Youth Development | YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

Creating a Lasting Impact: How YMCA Teachers like Sophie and Finn Shape Children’s Lives

Creating a Lasting Impact: How YMCA Teachers Like Sophie and Finn Shape Children's Lives Skyline Elementary School has gone through a massive transformation from new facilities to the programs that are currently available for students and fa

Friends Posing at YMCA Youth Soccer League

Why Competitive Sports are Good for Youth

There are a lot of different ways you can help kids build healthy habits. At the Y, we believe that youth sports are a total game-changer for kids! Organized sports help build confidence, coordination, and character, but they also offer kids the chance to be kids and have fun.

Autumn (left) and Shalina (right) Pre-K teachers at UP ELC

Creating Little Leaders through the Y’s Early Learning Centers

Creating Little Leaders through the Y’s Early Learning Centers Walking into the classroom, music fills the background as the Pre-K students line up for lunch.

Creating their board games at winter camp!

Child Care Winter Break Recap: Adventures in Candyland

6 Ways to Help Kids Build Healthy Habits

Every parent knows that when it comes to raising kids, their health and happiness are the most important things. Encouraging consistent exercise, nutrition, and other skills can benefit them for the rest of their lives. Starting healthy habits when we're young is especially important because of the cognitive development that takes place at an early age.

Children in the full-time preschool playing on the playground at the UP ELC

Expanding the Early Childhood Learning Center Programming

Expanding the UP Early Learning Center Programming to fit parents' needs! The YMCA Child Care Programs are growing and evolving this New Year. The

A guardian holds a baby in the water during an adult/child swim lesson as a Y staff member gently splashes and engages with them.

Holiday Blast Registration Opens December 13

Holiday Blast is a special winter session when our programs run for a concentrated week-long experience. We are not offering a late registration period since the session begins the following week, but there are still plenty of options available for your family to choose from this season so choose your holiday adventure!

Gymnastics Pre-Team Try Outs at the Lakewood Family Y on October 30

Interested in your child joining a competitive gymnastics team? Attend the pre-team tryouts at the Lakewood Family Y. Build confidence, body awareness, social skills, and more.