YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Teen Vision Statement:

YMCA teen programs challenge teens to develop positive self-esteem, become leaders and mentors, while providing an opportunity for self-expression in a safe environment.

Teen Program Internship Available

For a job description,click here.

Teen Programs

Counselor in Training Summer Camp

The YMCA is registering now for 2010 summer camps.  For more information on CIT camp,  click here.

Junior Sprucers

Junior Sprucers is a YMCA group of middle school & high school students who volunteer to keep White Rock Lake clean.  The YMCA at White Rock has adopted Tee Pee Hill (3240 W. Lawther) and cleans up this location the second Saturday of every month from 9:00am-10:30am.  Training, Cleaning Supplies & Snacks are provided. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours.
To sign up, email Carol Whitsitt.

Junior Sprucer upcoming 2010 dates:  Aug. 14, Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 13

Upcoming 2011 dates:  Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9

Teen Advisory Council

We need teens who have ideas!  Become a part of the Teen Advisory Council and influence positive change in the community and YMCA while making new friends.

Meetings are the following Saturdays from 1:00-3:00pm:

2010 Dates:  Aug. 14, Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 13

2011 Dates:  Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9

Lunch is included.

Babysitting Certification

Gain the confidence of parents by getting your official babysitting certification. 
The certification will allow you to gain:

• Preparation for parent interviews by improving your interviewing skills
• CPR and First Aid training
• Baby basics including burping, feeding, diaper changing, safety play and fun games
• Your official babysitter certificate 

Upcoming dates include:

FULL -Sunday Sept 19th 1-4:00pm 

Sunday. Oct 10th 1-4pm

Sunday Oct. 24th 1-4pm

Sunday Nov.21st 1-4pm

Sunday Jan 9th 1-4pm

Sunday Feb 27th 1-4pm

Wednesday March 16th 1-4pm (During DISD Spring Break)

Sunday March 27th 1-4pm

Sunday May 29th 1-4pm

Cost: $60 Family Member and $80 for Activity Member.  All registration and payment deadlines are on the Monday prior to the class.  Lunch will not be provided.                

Youth and Government

Let your voice be heard!

Join youth leaders from around the state to debate the issues that are important to you.  Listen to delegates with difference experiences.  Research public issues and become aware of local, state, national and international concerns.  Accept your civic responsibilities and your leadership role.  Get involved in the decision making process...and have fun the whole time!

This program runs during the school year.  To get registered for the 2010-2011 school year, contact Carol Whitsitt atcwhitsitt@ymcadallas.org or 214-328-3849, x 23.

To find out more about the programs, see photos  and read blogs, go towww.ymcatexasyg.org.

Cool News about our Youth & Government teens

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi Speaks to YMCA at White Rock Teens

Dallas, TX  (April 22, 2010) - Every year students from across the state gather together to participate in the Annual PeaceJam Conference, a conference that connects budding students with Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.  The purpose is to connect teens, create dialog and work on projects that promote peace and conflict resolution.  This year, students from the local YMCA at White Rock, attended the 2010 PeaceJam Conference at the University of Houston where the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Shirin Ebadi, addressed teens about rights for women and children, and their roles as leaders.

Held in late March, the three students from the YMCA at White Rock that attended the event included Miriam Vargas, Liset Reyes and Alex Mills.  Students can attend a number workshops to learn more about peace and conflict resolution with topics that address peer mediation, teen dating and violence, women of Islam and compassionate communication.

"Participating in the PeaceJam Conference was a natural extension to our Texas YMCA Youth and Government program because it offered our teens yet another opportunity to participate in government related issues," said Carol Whitsitt, the YMCA at White Rock Youth Development Director.  "PeaceJam does a wonderful job giving students a hands-on, project driven experience and helps them understand how to engage and promote conflict resolution, dialog and ultimately, facilitate peace.  We are very proud of our local teens and look forward to future events."

While PeaceJam and the YMCA Youth and Government are two separate programs without any concerted connection, both organizations promote youth participation in developing and understanding government.  Founded in 1946, the YMCA Youth and Government program strives to help teens become responsible citizens and future leaders of our nation.  The organization develops programs that create an exciting, interactive experience for students who want to learn about the mechanics of the state legislative and its judicial processes.  Both middle school and high school students are invited to get involved.

Contact Us

For more information on YMCA Teen Programs, contact Teen Director,  Carol Whitsitt  at 214.328.3849 ext. 23.