The 7th Grade Initiative offers seventh-grade students an opportunity to receive a FREE YMCA membership for an entire school year.  Students will receive full member privileges which include the use of the YMCA indoor facilities during normal operating hours.  The 7th Grade Initiative seeks to establish the YMCA as an important resource to young teens while providing a safe place where they can meet friends while offering a healthy environment with value-based programming.

The program is open to anyone who lives in the following Lancaster County school districts:

School District of Lancaster

Eastern Lancaster School District

Penn Manor School District

Conestoga Valley School District

Lampeter-Strasberg School District

There is no application fee, must provide verification of 7th grade status: Student ID, Report Card, Class Schedule. Parent/guardian must be present when registering.

Coding:  Students in grades 4-7

Learn basic app and computer programming skills.

No experience required – program meets Tuesday and Thursday 4:15-6:15 pm

Dinner is included in the program

For more information or an application contact [email protected]

What is Temple Guard?

Temple Guard Drill Team is an inspirational youth program that has continued to grow over the past 20 years.  This mentoring program is based on the discipline and focus that trains youth in grades K-12 in military-style boot camp marching and dance to the accompaniment of drum line.

The programs mission is to serve as a mentor for youth of all ages, genders, races, religions and economic backgrounds.  Our purpose is to enrich participants’ lives by teaching respect for one another and elders in and around their neighborhood; to be leaders, not followers; to set a higher standard of living as a role model for others in the community and in school; and to settle for no less than a passing grade in all subjects.  This is achieved by:

• Building character through military-style boot camp marching with structured discipline (push-ups, running laps, etc)
• Providing positive male and female role models
• Teaching responsibility classes dealing with problem solving and decision making regarding issues such as: manners, saying “NO” to drugs/alcohol, healthy dating and sexuality, peer pressure, etc.
• Creating a positive scholastic attitude that leads to passing grades
• Enhancing individual leadership skills
• Encouraging community involvement
• Providing trips outside of the city, giving experiences that the youth otherwise might never have the opportunity to experience

Program Director:  Mike Smith

[email protected]

What is Temple Guard?

YMCA of the Roses (York Branch) Temple Guard Drill Team is an inspirational youth program that has continued to grow over the past 20 years.  This mentoring program is based on the discipline and focus that trains youth in grades K-12 in military-style boot camp marching and dance to the accompaniment of drum line.

The programs mission is to serve as a mentor for youth of all ages, genders, races, religions and economic backgrounds.  Our purpose is to enrich participants’ lives by teaching respect for one another and elders in and around their neighborhood; to be leaders, not followers; to set a higher standard of living as a role model for others in the community and in school; and to settle for no less than a passing grade in all subjects.  This is achieved by:

• Building character through military-style boot camp marching with structured discipline (push-ups, running laps, etc)
• Providing positive male and female role models
• Teaching responsibility classes dealing with problem solving and decision making regarding issues such as: manners, saying “NO” to drugs/alcohol, healthy dating and sexuality, peer pressure, etc.
• Creating a positive scholastic attitude that leads to passing grades
• Enhancing individual leadership skills
• Encouraging community involvement
• Providing trips outside of the city, giving experiences that the youth otherwise might never have the opportunity to experience

Program Director:  Mike Smith

[email protected]

After School

Grades 1st-5th

Meets Monday – Thursday 4:15-6 pm

Students should bring their current assignments with them each day.

Refreshments or meals will be provided for this program

Y-Achiever’s is a college preparatory program that helps teens and young adults prepare for their futures.  The core elements of the Y-Achiever’s program is to help youth pursue higher education and career goals, establish relationships with area leaders, organizations, and media networks while having concentrated focus on youth development and awareness. These skills will be achieved by applying the following tools:  career exploration, SAT/ACT preparation, tutoring, networking, mentoring, college tours, communication workshops, and leadership development workshops.

The program is open to anyone who lives in Lancaster County. There is no fee for participation.

Y-Achiever’s is a college preparatory program that helps teens and young adults prepare for their futures.  The core elements of the Y-Achiever’s program is to help youth pursue higher education and career goals, establish relationships with area leaders, organizations, and media networks while having concentrated focus on youth development and awareness. These skills will be achieved by applying the following tools:  career exploration, SAT/ACT preparation, tutoring , networking, mentoring, college tours, communication workshops, and leadership development workshops.

The program is open to anyone who lives in York County.  There is a $25 application fee to participate.

Grades 8th – 12th

8th Grade Meet – Thursdays (4:15-6:00 pm)

9th-12th Grade Meet – Saturdays (9:30 am – 12:00 pm) on the following dates:

• September 30
• October 14
• November 4
• November 18
• December 2
• December 16
• January 13-15 (MLK Weekend)
• February 10
• March 2
• Does not include College Tour Dates

Contact ngaine[email protected] for additional information and application form.

All meetings are held at the Arthur J Glatfelter YMCA, 90 N Newberry St, York PA 17401 (Enter through the Childcare/Youth Development Doors).