Youth Development

The Youth Development Program is a drop in program for youth after school and during the summer. The goal of the Youth Development Program is to provide activities for children to enhance their education with positive activities to keep them safe and out of trouble. The supervision provided by the Youth Development staff creates a safe environment for youth members ages 5-18 who choose to participate in recreational activities, clubs and form friendships in their out of school time. Staff members work hard to plan clubs and activities that meet children’s needs and interests. The Youth Development Program offers its members planned enrichment activities, ACT classes, community service opportunities, clubs, homework assistance, sports equipment, computer access all in a safe and secure facility.

What is a “drop in" program?
“Drop in” means that the youth who attend the Youth Development Program are free to come and go at any time during program hours. This means that staff will not keep a child from leaving the facility. We will work with parents to communicate with their children and help children make good decisions that live up to their parents’ expectations. Families are welcome to attend with their child.

What is ACT?
ACT (Aspire to Create Tomorrows) Classes are hour-long classes taught three times a week by our Youth Development Staff. Youth are divided into three age groups (Elementary, Middle and High School). Lessons are drawn from evidence-based curriculum and prepared in advance by each of our three age group specialists. The curriculum is prepared in conjunction with the 40 Developmental Assets. For more information about the 40 Developmental Assets, visit the Search Institute’s website at: www.searchinstitute.org.

When is the YD program open?
The Youth Development Program is open from 3:30-8:00pm M-F during the school year and 12:00-8:00pm during the summer. Snack and Dinner are served each day at 3:45 & 5:30. Families are encouraged to join in every Thursday evening at 5:30 PM for Thursday Family Dinners provided by the congregation of Evangelical Covenant Church.