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Join Us This Giving Tuesday – December 2
Your generosity on Giving Tuesday helps ensure everyone in our community has access to life-changing Y programs. Thank you for making a difference!
Lincoln County, Missouri — Community Needs Assessment
What the community told us.
Day camp, childcare, and before & after school care were the most pressing needs identified — directly shaping the Y's decision to launch programs in Lincoln County beginning summer 2026.
Explore the Ste. Genevieve County YMCA
There's more to explore at the Y! From newly renovated fitness spaces and sports facilities to outdoor recreation, aquatics and more, discover the spaces where our community moves, plays and connects.
Check Out What's on the Menu
Camp Lakewood rotates through the following three-week meal schedule. Menus may vary slightly based on availability, special events, or dietary needs.
Your Donation Changes Lives
When you give to the Gateway Region YMCA, you help open doors for children, families and neighbors across Missouri and Illinois. Your generosity supports life-changing programs, financial assistance and outreach that help more people learn, grow, thrive and belong.
See the numbers behind our 2025 impact, then explore the stories and programs your generosity helps make possible below.
Impact in Action
The numbers above show the scale of our impact. Behind every number are real people, families and communities whose lives are changed through the Y. Explore a few of the programs your generosity helps make possible.
Safety Around Water
Every child deserves to feel safe and confident around water. In 2025, 7,781 individuals were safer around water through donor-supported Safety Around Water programming, and 21,691 swim lesson participants learned life-saving skills through the Y.
Inclusion and Adaptive Support
At the Y, everyone deserves the chance to participate and succeed. In 2025, 1,521 individuals engaged through inclusion and adaptive support services, including adaptive sports, integrated fitness, day camp, Y Club and TEAMWORK programs.
Community Health and Well-Being
The Y helps people build healthier lives through evidence-based programs. In 2025, 247 individuals participated in Diabetes Prevention, 250 in Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, 240 in Exercise for Parkinson’s and 181 in LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
Literacy
Reading opens doors. In 2025, youth and teens spent 5,425,477 minutes reading at the Y. Through YRead, youth improved an average of 2.2 grade levels in word recognition and 2.4 grade levels in comprehension.
Youth and Teens
The Y helps young people build confidence, leadership and belonging. In 2025, 21,698 children gained confidence through youth sports, 6,392 campers participated in summer day camp and 1,666 campers made lasting memories at YMCA Camp Lakewood.
Mental Health and Well-Being
The Y creates welcoming spaces where people can build relationships and find belonging. In 2025, 436 adults attended mental health workshops, and 233 youth participated in Fitness for Youth, a program that helps kids recognize emotions through active play.
Financial Assistance
Thanks to generous support, the Y opens doors for individuals and families who otherwise may not have the means to participate. In 2025, the Gateway Region YMCA provided $2.58 million in direct financial assistance.
Find Your Swim Lesson Level
Not sure where to start? Answer a few quick questions to help find the swim lesson stage that best fits your swimmer.
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The swimmer should enroll in
Ready to register? View available classes for this stage below.
Gateway Region YMCA
2025 Annual Report
Building Tomorrow
In 2025, the Gateway Region YMCA strengthened community through membership, programs, financial assistance, volunteers, partnerships and life-changing outreach.
Open the full PDF report to view the complete stories, photos and details.
2025 Highlights
Tornado Relief
After a devastating tornado impacted St. Louis, the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex served as a critical drop-off and distribution site. More than 4,000 volunteers helped serve more than 10,000 individuals, and the Y raised and distributed $75,500 to impacted members.
Miracle League All-Star Weekend
The Y hosted more than 100 athletes with disabilities and their families from 26 states and Mexico at the Adaptive Sports Complex for games, events, awards and a weekend centered on belonging.
NAYDO 2025 Conference
Nearly 2,000 YMCA leaders from North America and around the world gathered in St. Louis to share best practices, serve the community and strengthen cause-driven work.
