News

Providing opportunities for our youth to grow and develop strengthens our future. The West Contra Costa YMCA Youth and Government program provides the opportunity for local teenagers to learn about and interact with government. This year, nine students and two advisors attended the five day Youth and Government in Sacramento, February 11-15, 2010. This conference culminates one year of meetings and trainings, which enabled delegates to learn the process of passing a bill before the California State Senate.

“My experience was refreshing and fun…. My time in Youth and Government was well spent, so I will definitely be returning next year!” – Imani Sanders, delegate.

“”The experience is extremely rewarding – for I am witnessing our participants transform into young people that are more responsible, engaged, and empowered.” - Inez Rosa, volunteer advisor.

Our Youth and Government program is made possible through generous donations to our Annual Partner’s Campaign. Please consider investing in our future by donating today.

Heartfelt applause and cheers welcomed Cora Jackson and Imani Sanders to the stage at the YMCA of the East Bay’s 2009 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Cora Jackson was named Volunteer of the Year and  Imani Jackson was named the branch’s 2009 Youth of Character.

 

These days, a lot of kids come home to grandma’s house. In West Contra Costa County, grandparents who are raising their grandchildren come to the YMCA for the support of the Grandparents Group. Cora Jackson has transformed that group into a valuable community resource for young and old alike. She is an advocate, an outstanding volunteer and a super-duper-grandmother.

 

Fourteen-year-old Imani Saunders has a head for business and a heart for volunteering. She took a roomful of athletic clothing donated by Nike and organized everything so it could be distributed to youth in need. Thanks to Imani, a lot of young people in West Contra Costa County are looking sharp at school and in the gym.

 

The dinner also celebrated the YMCA’s 130^th anniversary in Oakland. The evening’s theme, “Come home to the Y,” gave speakers like Board Chairman Richard Leweke and CEO Robert Wilkins the opportunity to reflect on the role the YMCA played in their youth and how the YMCA of the East Bay is positioned for the next century of building stronger kids, families and communities throughout Alameda and West Contra Costa counties.

Children throughout the community participated in our 8-week-long Summer Day Camp at the Coronado Community YMCA in Richmond. Mornings were filled with boisterous cheers as campers participated in group rallies to kick-off the day. Afternoons were filled with engaging activities, field trips, and special projects. “Staff and the kids had an enormous amount of fun this summer, experiencing new activities and exciting field trips,” remarked Shahad Wright, associate program director.

Staff used their imaginations to create awesome on-site activities. On Fashion Day, children worked together to create designer outfits using newspaper. Energetic Camp Counselor Lameale Brice then led children down the catwalk as they showed off their designer duds. “Wild and Out Wednesdays” included engaging activities such as karaoke, ice cream making, cooking, ballet, and puppetry.

Fun was not isolated to the community center, as campers explored the Bay Area during several field trips. Destinations included the California Academy of Science, San Francisco Zoo, San Ramon Olympic Swim Park, Marine World, 2^nd Annual Overnighter in the Presidio, Great America, bowling, ice skating, San Francisco Golden Gate Park and a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Experience the fun. Consider joining us next year for our 2010 Summer Day Camp.