Stoughton YMCA and Youth Commission Hosting Youth Gym for Middle School Students

From the Stoughton YMCA:

The Stoughton YMCA and Stoughton Youth Commission have teamed up again to bring a fun and exciting program to teens in the Stoughton Community. Beginning in January on Tuesday and Thursday nights The Y, in collaboration with the Youth Commission, will be running an open gym program at the Jones School in Stoughton. The program runs from 6:30-8:30 at night and is designed for teens age 12-16 to play basketball, hang out, and do homework in a constructive and safe environment.

The Youth Commission and YMCA have been collaborating on an open gym program every “Early Thursday” for O’Donnell Middle School students since 2010. On Early Thursdays a Y staff member and Youth Commission representative host upwards for 60-80 middle school and high school students in a free open gym program. Using this successful and positive program as a template the Youth Commission and Stoughton YMCA, have branched out and begun a new program on Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the winter months.

By offering an area for students to go after school with the ability to do homework, be engaged in a positive environment, and keeping them away from risk factors during out of school time, The Y and Youth Commision believe this collaborative effort will have a positive impact on Stoughton Students. Joe Leaver Senior Program Director at the Y commented on the program, “Stoughton parents have identified a need for a safe space where teens can be with their peers in a supervised, but independent way. Over the last few years the teens of Stoughton have experienced a drastic decease in space available to them afterschool, particularly in the winter. They are also spending an increased amount of time out of the household. As a result, Stoughton is in need of alternative options to engage teens in a positive environment.”

During the program teens are able to play basketball in the gym and do homework under the supervision of YMCA staff. The program is open to any Stoughton student age 12-16. The cost is free for YMCA members and $4 per visit, or $20 for a month pass for non-members. The Y is encouraging teens to attend and check out the program. For more information contact Joe Leaver at 781-341-2016 x283 or JLeaver@oldcolonyymca.org