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 Greenpoint 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

Rowe Scholars

Ages 14-18

Rowe Scholars is a college readiness and career development program. Less than half of New York City’s high school graduates are prepared for college. Rowe Scholars helps all students and their families realize that a college education is an attainable option.

Greenpoint YMCA runs the Rowe Scholars program in collaboration with local high schools. The goal of the program is to provide high school students with the skills, resources, and training that will ensure their successful transition into adulthood.

The program includes workshops in career readiness, SAT prep, internship opportunities, PAID stipend, discussion groups, cooking, and community engagement. Participants also take trips to City Hall and the New York State Capitol building; weekend leadership retreats and much more!

Leaders Club

Ages 14-18

The Greenpoint YMCA Leaders Club focuses on building intrinsic leadership in all of our club members. Each week, club members engage in educational and social activities that build upon short-term and long-term goals. Members also participate in service learning projects, group work, leadership retreats, and field trips.

Teen Center

Ages 13-18

Our Teen Center is a fun place for teens to socialize, learn, and have a positive interaction with peers and YMCA counselors. Teen Center offers activities such as basketball clinic, games, fitness, and discussion groups. 

Teens Take the City

Ages 14-18

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.

Swim & Sports

Swim Lessons
Lifeguard Training and Certification

Become a certified lifeguard and help save lives.

Become a Lifeguard

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. 

Find a Sports Class

 

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!

Find a Day Camp

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.

Camp Info