Helping Kids Reconnect with Enrichment Programs at the South Sound YMCA

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Though lifesaving, pandemic restrictions and isolation were particularly hard on our kids. They lost out on many safe, supportive environments to engage with others under the guidance of caring adult mentors. At the South Sound YMCA, staff are rebuilding these enrichment programs, hosted at local elementary schools, and welcoming folks back with open arms and plenty of fun things to do.

Sara Rocha, YMCA after school enrichment director, understands how vital enrichment programming is to kids of all ages. “It is so important to encourage students to explore new skills,” says Rocha. “Enrichment programs allow youth to discover their talents and maybe even develop a skill that they will use for future achievements. It builds relationships outside the classroom with other youth and community. Enrichments programs can build confidence, problem solving skills and encourage youth to support their community in the future.”

She’s excited about their classes and it’s contagious. Asked about her favorite new program for 2023 and she says: “I cannot choose! We have such passionate instructors that make every program fun and engaging. Each time I talk to them about lessons, I become so excited for our participants because they are going to get this awesome experience provided to them.”

This year’s offerings include 3D printing and coding, fine arts, theater, dance, and comic book club.

Supporting Rocha is Kolanye Bykoff, YMCA executive director of youth development. “I think it’s important for youth to have accessible options for engagement, that supports their overall achievement, outside of the school day,” says Bykoff. “For some, youth engagement might be fueling a student’s passion and purpose. For others it might be peer interactions and community, a caring and consistent adult, an introduction to an activity they have never experienced, leadership, belonging, and a safe and healthy place to be themselves. It is up to us as a Thurston community and the South Sound YMCA, to ensure all youth have an equitable entry for access to thrive, be heard, and share in experience with their peers. That, for me, is the root of the importance of after school enrichment programming.”

Despite being a self-described “not techy” person, Bykoff is also intrigued by the 3D printing classes. She’s amazed watching kids take advantage of the opportunity to engage and experience technology and create new objects from something designed on a screen.

Sure, classes for kids take place all over town. But many of them are expensive or fill up incredibly fast. By hosting their sessions in local elementary schools, the South Sound YMCA brings opportunities to where kids are. Michael Havens, principal at Margaret McKenny Elementary School, is a big fan of this format.

“The more we can provide low-cost options for students to explore and discover their passions, the more impact we can have on their lives,” says Havens. “We so appreciate partnering with our friends at the YMCA to allow students to engage in these opportunities.” Opportunities which, like 3D printing for example, they don’t have the equipment or staff to teach during the school day.

Rocha works hard to keep access open to everyone. “At the South Sound YMCA, we want to ensure all programs are accessible to all,” she says. “We strive to provide equitable programs so every student may gain the opportunity to grow and flourish outside of school. I want to encourage any family that needs financial support for their child to attend to reach out, we are more than happy to offer assistance.”

To learn more about enrichment classes and find location, schedule, cost and registration details, visit the YMCA’s website or call Rocha directly at 360.918.0401. You can also email her with questions at [email protected] and she’ll be happy to get back to you.

Rocha would also love to hear from folks who are able to volunteer with after school classes or sharing their skill by teaching the kids. Enrichment classes aren’t the same as Y Care but families are welcome to sign up for both. Y Care members can enroll in after school enrichment at a reduced rate. Kids simply attend enrichment then head over to Y Care until pick-up time.

Kids use play and enrichment for creativity, social interaction, emotional and physical development and reduce stress, say doctors from Healthline. Thanks to the South Sound YMCA, all of that and more is available one exciting class at a time.