Wilmington, DE- Tweens and teens like to have their own space, and that’s just what they will have at the Brandywine YMCA located at 3 Mount Lebanon Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803. On Thursday, September 5, the grand opening of the center for teens called the “YMCA Corner Stop at the Brandywine Y” will take place at 6:00 PM. Inside the center, youth in grades 6-12 will enjoy a new, fresh space with a modern café feel complete with areas to eat, relax, socialize and play games like pool, air hockey and video games. YMCA members and non-members are able to drop in to use the space any time from 3:00-7:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday. Beginning in October, the Brandywine Y will offer Teen Nights on the first Friday of every month.
Not only will the center serve as a fun and safe place for teens to gather, but additional programs and services will be provided including those that address important issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and drug and suicide prevention. Workshops on applying for jobs or colleges, homework help, leadership clubs and more will also be available as the Y continues to expand its hours and programming.
The opening of the Brandywine YMCA Teen Center is the latest YMCA of Delaware initiative to help support teens during this pivotal and transitional time in their lives. YMCA’s throughout the state offer a variety of teen programming including Teen Nights, Youth in Government, Junior and Teen Leaders Clubs, Sports, Black Achiever’s, Model UN, Global Teens, Teen Outreach and more.
In addition, the YMCA of Delaware is offering FREE one-year YMCA memberships to all 7th graders in Delaware. Through the 7th grade initiative, youth will enjoy unlimited access to our fitness centers, pools, basketball gyms and Y activities geared toward their age group such as group exercise classes, social events, leadership programs, volunteer opportunities and more.
“We want our communities to know that the Y is here for our young people, encouraging them to attain their personal and educational goals. We want to give tweens and teens a safe place to help cultivate values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and academic achievement,” said Deborah Bagatta- Bowles, YMCA of Delaware Chief Executive Officer.
The Seventh-Grade initiative and all teen programming offers an alternative, where they can make new friends while staying active and also avoid exposure to counter-productive behaviors.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest non-profit organization committed to strengthening local citizens through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With eight branches statewide and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed long-standing relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Delaware’s health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.