Chesterfield YMCA Renovation
The Y celebrated the completion of a $9 million expansion and renovation, including a new 5,000-square-foot SSM Health medical care facility inside the branch.
Ste. Genevieve County Partnership
The Gateway Region YMCA announced a partnership to assume operation of Ste. Genevieve County Recreational Facilities, expanding access to health and wellness programs.
Jayson Tatum Foundation Gift
A $10,000 gift from the Jayson Tatum Foundation was matched by NBA Cares, creating $20,000 in support for affordable youth basketball programs at O’Fallon Park Rec Complex.
Youth Development
Healthy Living
Philanthropy & Financials
Philanthropy
$3.57M raised for the 2025 Annual Campaign
$36.05M endowment value
5,485 donors to the Y
$90,500 raised for YMCA World Service
Financials
$77.88M operating revenue
$69M program expenses
$5.5M contributions
$160.84M total end-of-year net assets
Activity Finder
Explore YMCA Trout Lodge & Camp Lakewood
Click a marker or select a location to learn more about lodging, activities and guest amenities around the property.
Download Printable MapMap Locations
Take a Look at our Newly Renovated Y!
We’re excited to officially unveil our completed $2.1 million renovation project designed to better serve our members and the East Belleville community.
Watch the walkthrough to explore the upgraded fitness center, new group exercise studio, refreshed lobby, updated Child Watch space & more!
💧 May is Water Safety Month
Help Kids Stay Safe, Confident & Ready Around Water
As pools, lakes, and summer fun get closer, now is the perfect time to brush up on water safety. The Y is here to help families build confidence and learn important skills that can help keep kids safer in and around water.
Join the Y During Our May Flash Sale! ⚡️
From May 15-18, join one of our 25 YMCA locations for a $0 Joining Fee AND receive $50 in Y-Bucks to use toward swim lessons, personal training, summer day camp, and more!
River Rapids Waterpark at the Y
Make a splash at the largest waterpark in the region, featuring water slides, a rock climbing wall, lap pool, lazy river and more.
Address: 1301 Progress Parkway, Sainte Genevieve, MO 63670
Explore River RapidsFind an Outdoor Pool Near You
Explore outdoor pools and waterparks across the Gateway Region YMCA.
RiverChase Outdoor Aquatic Center
Thrilling slides, a lazy river and refreshing pools for family fun.
Address: Add address here
Learn MoreFind an Early Childhood Education Center Near You
Explore Gateway Region YMCA Early Childhood Education Centers across the St. Louis region and Illinois to find a nurturing, supportive environment for your child.
2026 Swim Lesson Sessions
YMCA members enjoy early sign-up and save up to 50% on youth programs!
SPRING 2 SESSION
🟡 NOW IN SEASON!
- Member Registration: March 17 - May 3
- Open Registration: March 23 - May 3
- Session Runs: April 27 - May 24
SUMMER 1 SESSION
🟢 REGISTER NOW
- Member Registration: May 4 - June 7
- Open Registration: May 11 - June 7
- Session Runs: June 1 - June 28
SUMMER 2 SESSION
🔵 UPCOMING
- Member Registration: June 8 - July 5
- Open Registration: June 15 - July 5
- Session Runs: June 29 - July 26
SUMMER 3 SESSION
🔵 UPCOMING
- Member Registration: July 6 - August 2
- Open Registration: July 13 - August 2
- Session Runs: July 27 - August 23
FALL 1 SESSION
🔵 UPCOMING
- Member Registration: August 3 - September 6
- Open Registration: August 10 - September 6
- Session Runs: August 31 - October 25
FALL 2 SESSION
🔵 UPCOMING
- Member Registration: September 7 - November 1
- Open Registration: September 14 - November 1
- Session Runs: October 26 - December 20
WINTER SESSION
⚫️ COMPLETED
- Member Registration: November 3, 2025 - January 11, 2026
- Open Registration: November 10, 2025 - January 11, 2026
- Session Runs: January 5 - March 1
SPRING 1 SESSION
⚫️ COMPLETED
- Member Registration: January 12 - March 8
- Open Registration: January 19 - March 8
- Session Runs: March 2 - April 26
Find Your School
Select your school district and school to view hours, fees, and registration information.
