Nyack YMCA Holds Summer Program for Teens

The is taking community involvement one step further this summer, training local teens to be leaders and proficient child caretakers.

The program—titled Counselors-in-Training (CIT)—will teach area teens how to care for youngsters, in addition to bolstering the teens' resumes and preparing them for the workforce. It is kicking off its sophomore year this July.

"We're really excited," said Andrew Towers, a program director with the YMCA. Towers helped jump-start the program and write the curriculum. Participating teens will work with the Y's young campers throughout July and August.

Towers noted CIT training is dynamic; over four weeks, formal classroom time is coupled with activities like hiking, foraging and this year, possibly rowing. The teens may take to the Hudson with Nyack's .

The program is aimed at teens ages 13 to 16 from all over the area; last year, kids from New City, Congers and Valley Cottage participated.

"The point of all this is to teach the kids that knowledge is power," Towers explained. "Better leadership means better people." Towers noted that last summer's graduates—a group of four—have taken on leadership roles in their high schools and extracurriculars. And based on last year's success, the program has been extended one week.

To apply, interested parties can contact the YMCA at (845) 727-1037. The CIT program runs from July 11 to August 5; hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pricing is $450 for members and $500 for non-members.