These programs and activities serve children and youth of all ages, and encompass a broad range of focus areas including academic support, mentoring, youth development, arts, and sports and recreation.  These are organized programs that youth can participate in outside of the traditional school day. Some programs are run by a primary or secondary school, while others are run by externally funded non-profit or commercial organizations.

The arts, music and culture are critical for our youth. Whether they are exposed to art and music in school or through private or community classes and lessons, the benefits are incredible. Art and music exposure does more than provide a creative outlet for kids; they provide mental, emotional, and educational benefits -- and more.

When young people feel good about themselves they operate more effectively and productively in our communities, families and schools. Adventure programs teach the importance of trust, appropriate risk taking, supportive social interaction and personal challenge while creating valuable life long memories.  Leaders are trained, developed and nurtured through leisure organizations such as teen clubs, camps and programs. Social interaction through recreation breaks down unfamiliarity, fear and isolation, factors associated with racism; and promotes positive contact between different ethnic groups and the broader community. The strength of a community is increased through recreation activities that allow youth to share cultural and ethnic differences.

Businesses of all sizes give back in many ways. Ninety percent of small companies donate to charities every year—and more than two-thirds of small businesses donate primarily to local charities and nonprofits, supporting the causes where their employees live and work.  Youth development encompasses all of the programs that companies employ to help children and youth outside of the classroom. ... role-model at home, mentorship or counseling from a professional can offer a huge confidence boost and help that child acquire skills that will help them succeed in his or her own career.

Community activities and volunteering can help youth build skills, civic responsibility and a sense of belonging

If new to the area and seeking a church for spiritual growth or community involvement, here is a list of local churches.  Research studies show that spiritual and religious involvement is an added dimension in adolescent development.  Some churches even offer activities or special services for youth.

When things go wrong, people often need the assistance of a professional counselor to help them identify strengths, consider options, assess choices and break away from old behavior patterns. Professional, confidential counseling helps individuals, couples and families cope with the pressures of today’s world. Counseling can help you change many of your uncomfortable feelings into more comfortable ones. Other times, people talk with counselors to help them with decisions they are trying to make or problems they are trying to solve. Through counseling, you learn to better understand your feelings. What’s more, counselors treat your conversations as special and private. Only in emergency situations (child abuse or threats of suicide/homicide) would a counselor need to report to someone else something you have said.

Healthy smile, healthy you!  Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health

There is a lot of talk about being healthy these days. Eating light, dieting, aerobic exercises and running are popular ways to keep your body healthy. Maintaining the right weight for your body size and build is a healthy thing to do. Eating well-balanced meals in reasonable amounts is the best way to stay healthy.  Eating or not eating to feel better about you or to avoid feelings is not healthy. This use of food is called an eating disorder.

Education gives us knowledge of the world around us and changes it into something better. It develops in us a perspective of looking at life. It helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life. 

Taking on the responsibility of a job is a big step. Earning money is exciting for youth and they may forget schoolwork. As a parent, you will need to help them balance school, work, and a job. To help a youth get work experience or earn some money before they are ready to take on the responsibility of a job, encourage them to baby-sit, do yard work or odd jobs, or volunteer. (See VOLUNTEERING section) Remember that any work they do, paying or non-paying; can help build a work record that will help them get future jobs

It is important to make time for spending quality time as a family is a very important investment of your family's time. ... Spending time together enjoying fun activities is associated with kids and parents having a stronger emotional bond. These activities don't have to cost money.

Why is family support important? Family is the single most important influence in a child's life. From their first moments of life, children depend on parents, guardians and family to protect them and provide for their needs. Parents and family form a child's first relationships.  If family life is strained, here are some opportunities to seek guidance and support.

Markets offer a place to connect with neighbors, meet local farmers, support local small businesses, and provide nutritious food to neighborhoods in need.

Sometimes you just need a little help!  Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. 

So, how the ‘health’ are you?  Good health in youth sets the stage for well-being in later life

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“Think before you post, tweet, share or send!”  Once it’s on the Web, you are never able to fully retract it!”

Each state has particular laws that deal with acts committed by youth and adults. Just because someone is under a certain age (16 in New York State) and considered a juvenile does not mean that laws do not apply to them. A criminal record can affect you later in life. If you have a record, some schools or employers may not accept you. What you might think is a harmless prank or “no big deal”, could hurt your future.

'Reading is dreaming with your eyes open!’  Libraries are more than just buildings. Spend time in one and broaden your mind.

Parenting or child rearing is a process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood.  Parenting is 24/7.  Need help or guidance?  Here is a list of resources available.

When youth feel good about themselves they operate more effectively and productively in our communities, families and schools. Adventure programs teach the importance of trust, appropriate risk taking, supportive social interaction and personal challenge while creating valuable life long memories. 

