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.

YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
This program, for high school youth grades 9-12, helps to promote leadership and civic responsibility in the youth of our community. The Model General Assembly provides youth with an invaluable experience as future leaders of Virginia’s system of government. Youth learn the importance of citizen participation and public service.

YMCA LEADERS' CLUB
YMCA Leaders’ Club provides teens in 9th - 12th grade with knowledge, training, communication skills and valuable team-building experience through volunteering in Y programs and the community. Leaders’ Club trains teens to better serve their community and the Y as they encourage each other to make a positive impact for present and future generations. Qualifying leaders may participate in Blue Ridge Leaders’ School, a week-long school held in June that is run by the South Field YMCAs with a main focus on fitness and leadership development.

YMCA JUNIOR LEADERS' CLUB
The Junior Leaders' Club program will train and prepare youth for our Leaders' Club program and to better serve their community as they encourage each other to make a positive impact for present and future generations. Jr. Leaders' Club holds weekly meetings and is an annual program that takes place from September through mid-June. Interested candidates may apply to the club starting in August.

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
Teens aspiring to be future camp staff-members will have the opportunity to get advanced training. Each week, CITs work with counselors, meet with their administrative coordinator and receive supportive supervision and evaluation. Those interested must complete both a camper and CIT application. Potential CIT’s will then be contacted to attend an interview before being accepted into the program. This is a very selective program, experience is preferred. Students may register for one or both weeks.