The Y gives teens a safe space to socialize and be themselves. Teens can play a sport, work on leadership skills, prep for college, and give back through Y programs designed for them. We’re committed to empowering youth around New York City, and many of our teen programs are free for qualified participants.

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Teen Center

Our Teen Center is a fun and safe place for teens to socialize, exercise, and have positive interaction with peers and YMCA counselors.

For more information, please contact our Teen Coordinator William Allison at wallison@ymcanyc.org or call 718-392-7932.

Leaders Club

This program provides club members with opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, community service, and social development. Young people meet on a weekly basis in a small group of peers and advisors to map out career and educational goals, seek information, and share experiences related to self-improvement.

Teens Take the City

By working alongside local political leaders, teens have the chance to see how political decisions are made, and learn how to become effective agents of change. Writing legal memoranda, resolutions, and press releases gives teens hands on experience, and exposure to how the democratic process impacts NYC communities.

Y Global Teens

YMCA Global Teens is a leadership development and service learning program that engages teens in a year-long empowering international experience culminating with a summer service abroad experience.

Swim & Sports

Teen Fitness Orientation

To start your teen’s fitness experience off on the right foot, we require a teen orientation to teach them gym etiquette, the proper use of equipment, and to work out in a safe manner. Stop by the membership desk to register.

Swim Lessons

Teens can learn to swim, improve their skills, or join a youth swim team. Swimming programs are not part of the Teen Center. 

Find a Swim Lesson

Lifeguard Training and Certification

Become a certified lifeguard and help save lives.

Become a Lifeguard

Sports Classes

Teens can learn to play a sport, develop make new friends, and become empowered in youth sports programs such as basketball, soccer and martial arts. Sports programs are not part of the Teen Center. 

Find a Sports Class

Camp

Summer Camps

YMCA teen camps in all five boroughs are designed to immerse campers in fun activities that keep them active, learning, and engaged during the summer months. Teen campers participate in hands-on programming geared towards building self-confidence as well as activities designed to engage teens in developing educational and career goals. Campers go on field trips, and participate in swimming, dancing, singing, sports and more!

Find a Camp

Sleepaway, Adventure, and Sports Camps

Teens can participate in traditional overnight camps, adventure camps, and sports camps at YMCA Camp in Huguenot, New York, located 86 miles northwest of NYC between the Delaware Water Gap and the Catskill Mountains.

Camp Info