The Elizabeth Branch YMCA recognizes the importance of staying connected to our local youth and teens and is committed to helping them develop the skills needed to become happy, healthy, successful adults. Knowing that this is a hard to reach age group, our Youth & Teen programs offer these young people the opportunity to participate in activities that are fun and rewarding in an environment where they feel a sense of unity, community, and belonging.

Youth & Teen Programs

7th Grade Initiative!

The Elizabeth Branch YMCA is partnering with other NJ YMCA’s in offering a 7th Grade Initiative. The Elizabeth Branch YMCA will be providing FREE memberships to ALL 7th grade students in Elizabeth. Registration begins on September 2nd and your membership will be valid through August 31st, 2009. Upon registration, a parent or guardian must be present and a valid school ID with proof of grade will be required.

“Y” Leaders Club (Middle School thru High School)

Club Meets Monday thru Friday, 3pm-7pm

Leaders Club is a supervised group of motivated and dedicated youth/teen members who plan and participate in a wide variety of fun and challenging YMCA projects, events, and trips. Evening and weekend activities are planned. The club’s mission is to help young people reach their potential by developing opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development.

Teen Health & Wellness (Middle School thru High School)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Physical activities, strength/conditioning classes and workout routines in our Health & Wellness Center under guidance/supervision of our teen program staff…

Teen Open Gym

Mondays & Wednesday 3-4:30pm

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3-6:30pm

Fridays, 3-7pm

Gym time allotted specifically for Teens!

• Basketball, Indoor Soccer, Volleyball, Games, Special Events

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth Basketball
- (ages 8-12) Saturdays, 10am-11am ($75, 8 week session 9/6-10/25)
- (ages 12-14) Saturdays, 11am-12pm ($75, 8 week session 9/6-10/25)
Co-ed class designed to teach & strengthen basketball skills.

Teen Center

The Teen Center is an interactive “chill-out” lounge open to all “Y” teen members. Hang out with old friends and make new friends in a safe, relaxed and engaging environment. Teens may also choose to complete homework assignments in our computer lab. Workshops and group discussions on life skills/college prep/teen ‘hot topics’ are offered on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm through a collaboration with the City of Elizabeth Department of Health and Human Services Office on Youth. View the Teen Center Hours

C.I.T.-Counselor in Training Program (Ages 13-15)

Opportunities for summer day camp internship experiences and activities