Before School Hours: 6:30-9 am
After School Hours: 4-6 pm
Registration Fee: $30 per child
| 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before Care | $92 | $150 | $201 | $232 | $255 |
| After Care | $99 | $162 | $217 | $250 | $275 |
| Before & After | $128 | $209 | $280 | $323 | $355 |
| 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before Care | $128 | $209 | $280 | $323 | $355 |
| After Care | $135 | $221 | $296 | $341 | $375 |
| Before & After | $169 | $277 | $371 | $428 | $470 |
Before School Hours: 6:30-9 am
After School Hours: 4-6 pm
Registration Fee: $30 per child
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Before School Hours: 6:30-9 am
After School Hours: 4-6 pm
Registration Fee: $30 per child
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Before School Hours: 6:30-9 am
After School Hours: 4-6 pm
Registration Fee: $30 per child
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Before School Hours: 6:30-9 am
After School Hours: 4-6 pm
Registration Fee: $30 per child
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Read More
Wyatt is a 16-year-old gelding (male horse) and has been at our ranch since 2017! He is a unique color called a grulla. With a strong personality, Wyatt tends to be a leader of our group and is friends with Apache, a black and white mare. Fun fact: he loves to roll around and play in the pasture during his time off.
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DC is a 19-year-old American Quarter horse, and has been at the YMCA Ranch since February of 2013. With a unique personality, DC likes ALL of the attention. Having many friends in the horse herd, he can often be found visiting each horse to see if they're up to play! DC is also the first to the hay every morning to eat. Fun fact: He has a brand on his hip of his name: "DC"
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Hawk has been at the Y since 2015, 10 years this year! One of our tallest horses, he would be what you consider a gentle giant at 17 hands tall. Hawk LOVES attention and is friends with everybody in the pasture. Fun Fact: Hawk has a blaze and 2 white socks. On a typical ranch day, Hawk can be seen taking riders on both our Valley and Mountain rides.
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Will is a Bay American Quarter Horse and has been at our ranch since 2012! Fun Fact: Will has a few names. His registered name is "Holly Will Gold Bar" and sometimes the Wranglers will call him "Willson"!
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Leroy is a 17-year-old brown and white paint gelding. He has a big personality, and is sweet, gentle, loving, and loyal. He loves people and his job! Leroy is also always eating or looking for food. In the picture on the left, he is wanting to know if we have any food in the truck. In the top right picture, of course he's eating! In the bottom right picture, he is saving some hay for later on his head. During summer camp when the week is almost over we have our fun day. As part of our fun day we let the kids paint Leroy and then give him a bath. He and the kids both enjoy the fun day!
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Gypsy is a 23-year-old chestnut mare. She has been at the ranch since 2016. Fun Fact: Every year the camp kids make the horses friendship bracelets and we hang them up by the stalls. But since Gypsy is so well-loved by the camp kids, one of the kids made her a necklace with rubber bands.
2026 Adaptive Programming Information
Volleyball
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
We welcome athletes ages 5 and older of all abilities to learn basic volleyball skills and get a genuine volleyball team experience.
- Day: Thursday, January 15th
- Time: 4:45-6:45 PM
- Where: South County YMCA
- How Much: FREE
Art Classes
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Join us for accessible and inclusive art classes! Explore various art materials and techniques to unlock your creativity and express yourself. Every session concludes with a finished art project.
- Day(s): 3rd Friday of the month, January - April
- Time: 6-7:30 PM
- Location: Wildwood YMCA
- How Much: $20 Members & Non-Members
Rock Climbing
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Our Adaptive Rock Climbing program is a fantastic opportunity for participants to get active, engage socially, and have fun!