Almost everyone thinks about running away from home at some time. When you’re feeling bad about your life, when you want most of all to do something – anything to change the way things are going – that is a time when it is hard to think very clearly. Talk it out with someone who will listen.  It is very important to work together with your parents in solving the problem. If you and your parents have tried talking it out and running away still seems like the best answer, run to a safe place. It’s harder than you think to make it on your own. Even streetwise people risk being used, getting ripped off or being hurt.  There are emergency services available for runaways and youth having family problems. Emergency shelters offer free, safe housing and someone to help you talk things out and decide what to do.

Registration is the Law. Male youth must register to be eligible for Benefits and Programs. A young man who fails to register with Selective Service may be ineligible for opportunities that may be important to his future. He must register to be eligible for federal student financial aid, state-funded student financial aid in many states, most federal employment, some state employment, security clearance for contractors, job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (formerly known as the Workforce Investment Act), and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men.

If someone is touching you in a sexual way and you are not sure how you feel about it…If you are being touched by a family member, adult friend or someone else, and it makes you uncomfortable, unhappy, or confused…  You may be the victim of sexual abuse.  It is not your fault. You don’t have to keep this a secret anymore. If this is happening or has happened in the past, it is important to tell someone who will listen and believe you. You may have mixed feelings about the other person involved and about telling someone. Talking with someone can help you sort out your feelings and find ways to begin to help yourself.

The physical and emotional changes that happen to everyone as they grow up can be exciting and confusing. It may seem like you wake up one morning and everything about you is different and strange. Your friends are probably feeling the same way, but that doesn’t make it easier.

Many of the changes you are experiencing are sexual. You are developing into an adult and your feelings can be very strong. Having good information and understanding these changes can make them less confusing.

If you are sexually active, you are running the risk of becoming pregnant. You are also at risk of getting a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Talk to people who you know care about you and whom you trust and respect about your decision to be sexually active. The best way to prevent pregnancy or an STD is to not have sex. If you still choose to be sexually active, be responsible and protect yourself and your partner.

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted disease, it is important to talk to your parents or someone you trust and to get medical attention immediately.

Today’s teens face more adult-like stresses than their parents did, and at a time when adults are much less available to help them. With many parents working outside the home, teens are more on their own than ever.  Stress is a normal part of your life. If you know how to deal with it, it can actually help your creativity, productivity, and healthy relationships with others. If you let it get out of hand, it can become a problem.  If you are feeling the impact of stress in your life, talk with your parents, family members, your school counselor or someone else you trust.

Admitting that there is a problem is the first and most important step in seeking substance abuse treatment. With the right support, treatment and tools, you can overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol, achieve sobriety, and reclaim your life. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, here are some resources.

If someone talks about suicide, take it seriously. Friends may tell you they are thinking of killing themselves and ask that you keep it a secret. This is a secret you cannot keep. You can be a better friend by telling someone – a parent, teacher, counselor, clergy, or someone who will listen and believe you. You might also encourage the person talking about suicide to talk to an adult he or she trusts.  If you think someone may be suicidal, don’t be afraid to ask. Mentioning suicide will not give people the idea or push them over the edge. Talking about it can prevent suicide from happening. A suicidal person is not beyond help. The crisis period usually lasts a short time. With help a person can get better.  Call for information and support for you or a friend.

There are a number of agencies that offer services especially for pregnant and/or parenting teens. Some of them are listed here. Education, medical care, and counseling are among the services that they provide. Being a parent is hard work. There are people and programs that can help. Parents have the greatest influence over your child’s future.

Need a lift? Utilize the county’s public transportation.

If there are times when you feel as if you’re losing control, you can learn other ways to deal with stress, tension and anger. 

If you are 18, a U.S. citizen, and have been a resident of Ontario County for 30 days before an election, you are entitled to vote. You must fill out a registration form and send or bring the completed form to the County Election Commissioner’s Office. You may designate a party, Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Conservative.  Voting is your right as a citizen of the U.S. By exercising your right to vote, you can support issues and ideas you believe in. Young people can make a difference.  If you want information concerning your government, current legislation or how to become involved in political action, contact the following for more information.

Volunteering can help you meet new people, find out more about yourself, and become more dependable and responsible. Volunteering can make you feel good about yourself and what you are doing. The best part is that all this happens while you are giving something to someone in need.  Through volunteering you gain experience that will help later in finding a paying job. You will be introduced to adults who can recommend you to a future employer.  Check with your school, library or church/synagogue/mosque about volunteer opportunities. For more information on various volunteer opportunities within the community, you can call on of the following.

If you have a disability, remember you are not “your disability”. While it may affect your appearance on the outside, who you are on the inside is what really matters. There are agencies that offer services to young people with disabilities. To find out what specific programs or services are available, or to get more information, check out these resources.

From career readiness to safe spaces, YMCAs are giving youth and families the support they need to thrive.