Teen Programs

Teen Leadership & Development

The Westfield Area YMCA offers leadership programs for teens in middle school and high school that challenge the spirit, mind, and body through challenging, projects, and team-building exercises to develop leadership skills.

This college readiness, career development, life skills, leadership and mentoring program is offered at no cost for diverse students in Union County grades 6-12. Achievers will develop a positive sense of self, elevate their academic performance and connect with inspiring role models to support and guide them on their journey to success.

Meets alternate Mondays at the Main Y Facility
No minimum GPA requirement
Free Y teen membership included

Interested participants must apply and agree to attend and actively participate in workshops and events. Contact Erica Smith, Program Coordinator at [email protected] to apply.

A leadership-development community service program that helps teens discover their full potential while making a difference. Club members volunteer at the Y and in the community. $30 fee for the school year includes shirts and snacks (FREE for Middle School Initiative Participants). Meets alternate Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm at the Main Y Facility.

An academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. Runs in conjuction with Westfield HS and Cranford HS. Interested students should contact their high school advisors in early September.

Modeled after state government, this club is run in conjunction with Westfield HS and Cranford HS and gives students a voice to debate and express their concerns. Delegates research various government policies and current state issues and initiate legislation for the annual 3-day conference. Register at the high schools in Mid-January.

Middle School Initiative

Grades 6-8

Middle School is a particularly impressionable time in a child’s life. The experiences, relationships and lessons learned during this time can have a lasting impact on their character, beliefs and behaviors.

This program, for grades 6-8, focuses on fostering healthy habits as middle schoolers start navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence. We offer unique opportunities that help aid the pivotal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development that takes place during these years. Registered Middle School Initiative participants receive select programs for free, including Leaders Club and Friday Night Teen Events.

Visit the Main Y Welcome Center to register. Proof confirming the participant’s status as a middle schooler is required (report card, school ID, etc.) at time of registration.

Friday Night Teen Events

Grades 6-12

A fun night for teens (non-Y members welcome) featuring various activities. Events take place from 7:45-9:45pm in the Main Y Gym unless noted. Registration and waiver are required in advance. $10 to participate (FREE for Middle School Initiative Participants).

Teen Trips

Grades 6-11

Registration and Waiver must be completed prior to trip. A YMCA membership is not required to attend a teen trip.

Tabletop Gaming

Grades 6-12

A casual club for those looking for a break from traditional activities and want to explore the wide and varied world of strategic board games! Explore strategy card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Dominion, complex cooperative strategy games like Pandemic, Gloomhaven, and Sonar, fun adventures like Ticket to Ride: European Edition, and combat board games like classic Risk and Stratego. $65 fee for 8-week session. Meets Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm at the Main Y Facility.

FREE for Middle School Initiative participants!