- Day(s): Wednesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 28
- Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
- Where: Downtown Belleville YMCA - Kern Center
- How Much: $10 for Members & Non-Members
Bowling - Bowlero Lakeside
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Join us for our 6-week bowling league! We welcome athletes (5 and older) of all abilities to come join the fun.
- Day(s): Mondays, 2/2/2026 - 3/9/2026
- Time: 5-7 PM
- Location: Bowlero Lakeside (Valley Park, MO)
- How Much: $20 Members | $40 Non
Bowling - Bowlero St. Peters
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Join us for our 6-week bowling league! We welcome athletes (5 and older) of all abilities to come join the fun.
- Day(s): Tuesdays, 2/3/2026 - 3/17/2026 (*No bowling on 2/24)
- Time: 5-7 PM
- Location: Bowlero St. Peters
- How Much: $20 Members | $40 Non
Gymnastics
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Adaptive Gymnastics is a 6-week program geared towards people with disabilities (physical and/or intellectual)!
- Day(s): Fridays, 2/6/2026 - 3/13/2026
- Time: 5-6 PM
- Location: South County YMCA
- How Much: $20 Members | $40 Non
Cheerleading
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Adaptive Cheer is for ages 5+ to learn fundamental skills and basic routines. Participants will get the opportunity to create a routine for our Saturday, April 11th Adaptive Baseball Opening Day!
- Day(s): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3/17/2026 - 4/9/2026
- Time: 7-7:30 PM
- Location: South County YMCA (Gymnastics Center)
- How Much: $20 Members | $40 Non
Miracle League Baseball
🟢 REGISTER NOW!
Join us for a 6-week Spring season of Miracle League Adaptive Baseball. We offer both competitive and recreational leagues, with locations at the South County YMCA Adaptive Sports Complex and the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex.
- Opening Day: Saturday, April 11th at the South County YMCA Adaptive Sports Complex (Paul Goldschmidt Field)
- How Much: $20 Members | $40 Non
New Season 🏀 New Look 👀
We're excited to introduce brand-new sublimated, reversible jerseys for Y Youth Sports, starting this winter season! Plus, you'll be able to use the jerseys for multiple seasons.
To Note About Ordering: Families will now purchase jerseys directly from our supplier after registering for Y Youth Sports. This means that registration fees will be lower, but a jersey purchase is required separately.
We can't wait to see the new jerseys in action. Game on!
Wellness Solutions for Your Team
Empower your employees with knowledge and tools for better health.
From preventative screenings to wellness education and health assessments, the Y helps employees take ownership of their well-being.
| 🩸 HbA1c (A1c) Screenings | Quick, convenient testing to identify early risk factors for diabetes and learn proactive steps toward prevention. |
| ❤️ Blood Pressure Monitoring | On-site screenings and education to help employees recognize risks and manage heart health. |
| 🍎 Diabetes Prevention Program | Our nationally recognized, evidence-based program helps participants reduce Type 2 diabetes risk through small lifestyle changes. |
| 🎓 Wellness Education | Partner with our team for workshops, lunch-and-learns, and health-focused team events. |
| ⚖️ InBody Composition Scans | Several YMCAs feature InBody analyzers that give insights into body fat, muscle mass, and water balance, helping participants track progress and set meaningful goals. |
Every number tells a story.
Behind each dollar donated and every program funded are real people whose lives are changed through the Y. Explore how your generosity is creating lasting impact across our communities.
Safety Around Water
Our Y has a goal of increasing the number of children participating in our Safety Around Water programs to 6,500 by 2027, thereby helping reduce the risk of drowning for at-risk youth. In 2024, more than 5,800 youth participated in our SAW programs and we invested $279,500 to reach as many children as possible.
