College Readiness Retreat in Yosemite

This fall, the YMCA Youth Institute traveled to one of the most beautiful places in the world – Yosemite National Park. Thirty youth & staff spent four days enjoying the warmth of the valley and cool star lit nights. It was a first time experience for all the youth and some of the staff who attended and gazed upon this magnificent wonder of nature. The youth & staff hiked for 90 minutes to our secret climbing wall that was over 750 feet from the valley floor below North Dome. Youth and staff also biked around the valley visiting the museum, Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake. It was an experience for all who attended; swimming in the river, night hikes into the meadows, rock climbing and riding bikes. This was the perfect venue to talk to the youth about their future academic goals and post-secondary education. Eddie Gardner delivered a great College Readiness program discussion.To see more pictures of the event Click HERE.

2011 YAM LA Event

The YMCA Youth Institute for the past 3 years has been an active member of the Youth Arts & Media Los Angeles (YAM LA) group. As one of its founding members, we have been fortunate enough to work with some of these agencies 11 years ago in providing technical support – digital media arts training and purchasing of technology to start their own Digital Media Arts Programs. This year was our Second annual event to showcase the creative talents of all the youth in LA County in the areas of digital photography, digital storytelling, 8mm filmmaking, dance, music, DJ and skate boarding. For more information about YAM LA Click HERE. To see more pictures of the event Click HERE.