Teens at the Y
In part of our commitment to Youth Development, the Summit Area YMCA offers a variety of educational enrichment programs, engaging athletic activities, social events, and more to assist teens in discovering, exploring and expanding their interests and talents outside the classroom. The transitional period between teenager to adulthood can be exciting and sometimes challenging! Whether it be navigating new complicated relationships or figuring out what to do after high school, the Summit Area YMCA takes pride in employing positive role models who are eager to assist and our youth. We inspire them to learn new things, encourage them to get involved in community projects, help prepare them for college and beyond.
From Teen Space to Achievers, eSports to STEM, the Y offers a safe space and engaging programs for all. The best part? Most of our programs are offered at little to no cost at all and for fee-based programs, financial aid is available to those in need.
TEEN PROGRAMS
TEEN SPACE
SUMMIT YMCA
9/6/22-6/16/23 | MON-FRI | 2:00-7:00 PM
COST: FREE
grades 6-12 | AGES 12-18
opening 9/12 at berkeley heights ymca!
Our Teen Space provides 6-12th grade students a safe place to hang out with friends afterschool to do homework, play video games, stay active in open gym, have discussions, engage in themed events, get involved in the community, learn leadership skills and more, all under the supervision of caring staff and role models! Open weekdays from 2:00-7:00 PM this free program runs from September through the end of the school year. Schedule follows the public school system including holiday closings.
ACHIEVERS
SUMMIT YMCA
10/4/22-5/30/23 | TUE | 7:00-8:00PM
COST: FREE
GRADEs 9-12 | AGES 14-18
The Summit Area YMCA’s Achievers/Destination College Program is a free career and college preparation program that motivates and encourages high school students by giving them the inspiration, support, direction, and opportunities to pursue their personal, academic, and professional goals. Program components include weekly meetings, special events, SAT preparation, career planning workshops, internship opportunities, corporate mentoring, guest speaker lectures, assistance finding scholarships and college tours.
esports
SUMMIT YMCA
10/24-12/5 | MON | 6:00-7:30 PM
MP: $25 | NMP: $25
AGES 12-18
Through the Y’s eSports program, teens are welcome to be who they are, excel at what they love, and connect with like minds to develop the social, strategic and problem solving skills needed as they grow into thriving adults -- all in a safe, moderated and inclusive environment. Students have options to play NBA 2K21, Rocket League & Super Smash Bros on the Nintendo Switch or Xbox One, from home or at the Summit YMCA Teen Center.
7th GRADE MEMBERSHIP
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA & SUMMIT YMCA
7/1/22-6/30/23
COST: FREE
Grade 7 | Ages 12-13
7th Grade is a pivotal and transitional time, more than ever we want to help keep our youth active and engaged. Through our commitment to supporting and encouraging youth to make good decisions and form habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle, the Summit Area YMCA is proud to offer free memberships to all 7th grade students in our service area. Available at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA, this program not only provides access to the fitness center and open gym but opportunities for students of all backgrounds to be inspired to learn new things, get involved in community projects, form wellness habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle and socialize with peers in a safe, supervised environment outside of school. The program also hosts special events and activities exclusive to the program participants.
8th GRADE LEADERS CLUB
SUMMIT YMCA
10/12/22 -5/3/23 | WED | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
COST: FREE
GRADE 8 | AGES 13-14
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA
10/12/22 -5/3/23 | FRI | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
COST: FREE
GRADE 8 | AGES 13-14
As as an extension to the 7th grade membership program, and our commitment to continue supporting and encouraging youth, the Summit Area YMCA also offers free memberships to all 8th grade students in our service area. This program provides additional opportunities for students of all backgrounds to learn new things, encourages them to get involved in community projects, begins college readiness discussions, promotes healthy habits and socialization with peers in a safe, supervised and inspiring environment.
STEMNASIUM SATURDAYS
SUMMIT YMCA
9/24-12/17 | SAT | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
COST: FREE
AGES 11-14
STEMNASIUM is a project-based, adaptive learning program, sponsored by Hikma Pharmaceuticals and taught by Purdue University, with built-in key reading, math and science rigor that goes beyond playing with computer games, putting small blocks together and tutoring. Instead, students actively develop critical thinking skills while progressing through our carefully crafted curriculum as they learn complex engineering, technology, science and math concepts. This program is free for eligible minority students.
QUESTIONS?
For specific information on available teen programs, registration or to learn how you can get involved, complete the form below or contact:
Trevor Cromwell
Senior Youth & Teen Coordinator
SUMMIT YMCA
trevor.cromwell@thesay.org
(908 )273-3330
LOOKING FOR MORE?
The Summit Area YMCA builds stronger communities with programs and services that help all individuals learn, grow, and thrive in a welcoming, inclusive environment. In fact, the Y offers activities and programs for everyone -- every day! Find the program that’s right for you by browsing our Program Guide or All Programs page.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Summit Area YMCA works side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services, through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners. Families with low or moderate household income or those who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply. Applicants must live or work in the Summit Area YMCA service area which includes Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Financial assistance can be used for membership, child care, summer camp, enrichment and sports programs where additional fees apply, such as soccer and swimming lessons.
7th Grade Membership
Achievers
8th Grade Leaders Club
Teen
Esports
Virtual • Game on
Volunteens
Youth Programs
Basketball