Inclusion and Adaptive Support
Everyone deserves the chance to participate and succeed in Y programs. That’s why we offer comprehensive inclusion and adaptive support services across various programs, from fitness, swimming, and adaptive sports, to camp and child care. In 2024, the Y served over 1,200 children and adults with disabilities - allocating $694,000 to support Inclusion and Adaptive Support Services.
Community Health and Wellbeing
Each year, we’re reaching thousands of individuals and families with life-changing programs that fight chronic disease, reduce stress, and promote long-term wellness, while investing more than $589,000 to ensure more people can live their best life.
Literacy
Our Y is committed to providing greater support to youth and teens to read at grade level. In 2024, 101 students in our Y Literacy program received 4,000 hours of reading instruction, averaging a two-grade increase in reading level after completing the year-long program. We provided more than $76,000 to support community literacy.
Youth and Teens
We serve more than 20,000 youth and teens annually through sports, childcare, camp, and teen engagement activities - investing $10.3M in programs and services. We’re committed to reaching over 5,500 teens in the next three years with initiatives focused on workforce development, violence prevention, and mental health and well-being.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The public health crisis of loneliness and isolation threatens the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The Y is addressing this crisis by creating welcoming spaces where people can build relationships and find belonging. Last year, 479 adults took part in mental health workshops, while 93 youth learned to manage emotions through active play. We allocated over $29,000 to support mental wellbeing programs.
Financial Assistance
Thanks to generous support, we’re able to open doors for individuals and families who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to participate. In 2024 alone, the Gateway Region YMCA provided $2.498M in direct financial assistance.
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Helpful hint: The table is best viewed from a mobile device when it is horizontal.
Deep Water |
< 3 ft Water |
Trampoline |
Water Slide |
Rope Swing | |
| Green Band (Advanced) | Yes | Yes | Yes with PFD | Yes | Yes |
| Yellow Band (Intermediate) | Yes with PFD | Yes | With Clinic Only | Yes with PFD | Yes with PFD |
| Blue Band (Non-Swimmer) | No | Yes (PFD > 3ft) | With Clinic Only | Yes with PFD | No |
PFD = Personal Flotation Device
| Friday, September 12 | |
| Director’s Lunch & Learn 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Drury Plaza Hotel | Orientation and networking lunch for Miracle League directors. |
| Player Check-In 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Drury – West Ballroom | Pick up jerseys and welcome materials at the hotel. |
| Meet & Greet 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Busch Stadium – Redbird Club | Kick off the weekend with food and fun at the stadium! |
| Saturday, September 13 | |
| Breakfast with Homer 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Drury Plaza Hotel | Start the day with breakfast and a special guest. |
| All-Star Games 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM YMCA Adaptive Sports Complex |
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| Saturday Night Celebration 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM St. Louis Science Center | Enjoy hands-on fun and interactive exhibits for the whole family! |
| Sunday, September 14 | |
| Sunday Breakfast & Send-Off 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Drury Plaza Hotel | Wrap up the weekend with one last meal together and goodbyes. |
Waterfront Safety & Swim Bands
All campers take a brief swim evaluation upon arrival. This ensures they are placed in a swim level (Green, Yellow, or Blue) that allows them to safely enjoy our lake activities and inflatables.
Note for Waterfront Activities: Access to certain lake elements (slides, inflatables, deep water) depends on the camper's swim band level.
Slide Name
Upcoming AOA Trips
Virginia Beach Trip with the Wildwood YMCA
New York City Trip with the Wildwood YMCA
Youth Sports
The Y offers year-round team sports for kids of all ages and skill levels. Most sports are offered in 8-week sessions with one game and one practice per week for children K-8.
Sports offered include basketball, baseball/t-ball, soccer, and volleyball.
Inspire a Love of Dance
Sign up now for our next dance session beginning September 8th. Plus, our Adult Tap class is returning this session! Classes run through May 9, 2026.
