Somewhere between becoming an adult and being a kid, a teen is discovering who they are and who they want to be. At the Y, we know that teens are growing up and will rise to meet expectations set for them, so we set our expectations high. Mentors, staff and other role models value our teens’ individuality and guide them toward becoming responsible and engaged adults.
Questions? Contact Chelsea Thomas, Teen Director at 336 721 2100, or by email at c.thomas@ymcanwnc.org
The Youth & Government program is a High School age “Hands-on” experience in State Government. Youth & Government is an educational program that increases awareness of the governmental process and develops skills in the areas of personal development, self-esteem and leadership. There are opportunities for news reporting, writing, debating and lobbying for or against bills. The highlight of the program is a weekend long trip to Raleigh, where the students present and debate Bills in the State Legislative Building.
| School | Advisor/s | Date/s | |||
| Paisley | Cathy Snyder, Lead Advisor | 2nd/4th Tuesday 3-3:45 pm | |||
| Parkland | Wendy Pfeiffer-Quaile, Lead AdvisorDiana McLaughlin, Co-Lead Advisor | 1st/3rd Tuesday 4-5 pm | |||
| Tabor | Nathan Ziglar, Lead Advisor | 1st/3rd Thursday 8:15-8:45am OR 1st/3rd Thursday 4-5 pm | |||
| Reynolds | Cris Wiley, Lead Advisor | 2nd/4th Thursday 4-5 pm | |||
| Calvary Baptist Day School | Lori Harris, Lead Advisor | Every other Wednesday 3:15 – 4:00pm |
Learn about our Open Doors financial assistance program.
Please contact Chelsea Thomas at c.thomas@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 721-2100
Grades: 6-8
The William G. White Jr., Family YMCA’s Middle School After School Program is designed to help youth reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body. Youth in the program develop the skills they need to be a contributing member of the Winston-Salem community. Students participate in activities that reinforce core values such as caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith and give them the chance to make better decisions later in life. Youth are surrounded daily by caring role models who help them grow and learn. Additionally, the program adapts to the changing needs of the youth served and focuses on three elements: 1) homework assistance 2) physical fitness and 3) enrichment activities.
Daily Schedule Example:
2:30 – 4 p.m. (Arrival to program and homework/snack time)
4 – 5 p.m. Team building/Fitness Challenges/Sports Clinics/Science Project activities
5 – 6 p.m. Departure and Free Play in the Gym/Youth Wellness Center
Schools Served:
Hanes Middle School
Jefferson Middle School
Paisley Middle School
Steam Academy (formally known as the Downtown Middle School)
Wiley Middle School
Download the Youth Registration Form
Download the 2012-2013 Payment Form
2012-2013 Parent Handbook - Coming Soon
Dates for the After School Program:
The After School Program begins on the first day of school and will run until the last day of the school calendar year. Snow days are included with the after school program. During inclement weather days, care will be provided at the YMCA from 7:00am-6:00pm.
Financial Assistance:
The YMCA turns no one away due to the inability to pay. If you would like more information, inquire about our Open Doors financial assistance program.
Out of School Days / Holidays
The YMCA After School Program includes programming for teens on either teacher workdays/professional days. On these days, care will be provided from 7:00am-6:00pm at the YMCA. Students will need to bring a lunch, two snacks as well as drinks to have throughout the day.
Days the YMCA Does Not Offer Care:
New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & day after, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Transportation to YMCA provided by the WSFCS. To set up transportation, please speak with your child’s school transportation specialist who will arrange transportation for your child to the YMCA.
*Exception: Wiley Middle School – YMCA counselor will meet your child at Wiley Middle School and walk across Hanes Park to YMCA. Students who go to Hanes and are dropped off at Brunson Express site will be met by a Y counselor and walked over to the Y.*
A lot of growing up happens in your teen, tween and in-between years. The Y is a place where Middle and High School members should know that they always fit in. We’ve developed new Middle School and Wellness Orientations to ensure these members are prepared for increased access to our facilities in a safe, fun and successful environment. Click here for more information or see a Y staff member if you have any questions.
Model United Nations is an exciting, educational strategy for middle school students to learn about global issues. Participants assume the roles of diplomatic representatives to the U.N. as they consider contemporary international concerns. Through this role-playing event, participants develop greater understanding of world problems and the complexity of international relations.
The YMCA NC Middle School Model United Nations program begins in the fall and continues through the conference that is held in Black Mountain, NC. Interested teenagers form groups of 5-10 and choose a country that interests them. Once countries are assigned, students research, prepare informational displays, write proposals, create costumes and study the basic organization of the United Nations.
For more information or to register, please contact Chelsea Thomas at c.thomas@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 721-2100 x 6263.
Ages: 10 – 15 years
Do you have adolescents 10-15 years of age who are challenged with achieving a healthy weight? Would you like them to learn more about healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle habits while having a great time?
The PACES (Program for Active Children Eating Smarter) program is a 12-week program (offered in January and September) where young people will learn about nutrition and engage in exercising and fun activities. The result is that they’ll develop healthy lifestyle habits while building self-esteem and confidence. They will exercise while playing games including Dance Dance Revolution, Xbox Kinect, Expresso Bike Racing. In addition organized outdoor activities are included.
Parents must provide transportation to and from the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA. Please contact Laura Blackwell at l.blackwell@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 721-2100 x 6281 to learn more about this excellent program designed to help young people develop lifelong healthy habits.
The Latino Achievers program addresses the growing drop-out rate for Hispanic/Latinos, and reaches out to ESL high school students. By partnering with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System and Hispanic and/or bilingual community professionals, whom we call Adult Achievers, a career-based curriculum is used to show students the value and importance of a high school diploma. The program will be offered at 4 high schools this year: Reynolds, North Forsyth, Parkland Magnet and East Forsyth High Schools. Students will enjoy special guests from careers of their interest, Lunch & Learn events, field trips and activities, the opportunity to job shadow, and end-of-year celebration, and more!
For more information, contact Nury Anton, Latino Achievers Program Coordinator. Nury Anton can be reached at (336) 722-9772 x 244.
Se Habla Español. Ponerse en contacto con Nury Anton at (336) 722-9772 x 244.
The YMCA Black Achievers program is an academic achievement and career development initiative for middle school and high school youth and teens. The high school program is referred to as the Black Achievers Program and the middle school program is referred to as Youth Achievers, although both are operated under the umbrella of the Black Achievers Program. The name “Black Achievers” represents and describes the historical origin and mission of the program. However, today, the YMCA Black Achievers program is like the national YMCA movement, multi-racial and the Winston Lake Achievers program currently consists of students of numerous racial and ethnic groups.
Learn more about the Black Achievers program.
To become a Teen Achiever or an Adult Achiever, please contact Andrea Y. Hicks for more information at a.yancey@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 724-9205 x 114.