It's Not Too Late To Join LYCS

It's not too late to for the Livingston Youth and Community Services (LYCS) Leaders Programs. LYCS is a community-based, after-school educational program that provides leadership, healthy life choices, and life skills to students Grades 2-12. As well as educational programs, LYCS also provides community services opportunities, family socials, expressive arts projects, and collaborates on community programs. Registration is ongoing throughout the school year through the Senior, Youth and Leisure Services (SYLS) department.

New for 2011-2012 school year is Grade 2 Young Leaders (meet 2:25-3:30 p.m. after school) which teaches social, emotional, and leadership skills in a fun, educational program that is age-appropriate. The program includes topics on making friends, self-esteem, team-building, communication, and listening skills. LYCS Leaders (grades 3-5) is a program that emphasizes leadership, responsibility, respect, and teamwork. Students meet once a month after-school (2:25-3:40 p.m.), and includes recreational time.

As students move up through the grades, LYCS provides opportunities for them to become more involved in program decision-making. Grade 5 Leaders Club chooses four topics of interest and adopt-a-charity. Peer Leaders (grades 6-8) choose topics of interest, community service, and co-ordinate the Time4Teens newsletter. The newsletter collects articles from all grades. Students meet once a month at Monmouth Court Community Center (5:30-7:00 p.m.). Pizzas and refreshments are provided.

Peer-to-Peer (grades 9-12) is a student-led organization that includes cross-age teaching, socials, diversity lunch, alumni night, and weekend camp. During the first meeting of the school year, students decide topics of interest, and the theme for the year. Past themes have included podcasting, teen conferences, and fundraising for charities.

This year students can choose to participate in an environmental initiative as part of a LYCS sponsored President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) competition which will include other grades; Grade 5 Leaders Club, Peer Leaders, and Peer to Peer (grades 9-12). Students can choose to work on one project or related projects.

For more information about LYCS schedule and programs go to www.livingstonlycs.org, email: lycs@livingstonnj.org, or call 973-535-2646. Registration forms are available at the Senior Community Center (204 Hillside Ave.) and you can register in person, or online with CommunityPass. (Go to the Township website: www.livingstonnj.org, click Senior, Youth and Leisure to access CommunityPass). LYCS is a program of the Township of Livingston: Senior, Youth and Leisure Services, and is funded in part by the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee (LMAC).