Summer Camp
Join us for a summer of fun in Summer Day Camp at the Wildwood YMCA! Weekly adventures are available for kids ages 5-13! Campers may enjoy themed activities as well as swimming, games, nature exploration, arts and crafts, and more!
Donovan
Trout Lodge Program Director
Donovan serves as Trout Lodge Program Director. Donovan is a passionate advocate for connecting people to the outdoors and creating meaningful experiences. He joined the YMCA of the Ozarks in February 2025. He truly enjoys the opportunity to connect people with nature and help them discover something new. In his off time, he likes to travel, fly fish, and explore the outdoors.
Kayla McClain
Assistant Food Service Director
Kayla has worked at the YMCA of the Ozarks since August 2016, helping provide excellent food service to campers and guests. She enjoys meeting people from all over the world and making their experiences memorable. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her three dogs.
Tonya Whitter
Housekeeping Director
Tonya has been at Trout Lodge & Camp Lakewood since Nov 2013, she has worked her way up from being a housekeeper to the Director. She graduated High school and got her CDM from the University of Florida Tonya Whitter has been part of the YMCA of the Ozarks Since November 2013. They share that What I enjoy most about working at Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood is the peaceful setting and the chance to work in nature. I love knowing that I'm helping create a clean and welcoming space for campers and families to relax and enjoy their time. In their free time, i like gardening, cutting grass, and spending time with my family.
Melissa
Ranch Director
Melissa grew up 20 miles away in the small town of Lonedell, Missouri, and has always had a passion for horses. She has been part of the YMCA of the Ozarks for 24 years, starting in June 2001. She shares that she loves getting to share her passion for horses with people of all ages. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.
Grace Baker
Outdoor Education Director
Grace started her career with trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood in 2018 as a Wrangler. She is passionate about helping people connect with nature through hands-on learning and adventure. With experience in environmental education and childcare, she designs programs that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the outdoors.
Kayla LaChance
Administrative Assistant
Grace started her career with trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood in 2018 as a Wrangler. She is passionate about helping people connect with nature through hands-on learning and adventure. With experience in environmental education and childcare, she designs programs that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the outdoors.
Erin
Senior Director of Guest Experience, Camp Lakewood
Erin oversees Summer Camp and Outdoor Education while also supporting Trout Lodge guest programs. She has been part of the YMCA of the Ozarks since 2012. Erin enjoys watching campers and staff find a place where they belong and thrive. When not at camp, she enjoys snow skiing, hiking, and cheering on her family at their sporting events.
Cindy Robinson
Director of Food Services
Cindy has had more than 30 years experience in Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood Food Service. 10 more years in Camping Food Service and College Food Service.Also Bakery and other Fine Dining Services and catering.
Tyler
Assistant Food Service Director
Tyler has been with Trout Lodge & Camp Lakewood since July 2015 and brings years of experience to creating great meals for guests and campers. He enjoys getting to see all the campers and guests smile as they enjoy the food prepared by his team. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family and work on cars.
Ricky Langton
Business & Resource Development Director
Kayla has worked at the YMCA of the Ozarks since August 2016, helping provide excellent food service to campers and guests. She enjoys meeting people from all over the world and making their experiences memorable. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her three dogs.
Social Responsibility
Engineering & STEAM
1,344 youth participated in STEAM programs and events, including Spark Lab, Techbridge Girls, Underwater Robotics and Summer STEAM.
Mental Health
436 adults attended mental health workshops, and 233 youth participated in Fitness for Youth.
Y Literacy
5,425,477 minutes were spent reading at the Y. Youth in YRead improved an average of 2.2 grade levels in word recognition and 2.4 in comprehension.
Campus Y
564 student volunteers contributed more than 10,000 hours across 22 active programs with 50 community organizations.
Youth and Government
340 teens participated in Youth and Government programs, with 59 youth joining the Back-to-Basics program.
Junior Leadership
11 high school juniors participated in the inaugural Gateway Region YMCA Junior Leadership Program.