Teen Programming

Teens Night Out (T.N.O.)

Activities include raffles, movies, sports tournaments in the gym, video games, swimming, games, food, snacks, and more! Every participant gets raffle tickets with their admission. The last hour is just teens and chaperones in the building.

Chess Club

Ages 9-16
Chess Teaches you how, win and lose, can help you focus, develop creativity, and build confidence

Y Leaders Club

Ages 12-17
The program runs from September through June. The club’s purpose and goals are to enhance the lives of our teens through volunteer efforts, service projects, leadership training, and fun recreational activities. There are Y Leaders delegations for Downtown Y, Natelli Family Y, and North Frederick (Thurmont/Emmitsburg)

Girls G.E.N. (Growing, Empowering, Navigating)

Ages 12-17
Calling all trailblazing teens! Are you ready to unfold your potential, embrace your uniqueness, and soar to new heights? Look no further than Girls G.E.N., the ultimate girls’ mentorship club designed exclusively for today’s fearless young leaders! An extension of the We Grow Together program tailored for girls by girls, this group offers a space for girls to evolve; we will discuss problems, learn how to find solutions, create meaningful relationships, and embrace the tools we have to live a meaningful life. We will learn about healthy living strategies, delve into Social-Emotional Learning, build life skills, and so much more.

B.U.I.L.D. (Boys Unique, Independent, Legendary Development)

Ages 12-17
Formerly “We Grow Together” , this program is designed for young men to have healthy, meaningful, supportive relationships with each other as well as Youth Development Professionals that want to make a difference. We will focus on healthy minds, moods, bodies and spirits. We believe in empowering individuals with practical life skills that pave the way for success in every aspect of life. From effective communication and problem-solving to financial literacy and time management, our group strives to build resilient individuals ready to face the challenges of the world with the help of a supportive community.

Youth & Government

High School Age
Maryland Y Youth & Government is a model legislative program that teaches high school students how to make government work. They elect their own leaders, legislate their own bills, and lobby for their vision of a better tomorrow! It is open to every high school student in the state of Maryland regardless of how much or how little he/she may know about government and the legislative process. We’ll teach you everything you need to know as all of your efforts culminate into a 3-day in-person mock legislative session in Annapolis. The program runs Sept. to April.

Additional Teen Programming

Counselor In Training (CIT)

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is designed to give teens the opportunity to gain valuable life skills through a work-like experience during summer camp. The focus of the program is hands-on learning, promoting teamwork, and providing a positive, safe, and fun camp atmosphere. The CITs participate in skill development and team-building workshops, as well as spend time assisting camp counselors in a specific group as assigned by the CIT Coordinator. The CIT will have opportunities to assist with the overall implementation of activities and supervision of campers while maintaining a positive, encouraging, and motivating attitude towards all summer staff, campers, and activities.

Lifeguard Training & Certification

With our YMCA and American Red Cross lifeguard certification courses you can do just that. Participants will learn lifeguarding skills, how to perform CPR on an adult, child and infant, how to use an AED, and necessary first-aid skills.

Swim

The YMCA offers group and private swimming lessons for all teens interested. Trained instructors emphasize personal safety, swimming skills, endurance, and social skills, while guiding students with praise and encouragement.

Competitive Swim Team

The Frederick County YMCA Tidal Force swim team participates in both a summer and a winter league. We compete as a team in scored, dual meets as well as optional invitational meets throughout both seasons.

Camp

Teens can experience camping through both overnight and day camp. Whether it’s singing or swimming, nature hikes or computer classes, counselors at YMCA camps lead teens in developing new skills and having fun.

Karate

YMCA karate classes focus on a variety of skills and areas of personal growth, such as self-defense, self-confidence, personal discipline, respect for others and physical conditioning.

Dance

These classes are designed for students who have busy lives and a passion for dance. Take just one or take them all, students will continue to learn stylistic technique, build strength and increase flexibility. We offer teen/adult level classes in ballet, modern, jazz and tap.

Gymnastics

Our FCY gymnastics team program is for beginner to advanced level gymnasts who are interested in competing in the Mason Dixon Gymnastics league. We focus on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of each gymnast, while preparing them for excitement filled competition. This program consists of three pre-competitive levels and five competitive levels.

Health & Fitness

The YMCA of Frederick County offers many options for teens to be healthy and have fun doing so.

Summer Serve Camp

Ages 12-17

YMCA/United Way Partnership provides local youth the opportunity to spend their summer volunteering, developing leadership skills, and making friendships that last a lifetime.
This six-week program, divided into three separate two-week session helps young people awaken their inner leader, build their teamwork skills, and meet like-minded peers while creating positive change in their community. Participants experience a team-based environment that presents them with challenges, educational training, life skills, and opportunities to grow in leadership.