Tempe’s Family YMCA, on South Rural Road, each year moves toward a goal of expanding its after-school program and making it a more educational and enjoyable experience for the kids.
In its latest iteration, the program focuses on children 5-12 years of age. It runs Monday through Friday, from school dismissal until 6 p.m. With a five-student minimum, bus service is available for participants at Norte, Niños, Waggoner, Pueblo, Paloma, Aprende, Fees, Fuller and Rover schools.
YMCA Operations Director Lance Gray said the program, which has been in existence for 12 years, now includes a gym and a reading and learning center.
“We have 16 laptops, so they do have Internet access (at the facility),” he said.
The education center, Gray said, gives students an advantage, allowing the kids to finish school, come to the Y and do their homework.
By the time 6 p.m. arrives and they go home, the kids’ homework is finished and they have an opportunity to spend more time with their families.
This year, participating kids will also have a chance to engage in some physical activity. Swimming, dancing and foosball are just some of the activities offered with the program, Gray said.
“They get to do a little bit of exercise,” he said. “It’s really a unique experience for kids.”
Gray said other benefits are the YMCA’s staff of experienced teachers and the facility’s unique atmosphere. There are only few places students can go after school where they would have such a diverse choice of activities, Gray said.
Kids like the wellness center, the education center and the social aspect of the YMCA after-school program, according to Gray.
During the regular school hours, social and educational activities are generally separated, Gray noted. The after-school program, however, gives kids an opportunity have both at the same time.
“The YMCA is a little different than being in a cafeteria or a classroom,” he said. “The kids really have fun. It’s a unique experience overall, educational and social.”
Gray, who has been a part of the program for seven years, said parents like seeing the effect the program has on their children.
“They really like it because the kids want to go there,” Gray said. “We offer a unique experience.”
The unique experience he speaks of has helped increase the after-school program’s popularity.
“We’ve had as many as 150 kids after school,” he said.
Cost of the after-school program is $220, however scholarships are available and parents can apply by filling out a form at the YMCA.
“We want to make sure no one is turned away,” he said. So far this year, $238,000 has been raised via donations.
The Y would like to eventually see the after-school program also offer character development courses, part of a goal to not only entertain and educate, but develop as well.
“That’s one goal, to shift from childcare to character (building),” he said. “We’re looking (to build) a great, positive experience.
