The YMCA of Western North Carolina provides free, safe, and stimulating afterschool and summer camp programs for students enrolled in Buncombe County middle schools.
Y Horizons engages students throughout the school year with hands-on activities that promote health, wellness, academic work, leadership skills, and confidence. Activities include homework help, sports, and art programs. Existing teaching staff often serve as tutors. Students also receive a healthy snack each day.
During the summer break, the Y’s Camp Quest keeps middle schoolers active and challenged with activities such as robotics, escape rooms, bike club, chess club, sports, and more. Campers also get a healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.
Both programs are directed by Angel Chandler, who recently won the Emerging Afterschool Champion Award from the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs. The award recognized Chandler for demonstrating “considerable work in developing, supporting, and promoting high-quality afterschool and out-of-school time programs to benefit youth and families.”
Chandler also serves on the state’s Early Warning and Response System work group, which targets at-risk students and helps provide vital afterschool activities for those students.
She says she finds her work with middle schoolers rewarding because they clearly benefit from the experience.
“Some of these students are really struggling in school, but they look forward to our programs because they can build friendships and be mentored by positive adult role models,” she said.
The YMCA of WNC offers Horizons and Camp Quest at no charge to students in grades 5-8 in the Buncombe County Schools. Funding is provided by federal and community grants as well as donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign.
The Y also offers a variety of other teen programs, including Leaders Club, Model UN, and Youth in Government. Learn more at ymcawnc.org/children-teens.