March 28, 2024 1:17 PM
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Safety, Assurance and Enrichment Found in the Y’s Afterschool Program

As another summer winds down and a new school year is on the horizon, the James Family Prescott YMCA wants to remind parents and caregivers that the Y’s afterschool program is a place where children can remain active, learning and engaged during their time out of school – a critical time for all school-age children. Each year, the Y works to provide engaging activities in a caring and safe environment after school, and this year will be no different.

“One in five children do not have someone to care for them after school, an essential time to help increase children’s success in school,” said Nicole Locke, Childcare Director, Prescott YMCA. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that our children have a safe and enriching environment for learning, both in and out of school. We are pleased to be able to provide this space to the children in our community, allowing their invaluable social, emotional, physical and academic growth to continue long after the school day ends.”

The Y’s afterschool program launched in 1986 and provided care for 300 children during the 2020-2021 school year including summer camp, preschool and afterschool. Through a balanced approach to youth development, the program offers activities, mentorship and academic support, nurturing the potential of all participants throughout the school year. Financial assistance is available to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are projected to grow 17 percent over the next few years, and the Y is helping youth develop strong problem-solving, planning, analysis and decision-making skills to succeed in the classroom and in high-demand careers through STEM. Our  teacher has been working with the children in various projects, such as building model towns to test effects of earthquakes, making bouncy balls, and learning to use solar ovens.

The Prescott YMCA employs Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in our school age and preschool programs that help build a healthier future for our nation’s children by encouraging healthy eating habits, limiting screen time and providing physical activity to keep every child healthy.

For more information and to sign up for the Y’s afterschool program visit our website  or call 928-445-7221.

About James Family Prescott YMCA

The James Family Prescott YMCA is a community within a community serving our diverse population in the quad-city area. As a leading nonprofit organization, the YMCA exists to strengthen the foundation of the community. The YMCA has served the local communities in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey/Humboldt since 1974, offering over 60 health, wellness, and community programs within the four-building facility.

The YMCA is dedicated to providing affordable programs and services to benefit people of all incomes and backgrounds. Thanks to the generous support of those who donate to the Y’s Annual Campaign and other fundraising events, financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford the full fee and qualify for assistance.

The YMCA aims to provide each member with every opportunity to reach farther and improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, the YMCA’s goal is to inspire positive and lasting social change. For more information visit www.prescottymca.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

 

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