Ann Arbor Ymca

Expanding Horizons, YVC’s intensive summer program, provides weeklong blocks of service learning projects throughout Ann Arbor. Expanding Horizons reinforces teamwork skills, appreciation for diversity, and civic responsibility.  

The YVC summer program runs during summer weekdays on Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The teens travel together on foot or via public transportation to pre-arranged projects in the Washtenaw County area.  Depending on the project and agency involved, participants can spend anywhere from a few hours to a full week completing the service. Examples of agencies that YVC has served in the past include the Center for Independent Living, the Salvation Army, Food Gatherers, SAFE House, and Neighborhood Senior Services.

Under the supervision of YVC adult team leaders, the participants learn beforehand about the mission of each individual agency they are to serve. The staff and teens discuss the goals of each project and establish work guidelines prior to their arrival at the project site.  At the end of each project, YMCA staff guide participants through group discussions and project reflection.

Fore more information about Expanding Horizons, please contact Margaret Mitchell, YVC Coordinator, at mmitchell@annarborymca.org .