Child/Youth Programs

We Build Strong Kids

Pool/Aquatic	Fitness/Conditioning Rooms	Family Fun Activities	Women & Girls Programs	Child & Youth Programs
Leadership Training	First Aid Training	Community Programs	Financial Assistance	Childcare /Preschool
Employment Programs

The YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan is committed to helping children and youth achieve their potential by offering a range of programs to aid them in developing healthy lifestyles, cooperation, self-confidence, self-esteem and values. Our programs will give kids a welcoming place to make friends and learn skills for life and leisure.

"I registered my son in the Y’s Childcare Program. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made! He wakes up every morning asking if he’s going to Kindercare. The wonderful variety of activities and games, and the marvelous kind and caring staff make for the best possible childcare."

Asset Building
At the Y, we incorporate developmental assets or "building blocks" into our programs and activities. The Search Institute research has found that when children acquire these assets it increases their potential to contribute to society - they are developmental "building blocks". They are also powerful influences on child and adolescent behavior - both protecting young people from many different problem behaviors and promoting positive attitudes and behaviors. Asset building is an approach, not a program or class the Y offers. Here are some examples of internal and external assets that the Y has identified to help build "strong kids":

Support: the Y provides a caring, encouraging environment;
Empowerment: a young person can provide service to others through volunteer opportunities at the Y;
Constructive use of time: children and youth spend three or more hours per week participating in creative activities and sports;
Commitment to Learning: children spend time doing homework in our Out of School Care programs;
Social Competencies: young people learns to peacefully resolve conflict through the YWCA Week Without Violence campaign tools;
Positive identity: young person is optimistic about his or her personal future due to leadership training at the Y and opportunities through our Employment programs.