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.
William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA
Teens
Summer Day Camps
YMCA Day Camps, Sports Camps, Specialty Camps and Teen Camps provide a safe, fun environment to experience a wide range of activities. Day, Sport and Specialty Camps are available at all our YMCA branch locations.
Now offering online registration
For more information about YMCA Camps, and to register online click here.
New Privileges for Teen and Pre-teen Members
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.
Teen Afterschool
Teens in Y afterschool programs 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. Find more information here.
Model United Nations
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 Sean Halstead at s.halstead@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 721-2100 x 6263.
Youth & Government
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.
Mt. Tabor High School – we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Parkland High School – we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
Reynolds High School – we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
Paisley IB – we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
*IF THERE IS NO SCHOOL, THERE IS NO MEETING*
Learn about our Open Doors financial assistance program.
For more information or to register, please contact Sean Halstead at s.halstead@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 721-2100 x 6263.
PACES
Program for Active Children Eating Smarter
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 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.
Youth Arts Programs
The Winston Lake Family YMCA Youth Arts programs create activities that guide youth and teens towards a successful future through programs that increase developmental assets and build positive character traits. These programs are based out of the Winston Lake Family YMCA but everyone is invited to join!
Please contact Andrea Hicks at a.hicks@ymcanwnc.org or (336) 724-9205 for more information.
Youth Arts Programs include:
Boss Drummers
The Boss Drummers are a recreational / competitive drum line dedicated to instilling discipline and team building in young men and women through their dedication and hard work in drumming.
Ages: Grades 7 – 12
Registration: Ends September 15th
Cost: $75 ($60 for the first 30 Youth Arts Program participants). Financial assistance available.
Jazzy Jumpers
The Jazzy Jumpers are a rope skipping demonstration program which offers a creative approach towards physical fitness through jumping rope. This is an activity that expands their minds and helps develop creativity by choreographing their own routines. Participants must be in grades K-12
Registration: August 1st – September 15th.
Cost: $75 ($60 for the first 30 Youth Arts Program participants). Financial Assistance Available
Mo Lucas High Steppers/Jr. Mo Lucas High Steppers
The Mo Lucas High Steppers are a majorette program dedicated to instilling the values of leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, and character through marching. Participants must be in grades 6-12 to participate in the Mo Lucas High Steppers. Participants must be ages 6-10 to participate in the Jr. Mo Lucas High Steppers.
Registration: August 1st – September 15th
Cost: $75 ($60 for the first 30 Youth Arts Program participants). Financial Assistance available.
Y-Movements
Y-Movements is a new hip-hop dance troupe open to young women ages 5 to 18. A YMCA membership is not required.
Registration: Ends September 15th
Cost: $75 ($60 for the first 30 Youth Arts Program participants). Financial Assistance available.
Mo Lucas Step Team
The Mo Lucas Step Team is an all male step team designed to instill the characteristics of leadership and brotherhood.
Registration: August 1st – September 15th
Cost: $75 ($60 for the first 30 Youth Arts Program participants). Financial assistance available.
T.A.C. (Teen Advisory Council)
The Youth Arts Program Teen Advisory Council (T.A.C.) is a council comprised of leaders of all of the Youth Arts Program programs. The goal of the group is to provide input from a youth perspective, brainstorm ideas to develop effective programs for youth and develop leadership skills.
The council participates in various leadership workshops as well as community events. Below is a picture of the Winston Lake Jazzy Jumpers and Mo Lucas High Steppers Leaders at the Christian Leadership Conference at YMCA Camp Hanes.
International Achievers
The International 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 Malida Valezquez, International Achievers Program Coordinator. Malida Valezquez can be reached at (336) 722-9772 x 244.
Se Habla Español. Ponerse en contacto con Malida Valezquez at (336) 722-9772 x 244.
Black Achievers
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.