Welcome to Summer Teen Programs! The Ann Arbor YMCA is dedicated to providing engaging and productive environments for teens that promote participants to lead with empathy, build healthy relationships, effectively manage emotions, take responsibility for actions, and develop personal skills for success. All teen programs encourage interactive participation, hands-on learning experiences, character exploration, and active citizenship.
Summer program opportunities for teens, ages 11 – 17, are offered throughout the summer and take place at the Ann Arbor Y downtown location, Greenhills School Campus, Camp Birkett, and virtually.
Who can participate? All teens, near and far, are welcome to participate in our teen summer programming. YMCA membership is NOT required.
How to Register:
Registration opens Sunday, February 12th at 11 a.m. for members, returning campers and their siblings. Registration for new non-members participants (that are neither returner campers nor the siblings of return campers) will open Wednesday, February 15th at 7 a.m.
- Online: Click the green CAMP REGISTRATION button (above)
- By Phone: Day Camp Registrar: 734.661-8039
Summer Teen Programs
Babysitter Boot Camp [Ages 12 – 16]
Interested in receiving your Child and Babysitting Certification? This two-day training will equip teens with the necessary skills to keep children of all ages safe, happy and engaged, to identify and guard against common safety hazards, as well as what to do in an emergency. They will learn how to care for an infant, including techniques for diapering, feeding and calming a baby as well as entertaining children at every stage. Additionally, participants will learn about the entrepreneurial aspect of babysitting and develop skills and strategies to turn this certification into a business. All participants who successfully complete the program will receive an American Safety and Health Institute Child and Babysitting Safety Certification.
Visual Voices [Ages 12 – 16]
Our Visual Voices digital media camp will allow participants to explore the digital media world and learn to develop video and audio content covering different facets of pre-production, production andpost-production. Participants will learn the video production process and gain skills in scripting, storyboarding, cinematography and more.
Leader-In-Training (LIT) Program at Camp Birkett, Camp New Heights [Youth entering into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade] [Ages 12-14]
The Leader-in-Training program allows older campers to build leadership skills and assume some counselor responsibilities while still participating in their favorite camp activities. Through a combination of workshops, supervised opportunities with younger campers, program planning and general camp activities, participants will be exposed to the basic elements of youth development through the lens of a camp counselor. Leadership skills, teamwork, and the development of the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are emphasized.
The LIT program follows the same schedule and themes as the general sessions.
Location: Camp Birkett, Camp New Heights
Schedule: See Camp Birkett Details
The Teen Experience [Ages 12 – 16]
The Teen Experience is a traditional full-day camp for teens to discover their passions while having fun and creating friendships. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance social skills, practice healthy lifestyles and engage in their community. Activities range from high energy games to creative arts and fun challenges that promote teen empowerment. Each week teens will travel and embark on new adventures, near and far.
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) [Ages 11 – 17]
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is a youth-driven program that strives to meet the needs of our community and works in collaboration with local organizations to create social change and positive community impact. Through facilitated service-learning projects, workshops, personal development training, and interactive dialogue, YVC participants address critical social issues and develop strategies to become active citizens in their community.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) [Those entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2023]
The Counselor-in-Training program provides teens with valuable opportunities to interact with children,
lead activities and participate in camp programs. CITs fulfill many different roles throughout the course of the summer while learning the skills required to become a counselor. CITs must have sincere desire to work with children, a wish to give back to the camp community, a strong work ethic, lots of energy and creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to put children’s needs ahead of their own. The objective of the CIT program is to
better prepare the participants for future work with children in or out of the camp setting. This is done through hands-on-experience, guidance from staff members and pre-camp training.
For details on how to apply check out our 2023 CIT Day Camp Letter and fill out the CIT Application.
*Participating teens are eligible to receive community service hours for active participation and full completion of program.
*Participants must be able to attend the program in its entirety for certification and completion requirements.
Questions?
Contact us at TeenPrograms@annarborymca.org or (734) 661-8012
