YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Together we are driving academic achievement and inspiring kids to reach their greatest potential.
The Y understands that the future of our community depends on the success of children. We also know that not all children have what they need to thrive. That's why we inspire kids and teens to achieve their personal best academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Our enriching programs develop lifelong skills, promote academic success and build self-reliance. As kids navigate the early years, we support them with strong role models so they'll know how to make positive, values-based choices as they learn and grow.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, these are just a few of the ways we drive academic achievement and inspire kids to reach their greatest potential across the Kishwaukee Family YMCA's footprint:
AFTERSCHOOL
When the school day is over, where and how children spend their time is vital to their growth and success in life. At the Y, we help kids reach their potential and thrive in a safe, trustworthy setting. Through support and guidance, our afterschool program provides enrichment activities in the arts, music, physical education, sports and nutrition. We encourage children to make healthy choices, explore new things and exercise their creativity. Kids can focus on their homework, make new friends, build social skills and create happy memories they'll always remember. The Y is a place where children feel comfortable and secure. .
This year we partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to provide healthy meals for every child in our afterschool program in DeKalb CUSD #428.
SUMMER CAMP
When the school doors close for summer, many children struggle to access educational opportunities, as well as basic needs such as healthy meals and adequate adult supervision.
Our summer day camp offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being, such as STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health), and the Summer Camp Reading Intervention Program, all in a safe environment with adult role models. To ensure that every child is ready to learn, we provide healthy lunches and snacks to all children in our Summer Camp Program. In 2014, we served 10, 215 meals to 1,185 kids at two sites.
PRESCHOOL
The goal of YMCA Preschool is to provide a safe, wholesome environment where children grow in spirit, mind and body. Teachers focus on teaching children socialization, fine and gross motor skills, education and healthy choices. YMCA Preschool strives to enhance each child's self-esteem to help them reach their potential.
Children who fall behind in kindergarten will likely spend their school years struggling to catch up. Children who grow up in poverty and attend a quality preschool program are more likely to do well in school and earn more than their peers. Our preschool program ensures that all children have the best possible start in their education.