It can be hard to figure out your place in the world. As a young person with your whole life ahead of you, having the right guidance and support can make a real difference in figuring out who you are and what you can achieve. Whether kids come to the Y looking to explore their interests, or for support in navigating challenges, the Y is committed to nurturing children and teens and roots for their success.

"Before leaders club, I spent my time with nothing to do but stay home and watch tv. I was lazy, never felt like doing anything and had nothing to look forward to. But one day while signing up for our afterschool program, I decided to try something new and be in leaders club. After I joined, I thought it would be boring, but after a while, it felt like they were family to me. Leaders Club really changed my life. We go out and help with the community, do fun activities, take trips to rallies, etc. Going through this experience made me feel like there are lots of opportunities and I should go for it."

— YMCA of Bristol, Leader's Club participant

Teen Leaders Club

Teen Leaders Club is formed by teens for teens and about teens. Club members meet on a weekly basis to work closely with their peers and advisors on skill, character and leadership building activities. They also have the opportunity to plan and organize club projects and trips. Past projects include assisting Speedway Children’s Charities at NASCAR races and Speedway in Lights, summer training at Blue Ridge and Great Lakes Leaders Schools, and fun, rewarding amusement park trips like Carowinds in Charlotte, NC.

Leaders Club provides a safe haven for young people to become confident and competent adults with a sense of belonging in their community, and promote and enhance the personal growth and social skills of young people in order to develop leaders who will be a positive force in their communities. By connecting with adult advisors, teens have role models and mentors who can have a positive impact on their lives.

Counselor in Training (CIT)

The camp environment provides a unique opportunity for youth to build leadership skills, particularly in assisting counselors with younger children. The goals of CIT programs are to teach the general skills of leadership that can be used at school, home and community (not just at camp). CITs will be given age-appropriate challenges during Day Camp that build their skills, confidence and capacity for working with people of all ages. Did we also mention that CITs will enjoy a summer full of FUN?!?