Youth Programs

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 Katie Croland 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.

Parent Handbook 2021-2022

Avery County After School Program 2021-2022

The Williams YMCA of Avery County is proud to be able to offer After school in all 5 Avery County elementary schools for the 2021-2022 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:

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

Early Childhood and Youth Development Programs

Musikgarten Family Music for Toddlers Registration

Musikgarten Family Music for Toddlers (Ages 12 months – 3 years)

These weekly classes are action-filled for toddlers—full of energy, often on the move, always exploring and learning—and their parents. Together you’ll sing, chant, move, dance, listen, and play simple instruments, all activities that bridge the natural connection between music and movement.

Each lesson features movement activities for coordination, body awareness and control, exploration of space, and instruments such as rhythm sticks, jingles, rattles, drums, and resonator bars.

Registration Required

When: Tuesdays, September 7th – November 23rd

Time: 10:00-10:45 am

Where: YMCA Main Facility, Healthy Living Room

Cost: $50 for members $60 for non-members

For more information please contact Katie Croland at 828-737-5500.

Meet the Teacher:

Linda Palko, Teacher

NBTPS Cerified Early-Middle Childhood Music
ECU Bachelors Music Education
UNC-Greensboro Masters Music Education
Orff Level 2 Certification

Linda moved to Avery County after serving as a Musikgarten teacher, middle school chorus director, and elementary school music teacher in Cabarrus County. She and her husband enjoy hiking, fishing, and all facets of mountain life!

Musikgarten Preschool Registration

Musikgarten Preschool Movement and Music (Ages 3-5)

Celebrate your preschooler’s growing independence and love of the outdoors with activities involving the four seasons in this class. Developed to build attention and self-expression, activities include singing, chanting, moving, focused listening, musical games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement, and storytelling. The Movement and Music nurtures your growing child’s ability to use language and participate in dramatic play within a musical context.

Registration Required

When: Tuesdays, September 7th – November 23rd

Time: 4:30-5:15 pm

Where: YMCA Main Facility, Healthy Living Room

Cost: $50 for members $60 for non-members

For more information please contact Katie Croland at 828-737-5500.

Meet the Teacher:

Linda Palko, Teacher

NBTPS Cerified Early-Middle Childhood Music
ECU Bachelors Music Education
UNC-Greensboro Masters Music Education
Orff Level 2 Certification

YMCA Summer Camp

2021 SUMMER OF FUN

Williams YMCA of Avery County is excited to offer our 2021 Summer of Fun Day Camp for students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade at no cost! Camp will be held from Monday, June 7th through Friday, August 6th from 7:30 – 5:30 pm. Camp will consist of a combination of traditional camp activities and academic enrichment projects and lessons which will help raise student achievement. Campers will be able to participate in arts/crafts activities, team building and character development, physical activities and swimming, field trips, and more! Registration will be on a week by week basis.

Registration is currently closed for all age groups and there is a wait list for camp.

When: Monday, June 7th through August 6th

Time: 7:30 – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday each week

Where: At the Williams YMCA of Avery County; location dependent on age group.

Cost: Offered at no cost

For additional information or to be added to the waitlist, please contact Katie Croland at katiec@ymcaavery.org.

SUMMER AFTER SCHOOL

The Williams YMCA is proud to be able to offer an after school program for Session 1 and 2 of Summer School for grades K-5. This program will be held at Newland Elementary and runs from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Students who wish to attend from Freedom Trail Elementary will be bussed to Newland Elementary for pick up. Students will participate in games, physical activities, projects, and will be provided a snack.

When: Session 1 – June 7 – June 24; Session 2: July 12 – July 29. Monday – Thursday when Summer School is in session.

Time: 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Where: Newland Elementary School

Cost: Offered at no cost