Teen Programs and Membership
The teen years are full of growth, change, and discovery — but they can also bring stress, pressure, and emotional challenges. Many teens today report struggling with sadness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed, making supportive community spaces more important than ever.
The YMCA provides a place where teens can belong, stay active, and build meaningful relationships with peers and trusted adults. Programs that encourage movement, social connection, and skill development help strengthen confidence, reduce stress, and support positive mental health outcomes.
Mental health matters. Learn more about tools, education, and support available through our Teen Mental Health Resources.
Below, explore the variety of YMCA teen programs designed to help young people stay active, connected, and supported every step of the way.
Teens, looking for exciting and fun programs, plus a YMCA membership?
Check out all of our amazing options below!
Teen Leadership Programs
Leaders Club
Leaders Club is a national YMCA program designed for those who want to make an impact in their schools, in their communities and within themselves. This program provides a safe haven for teens to become confident and competent adults as they receive leadership training that enhances their social and emotional growth. By connecting with adult advisers, teens have role models and mentors who make positive impacts on their lives while teaching them the importance of social responsibility and service within the community. Weekly, they work on leadership skills, physical fitness and volunteer opportunities.
Sports Referee Program
Our Sports Referee Program is a 2-3 month program for youth soccer players ages 13 to 15 who are interested in coaching and/or refereeing while improving their leadership skills. This program is designed to help young players take a more active role in our soccer program. This program requires community service hours, which will be completed in the Soccer program. Participants will also be required to attend training sessions for their selected program. Some of these trainings will be completed online. By the end of the program, participants will be given the opportunity to test for their referee license or Youth I or II coaching certificate. Community service will consist of completing the same duties as our soccer program staff, which include coaching, refereeing, setting up and tearing down the field, performing field maintenance, and working the concession stand. We start hiring at 14, and graduates are guaranteed an interview when they become of age. An average new referee will need to train for 15 hours prior to being paid to officiate games at the YMCA. USSF licenses are good at most clubs in North Carolina, and you can be assigned games through the local state referee assignor for games outside the YMCA.
Learn More About the Sports Referee Program>>
Leadership Through Aquatics
This course is designed for teens ages 14 to 17 years old who are interested in becoming American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards through Leadership Training. Teens must be 15 years of age by the end of the program to complete the ARC Lifeguard Certification course. It is required that each teen complete volunteer hours and leadership training while in the program to understand the qualities of a Professional Lifeguard.
Learn More About Leadership Through Aquatics>>
Leadership Through Play
This course is designed for teens ages 12 to 15 years old who are interested in building confidence in their childcare skills. Teens interested must submit an application and posses a Safe Sitter certification or another recognized babysitting certification. A reference letter is also required for consideration.
Learn More About Leadership Through Play>>
Register Online
Click the button below to register online for one of our Teen leadership programs. Once enrolled you will also receive a FREE YMCA membership for the school year/season if participation requirements are met.
