The YMCA of Northwest Florida is committed to developing and providing high quality character-building and values-based programs for teens in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Along with the nationally recognized Search Institute, the YMCA recognizes that teens who are involved in school clubs or community-based organizations such as the YMCA are less likely to be involved in dangerous and risky behaviors. Our programs, therefore, provide responsible positive adult role models, encourage positive peer influence and give teens useful roles in the community through service projects.

PULLUM BRANCH

Middle School After-School Programs
The Pullum Branch hosts two middle school after-school programs. Emphasis is placed on homework help, sports, indoor and outdoor games and fitness.
Location: Pullum Branch: Santa Rosa County busses youth to the Y from Holley-Navarre Middle School, and we pick up youth from Woodlawn Beach Middle School and transport them back to the branch.
Cost: $15/child registration fee
$30/wk members, $40/wk program participants for Woodlawn Beach
$15/wk members, $30/week program participants for Holley-Navarre
$7.50/day for members, $10/day for program participants for part time

NEW PROGRAM! BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER -
Y Buddies
Through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Navarre, the Y will pilot a middle school mentoring program at Holley-Navarre Middle School beginning after Labor Day. Mentors meet at school at least twice a month. The Y provides and trains the volunteer mentors in a school setting, which provides great educational opportunities.
Location: Holley-Navarre Middle School
When: Begins after Labor Day
For more information, email Bob Grant.


Teen Fitness Orientation
This orientation provides youth ages 13-15 the chance to learn the fundamental of strength and cardio training that are age-appropriate. Participants also qualify to work out without parent supervision during youth priority hours.
What:  One class, three hours long
When:  On a monthly basis; dates and sign-up sheet posted at the front desk.
Details: Must be Y member and have parent sign waiver. Participants must pass an exam at the end of program. Class requires a minimum of 4 participants.

Youth Cardiovascular Orientation
This orientation provides youth ages 10-12 the chance to learn the benefits of cardio exercise. Participants also earn the right to use the cardio equipment without parent supervision during youth priority hours.
What:  One class, two hours long
When:  On a monthly basis; dates and sign-up sheet posted at the front desk. 
Details: Must be Y member and have parent sign waiver. Participants must pass an exam at the end of program. Class requires a minimum of 4 participants.

For information on fitness orientations, email Dottie Thomas.
 

Blue Ridge Values Conference
The annual Blue Ridge Values Conference takes place in July and offers teens in grades 9-12 an opportunity to attend a life-changing Christian values conference in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Local youth join more than 650 teens from all over the southeastern United States to this conference, which invites teens to develop an increased sense of self-worth, gain a deeper insight into their own values and strengthen their Christian commitment. Teens also develop leadership and communication skills and increase their self-confidence through team-building exercises and zany events. Join other teens to make friendships that will last a lifetime!


Youth in Government
Youth in Government is an exciting laboratory experience in the mechanics of the state legislative and judicial process and the mechanics of the State of Florida. The program's goal is to learn how the system works, how it can be modified, how it can be used to achieve the goals of human dignity through our democratic process. Through the program, youth travel to the state capitol and assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists, journalists, and other participants in the democratic process in order to learn first-hand the workings of state government.

For more information, email Pullum Branch Director Bob Grant