At the Y, we know teens can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Providing programs to develop teens mentally, physically and spiritually is our mission.
Today, we are watching youth development in action, with young people finding their voices, activating their beliefs and joining — even driving — the democratic process. More than leaders, they have become changemakers.
Our Teen Leadership is our teen program umbrella that encompasses our signature clubs such as Leaders Club, Youth in Government (YIG), Achievers and Future Leaders. The purpose of our programs is to support the positive cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth of teens from cradle to career by providing programs that adhere to the character development model of empathy, relationship building, personal development, responsibility and emotion management.
See our offerings and register online!
Your Voice Matters
We want to hear what you think! Parents and teens are encouraged to complete the Teen Programs survey together—your voices and experiences matter. Your feedback helps us create programs and spaces that truly reflect and support our youth community. We also invite you to take our Teen Mental Health survey so we can provide support in areas you may need it most.
Take the Survey Teen Mental HEalth Survey
All members of Youth in Government, Future Leaders, and Achievers are integral parts of the Teen Leadership program at the First Coast YMCA.
Teen Leadership Clubs & Programs
Teen Leadership Executive Board
Each club has an executive office that consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Historian, these officers combined will make up the Executive Board of our Leadership and meet regularly to plan association-wide service projects, social events, and fundraising activities.
Leaders Club
Teen Leaders Club at the YMCA is an annual, year-long Y-based service and leadership development program for teens ages 13-18 (grades 7 – 12). The purpose of the YMCA Leaders Club is to provide teens with experience and training to influence college knowledge, academics, positive relationships, life skills, and positive identity.
This program is focused on overall wellness, character development, and service. The Leaders club program aims to foster a sense of belonging and achievement for all of those who are involved. Teens are paired with a YMCA adviser that serves in a positive mentor relationship to help guide and develop the teens and program.
Youth in Government (YIG)
YIG aims to acquaint students with the intricacies of our state’s governmental procedures, structure, and responsibilities. Local chapters collaborate on honing debate skills and crafting bills for presentation at the State Capital. Members engage in service-learning initiatives and fundraising activities. Students opt to specialize in either legislative or judicial matters, providing them with a focused perspective through which they can grasp their unique roles within the state government framework.
Achievers
Teen Achievers is a nationwide initiative dedicated to assisting students in charting their paths toward higher education and successful careers. In partnership with the YMCA, this program offers guidance and resources to help young adults navigate the transition from high school to future endeavors. Many adolescents approach the end of their high school journey with uncertainty about their professional futures, lacking concrete plans or aspirations. Teen Achievers steps in to fill this void by offering mentorship, cultivating a supportive atmosphere, and encouraging participants to pursue careers aligned with their passions. Through this initiative, the aim is to empower youth to become active and committed contributors to our society.
Teen Forward
Teen Forward is an afterschool program for pre-teens and teens hosted at our Johnson YMCA. The program focus on our youth’s future by exposing them to new experiences, introducing them to career-focused professionals, and presenting them with options beyond high school. With social responsibility, healthy living, and youth development being our driving forces, teens have an opportunity to give back to the community in which they live.
Inner Prize – Johnson Family YMCA
The Inner Prize is a new program for students in grades 6 – 8 that gives them the opportunity to discover who they are and who they would like to become. This FREE program is designed for students who want to invest in themselves and unlock their unique “inner prize”—their potential—by engaging with mentors that will give them a college- and future focus. Students will be paired with mentors based on personality, goals and interests and they will receive help with academics and beyond.
Future Leaders
Future Leaders consists of two summer programs, Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training.
Leaders in Training
Leaders in Training is a summer program designed to offer teens a variety of experiences and opportunities related to leadership, service learning, and social and club development. Teens receive hands-on training, career exploration and professional development that serves as the foundation of our Y teen clubs. During this training, teens will learn about our signature clubs and the responsibilities of a student officer. With the support of the staff and Senior Program Director, teens have the opportunity to join or start a club at their YMCA. Requirements: Rising 8th graders – 12th grade
2-Step Application Process:
1. L.I.T. Application 2. L.I.T. Online Registration
Counselors in Training
For 6 weeks out of the summer, teens will train to become a camp counselor, while shadowing different camp sites and programs to put their learnings into practice. Requirements: Must have completed a year of LIT and be 15 years or older.
See our offerings and register online!
For more information:
Contact Shermayne Reynolds
Association Director of Teen Programs
SReynolds@fcymca.org
