Youth & Family Programming Philosophy and FAQ's
All Youth & Family programs strives to promote safe, fun and enriching activities for the youth of the Greater Portland Community. In doing so, our YMCA implements specific components to ensure that participants have a positive and formative experience:
- Safety First: The YMCA is a CARING organization that will do all it can to prevent injuries. We modify each activity to make it safe and enjoyable for participants of all abilities.
- Fair Treatment of Others: Fair Treatment is about participants showing RESPECT for all those involved in YMCA activities. Participating in the Youth-At-Promise program involves being a role model of good citizenship for others to follow.
- Positive Experience: Learning to be HONEST while participating in both competitive and non-competitive activities is important for children, and learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential lesson of life.
- Family Involvement: The YMCA encourages family members to be RESPONSIBLE for getting involved in their child's progress through all programs and activities. To help families get involved the Greater Portland YMCA offers specific family programs.
- Activities for All: The Greater Portland YMCA offers activities to all regardless of race, gender, religious creed and/or ability. We ask all participants, parents and volunteers to encourage and appreciate the diversity of our community.
- Fun: The YMCA strives to make all activities fun for its participants. If we take the fun out of our activities, we are in danger of the children taking themselves out of our program.
The Greater Portland YMCA gives children the right to participate in a safe and healthy environment while providing an equal opportunity to strive for success.
Youth-At-Promise F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Fourth and fifth grade girls and boys attending select Portland public schools.
Q. How do children get to participate in the YAP program?
A: School administrators, counselors and social workers refer students to the program.
Q: How do students get chosen for the program?
A: Students who have skills that need to be strengthened or who lack certain skills which YAP focuses on may be recommended to the program. Also, students who are new to the city, state or country.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: The YAP program meets five days a week Monday through Friday. Students are picked up at their schools or are transported by school bus to the YMCA. The program begins at 3:00pm and lasts until approximately 5:00pm. Participants will be dropped off at home between 5:15pm and 6:00pm or they can be picked up at the YMCA at 5:00pm.
Q: Can YAP participants come to the YMCA at times other than when the program meets?
A: Yes. All YAP participants are also YMCA members. They have the opportunity to use the facility for swimming, open gym or for other programs as long as an adult accompanies them.
Q: Does the YAP program meet when the school has a half-day or a teacher in-service day?
A: YAP coordinators will run extended programs during half days and some teacher in-service days. These times will usually be used to go on longer distance field trips.
Q: How much will the program cost me as a parent?
A: Nothing. This program is funded by the United Way and is free to participants and their families.
Q: If selected for the YAP program, must my child come every day?
A: Although regular attendance is required, daily attendance is not. The YAP program works with children to build both personal and social character. If you child does not come regularly, they are not as likely to be successful in the program.
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TREK 360 F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Up to 15 Middle School girls and boys attending select Portland public schools.
Q. How do children get to participate in the TREK 360 program?
A: Parents/Guardians of interesting students must complete all registration materials. Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: The TREK 360 program meets Monday - Friday throughout the school year. Students make their way to the YMCA. The program begins at 3:00pm and lasts until approximately 5:00pm. Participants are to be picked up by parents/guardians at the YMCA by 5:15pm or participants can walk home if proper permission has been granted.
Q: Will you provide snacks?
A: Yes.
Q: Can TREK 360 participants come to the YMCA at times other than when the program meets?
A: Yes. All TREK 360 participants are also YMCA members. They have the opportunity to use the facility for swimming, open gym or for other programs as long as an adult accompanies them.
Q: Does the TREK 360 program meet when the school has a half-day or a teacher in-service day?
A: Sometimes. The TREK 360 teacher will give proper notification to participants if the program will run. These times will usually be used to go on longer distance field trips.
Q: How much will the program cost me as a parent?
A: $15 for the entire school year.
Q: If selected for the TREK 360 program, must my child come every week?
A: The TREK 360 program works with children to build both personal and social character. If your child does not come regularly, they are not as likely to be successful in the program.
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Picasso Series F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Little Picassos is for children ages 3 - 5 years. Junior Picassos is for children ages 6 - 9 years.
Q. How do children get to participate in the program?
A: Parents/Guardians of interested students must complete all registration materials. Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: Times will vary.
Q: Will you provide snacks?
A: No.
Q: How much will the programs cost me as a parent?
A: Family Members: FREE / Youth Members: $15.00 - $20.00 / Non-Members: $30.00 - $40.00
Q: Is there supervision?
A: Yes. There is at least one staff member instructing the class.
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Family Art Adventure F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Families will explore the creative force of adults and children working together through fun and unique art projects.
Q. How do families get to participate in the program?
A: Parents/Guardians must complete all registration materials. Families are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: Select Saturday mornings throughout the year for FOUR sessions. Class starts at 12:00 Noon and runs until 2:00 PM as needed to complete the projects. Sessions can be taken ala carte.
Q: Will you provide snacks?
A: No.
Q: How much will the programs cost me as a parent?
A: Family Members: Free / Youth and Non-Members: $40 for 4 sessions/ $10 for one ($5 per class for each additional family member for non-members).
Q: Is there supervision?
A: Yes. There is at least one staff member instructing the class.
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Vacation Camp F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Children in Kindergarten through grade 5.
Q. How do children get to participate in the program?
A: Parents and/our guardians register and pay for their children to attend.
Q: How much will the program cost?
A: Members: $37.50/day or $140.00/week / Non-Members: $47.50/day or $155.00/week
Q: How do students get chosen for the program?
A: Children are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: Vacation Camp runs on select days when Portland Public Schools are closed for a holiday. Children arrive after 7:30 AM and get picked up by 5:30 PM. Camp days are typically:
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Winter Holiday Week
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February Winter Break Week
- Spring Break Week
Q: Will you provide meals or snacks for children?
A: No. Participants and teachers are to bring lunch, snacks and drinks to the program each day.
Q: What activities take place during Vacation Camp?
A: Vacation Camp is a safe and fun environment for children to socialize as well as participate in staff-led activities including:
- Gym
- Local field trips
- Arts and crafts
- Swimming
- Board games
- Outdoor play
- More...
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Family Night F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Families in the Greater Portland community. Previous Events included:
- Harvest Festival
- Healthy Kids Day
- Annual Art Auction
Q. How do families get to participate in the program?
A: Families can drop in.
Q: When does the program meet?
A: Select afternoons, evenings, and weekends throughout the year. Events typically take place from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm to allow working parents and guardians to fully participate.
Q: Will you provide snacks?
A: Depending on the event, yes.
Q: Can participants come to the YMCA at times other than when the program meets?
A: Family members are welcome to use the facilities as any members are. There are Open Art Studio hours posted.
Q: How much will the program cost me as a parent?
A: Events are typically FREE. Some sign-up events may require a materials fee or transportation fee.
Q: Is there supervision?
A: Yes. There is at least one staff member and/or volunteer staffing each activity. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children.
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Home School F.A.Q.s
Q: Who is the program for?
A: Home school instructors and pupils are welcome to use the YMCA facility. Currently, there are no programs specifically geared for home schoolers. Instructors are welcome to bring students to Open Art Studio, Open Gym, and Open Swim to conduct their own instruction.
Q. How do home-schoolers get to participate in the program?
A: Participants can drop in during "open" hours or call ahead to make arrangements.
Q: How much will the programs cost me as a parent?
A: Membership fees apply. See the Membership Office for more information.
Q: Is there supervision?
A: Yes. There is at least one staff member and/or volunteer staffing each activity.
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