The YMCA offers a variety of programs for all ages of youth.
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve regardless of socioeconomic status or ability. That’s why, through the YMCA of Avery County local children and teens cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. The YMCA offers a variety of developmental programs for all ages of youth. Youth development is a primary focus area of the Mission of the YMCA of Avery County.
Contact Jessa Cannon, Avery County Director of Youth Development for more information about any of the Youth Development Programs below.
After School and Out of School Programs
Please read the parent information handbook to find information on newly added late pick up fees, pick up policies, and attendance requirements.
Avery County Elementary After School Program 2023-2024
The Williams YMCA of Avery County is proud to be able to offer After school in all 5 Avery County elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year. After-school will be held on-site at each school and will operate from the time school lets out (varies by school) until 6:00 PM. After school serves students grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Registration is online only
Select your school to register today:
- Riverside Elementary,
- Newland Elementary,
- Banner Elk Elementary,
- Crossnore Elementary, and
- Freedom Trail Elementary.
After school provides students with an opportunity to continue learning after school is over through homework help from staff and tutors, targeted reading and math activities, social-emotional learning, art projects, guest speakers, and other enrichment activities. We provide physical activity daily to ensure your child is staying active, as well as dinner, through a partnership with Avery County Child Nutrition.
When: We follow the school calendar and will be offering after-school on any day when school is in session for a full day; we do not provide after-school on early dismissal days.
Time: School dismissal – 6:00 PM
Where: Your Child’s Elementary School
Cost: Offered at No Cost
YMCA Summer Camp
K-5 Grade Summer Camp 2024
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore! We are thrilled to offer 8 weeks of Summer Day camp and give children a chance to get active and make connections with friends both old and new!
Summer Camp 2024
June 3 – August 2, 2024
(No Camp July 1 – July 5)
M-F 7:30am-5:30pm
Summer Camp registration will open on Monday, April 22, 2024. Registration is online only. Please follow the links below and register your child in the grade they are CURRENTLY in.
We anticipate high registration numbers. If you are placed on a waiting list for a spot, we will let you know as soon as we are able too if your child will be able to attend camp this summer.
Registration requirements:
- Campers must attend Avery County Schools, Avery County resident homeschool or private school.
- Campers must be CURRENT Kindergarten-5th graders (no rising Kinders).
- Students must attend 5 out of the 8 weeks of Summer Camp (may miss up to 15 days).
- Parents must attend MANDATORY information meeting before Summer Camp begins (Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:00pm).
If you have any questions please contact Jessa Cannon, Avery County Director of Youth Development
jessaj@ymcaavery.org
828-737-5500
For more information, please contact Jessa Cannon, Avery County Director of Youth Development.
Teen Mental Health Resource Hub
You Are Not Alone: Supporting Teens Struggling with Mental Health
With funding provided by the state, Williams YMCA of Avery County and YMCA Healthy Living Center – Mitchell County, and other North Carolina YMCAs are working to increase awareness about mental health resources available to teens and their families in 2024 and beyond. Many teens in North Carolina and nationwide are experiencing mental health challenges, but help is available!
Our Youth Development staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, so they are equipped to identify potential mental health struggles and know how to help young people in crisis and non-crisis situations. We also have partnered with Western Youth Network and High Country Community Health. Western Youth Network’s Youth to Youth Avery Program continues to embody the Western Youth Network’s mission of empowering youth to live healthy, engaged, and fulfilled lives. High Country Community Health provides healthcare services and connects with other local organizations to ensure health equity for all of the youth in Avery County.
To provide further support, the new Teen Mental Health Resource Hub provides a variety of resources for teens and their families. With the Y’s “Mental Health Has No Face” campaign, we are working to increase awareness about teen mental health resources and to destigmatize teen mental health.
Mental illness can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, income, or social status. It could be the friend you know is having problems at home or the friend who seemingly has it all together.
And our mental health affects every aspect of our lives–from our thoughts, feelings, and actions to how we handle relationships, stress, and decision-making. These effects aren’t limited to any particular group of people, either. Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with mental health-related challenges each year.