Youth Development

Collectively, YMCAs serve the Youth of our country in over 10,000 program centers. The YMCA is the nation's leading Child Care provider in programs such as Pre-School, full day Child Care, full day Infant Care, Afterschool, Day Camps, etc.

Providing safe environments for our children is our #1 priority. YMCAs have adopted new and innovative ways to hire, train, and supervise staff that provide care daily. YMCAs have also become a leading advocate in the US for the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. YMCAs train staff to identify, protect and report all types of child abuse.

YMCAs also are the number one provider in the US for the delivery of Swim Lessons and Water Safety programs. The U.S. CPSC's Pool Safely campaign is the largest and longest education campaign in the CPSC's history, which maintains partnerships with more than 850 organizations, including the Y. These national partnerships could expand drowning prevention programs in hundreds of communities. In 2016, over 1 million children learned to swim in a YMCA program.

Youth and Government

YMCA Youth and Government is an experiential learning program in which students serve as part of a model state government, taking over the chambers of the Kentucky State Senate and Assembly to debate bills they and their peers have written. Students are offered the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with their peers from around the State.

The State Legislature Program (KYA) is for Middle School and High School students across Kentucky and takes place in November, while the Model United Nations Program (KUNA) serves Middle School and High School students in March.

You can learn more about Youth and Government and all of our Youth Leadership initiatives by visiting www.kyymca.org