safe space to socialize, seek support, and participate in activities.
Teen Center membership is free with active program participation. Programs run October-May. For more information on how to sign up and any program questions, contact our Teen Center team.
Education, Leadership, and College Prep
Teen Center
Ages 11-19
Saturdays 8-11 PM
Teen Center is a completely free drop in program that is open to all teens ages 11-19. Teens choose from a variety of activity options including pickup basketball, working out in our fitness center, leadership workshops, college and career preparation, cooking activities, and special events such as fitness challenges and basketball tournaments. Please see Member Services for complete schedule and details.
Leaders Club
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.
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.
Rowe Scholars
Rowe Scholars is a college and career readiness program geared towards building academic and career success. We explore the college admissions process, the SATs, gain job skills and knowledge of the interview process, and prepare for the future. Students will also have the opportunity to take college tours organized through the Y during the academic year.
Y Global Teens
Ages 14-18
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.
After School at Grover Cleveland High School
Our afterschool teen programming at GCHS is designed to further enrich teens’ academic development, engaging them in healthy physical activity and fostering positive social interactions. Teens participate in homework help, college and career readiness, leadership development and enrichment activities such as dance and art. Participants attend teen-led empowerment groups, all which support healthy lifestyles for the mind, body, and soul. Teens will also attend a number of trips throughout the school year, including special YMCA teen events, weekend trips to YMCA camps, and college trips. Our afterschool teen programs are completely free (no YMCA membership required) and open to any GCHS students.
Sports
Teen Fitness Center
Ages 12-18
Keep active and moving with a workout in the fitness center! Teens must complete an orientation before using the fitness center.
Teen Fitness Hours:
Monday-Friday: 3-6 PM
Teen Fitness Orientation
This free orientation is required for all 12-18 year old members who wish to utilize our Fitness Centers. This orientation helps young people learn the fundamentals of exercise, exercise safety and fitness center rules and etiquette.
Teen Recreational Basketball
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 3-5:45 PM
Join in for pickup games with other teens for a fun and safe social experience that helps keep teens fit. Please see Member Services for weekend and holiday schedules.
Free for Y Members
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, volleyball and martial arts. Sports programs are not part of the Teen Center.
Teen Spin
During this special spin class just for teens, participants can increase strength and improve their stamina with a challenging workout tailored for the athletic needs of teens. It’s also a great place for teens to spend time with friends and meet new peers while getting some exercise. This program follows the 8-week session schedule.
Y Member: FREE
Community: $104 per 8 week session
Camp
Day 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 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.
