The New Haven YMCA Youth Center provides child care, recreation and learning opportunities for youth from age 1 to 23. We offer a full day toddler program for 1 and 2 year olds, a NAEYC accredited preschool program for 3 and 4-year-olds; an afterschool care program for children between 5-12; and for our older youth, we offer a walk-in program for recreation, open basketball, and support.
Learn more about the New Haven YMCA Youth Center and how to participate.
Hours of Operation:Monday – Friday: 7:30 am–6:00 pm |
Address & Phone:50 Howe Street |
The YMCA believes all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. At YMCA day camp kids and teens can develop skills, self-confidence, new friendships and a sense of belonging – all while having tons of fun.
In order to have fun and thrive, kids of all ages need to feel both physically and emotionally safe. When you drop your child off at a camp, you can rest assured that their total well-being will be supported. Safety is always our number one priority! We keep kids healthy and safe while providing enriching experiences. As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility that help build character.
Learn More: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Brochure, YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel 2025 Day Camp Parent Handbook and YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel FAQs
Registration Forms: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Registration Packet-Fillable
If your child will require special assistance or medicine while at camp, these forms may also be required: Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization
Financial assistance is available for families who need it to ensure that all kids in our community can have enriching summer experiences. These forms are required to apply: Financial Assistance Forms
If your child is 14-15 years of age, they may be interested in our Counselor in Training program. In our CIT program, they will receive valuable job interviewing skills, child care training, leadership experience, team building, and problem-solving skills. To apply please fill out the application and contact the Y for an interview. CIT Application Form
Our camp programs fill up fast, so make plans to reserve your spot.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of ServiceMonday, January 20 is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Please join us as we honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering beside us in collecting food and personal care items for the Dwight Community Fridge Pantry.
We encourage everyone to take part in our MLK Day of Service to continue to honor Dr. King’s words. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question, is What are your doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join us as we collect food and personal care items for the Dwight Community Fridge Pantry. Items will be collected at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday during the month of January.
Together we can make a difference.
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is a sleepaway located in Western Massachusetts. We are nestled among 1,000 acres in the Berkshire Mountains, surrounded by conservation forest, and centered around our pristine, private, ninety-acre lake. This gives us the ideal backdrop for the wide variety of activities we offer, which include swimming, climbing, water skiing, archery, sailing and arts & crafts among many others. Camp Hi-Rock is dedicated to the growth and development of all of the participants we serve. We seek to help each camper develop his or her sense of personal worth and responsibility as a cooperative member of a group. In addition, we want campers to discover, learn, cultivate new skills, develop healthy lifestyles, create meaningful relationships, and become more caring, honest, respectful and responsible people.
Please visit us at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center for a drop-in information session to speak face to face with a camp representative, view camp videos and slides, and learn more!
WHEN: Wednesday, February 12, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Can’t make it? Please check out our website for alternative dates and locations including virtual information sessions and open houses on camp in the spring: Click here
Becoming an Aquatic LeaderAs part of the Aquatic Leader Program, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to swim while learning how to be safe in and around water, progressing into stroke development and endurance. Participants will move through the program as they become stronger, more confident swimmers.
Additionally, program participants will have the opportunity to take part in the Learn to Guard portion of the program after developing the swim skills and endurance needed to meet the prerequisites of the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Program.
The Aquatic Leaders Program meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:45pm-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center. For more information, please email Jess at jskolozdra@cccymca.org or call 203-776-9622.
Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center Family Color Run/5K Trail RunCome join in a great cause to support the Hamden/ North Haven and New Haven YMCA Youth Center’s Annual Campaigns. There are lots of ways to register!
Register online at hnhymca.org or newhavenymca.org.
Register in person at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center front desk.
Register race day from 9:00am-9:30am at Camp Mountain Laurel located at 2705 Downes Road Hamden CT, 06518
Pre-registration fees are $30 for the color run and $40 for the 5K trail run. Race day registration is $35 for the color run and $45 for the 5K trail run.
The first 100 pre-registered participants will receive a Y giveaway. Water stations will be available throughout the event. Race line Start Services will be providing the bibs and pins for all the 5K Trail runners.
WHEN: May 17, 2025
WHERE: 2705 Downes Road Hamden CT, 06518
RACE TIME: 10:00am for family color run & 10:30am for the 5K Trail Run
Walk-In ProgramAt YMCA Walk-In Program participants build self-esteem, values and leadership skills. Our Walk-In Program provides a safe environment where teens & young adults can focus on developing confidence and character with trained professionals guiding them. Participants will be able to take part in open gym basketball, the Learn to Swim & Learn to Guard Program, open swim, and have access to computers for homework support on scheduled days.
OPEN GYM
WHEN: Monday through Friday
TIME: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Learn To Swim & Learn To Guard Program
WHEN: Thursdays
TIME: 4:45pm-5:30pm
*Applications for the Walk-in Program can be found at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center located at 52 Howe Street New Haven, CT 06511.
Please browse our Winter 1 Program Guide and discover opportunities to kick off the new year with a fresh start! Whether you’re looking to have your child try something new, begin a new routine, or meet new kids, we may have what’s right for you. This season is the perfect time to refocus or make small adjustments to current habits that can lead to big, positive changes. Register for a YMCA Winter 1 Program.
Winter 1 Session runs January 6 – March 2, 2025
Teen Leaders Club“A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.”
Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 pm for the Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center’s Teen Leaders Club! Invite your friends!
Leaders is a Nationwide YMCA program for Middle School and High School teens that teaches leadership skills through community service, volunteerism, and personal growth.
In Teen Leaders Club you will have fun and can…
• Meet other teens from our community and from the New England area.
• Be a leader in the YMCA and in the community.
• Plan events and field trips.
• Participate in regional leadership retreats.
• Earn volunteer service hours and recommendations.
WHEN: Weekly club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 6:30pm for about an hour and a half.
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center 50 Howe Street, New Haven
HOW TO REGISTER: Show up anytime! New leaders can participate in two meetings before making the decision to join. For more information, contact Mush by calling 203-776-9622
Learn the basics of soccer while having fun and practicing with friends! Each week will be dedicated to learning a different skill and each session will conclude with a game.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Kids Zumba is the way to go! Kids Zumba is movement through dance combined with Spanish language.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Learn the basics of dance with us each week developing skills and confidence, while making friends and having fun!
AGES: 5-10 years old
WHEN: Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $85 Program Participant: $170
Learn the basic skills of basketball from our experienced staff members. Kids will learn how to dribble, shoot, and pass while learning the importance of teamwork.
WHEN: Tuesdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Grab your creativity and unleash your inner artist! Our Arts & Crafts guru will lead fun activities that can be brought home at the end of each class.
WHEN: Thursdays: 5:30-6:15pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $65/ Program Participant: $130
Nutrition Education ProgramJoin us at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, for our Family Nutrition Education Program. The program will be an eight-part, monthly series, beginning in January and running through August 2025.
This community-focused initiative is designed to empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy, affordable, and delicious food choices. The Eating Smart-Being Active Workshop curriculum will center around hands-on workshops, engaging activities, and expert guidance, so that participants learn about nutrition, meal planning, food safety, and strategies for incorporating wholesome eating habits into their daily lives. The program fosters a supportive environment for families to build lifelong skills for health and well-being.
This program is open to all families, free of charge.
WHEN: The workshops are held in the lobby of the New Haven YMCA Youth Center from 4:00-5:00pm and are open to families free of charge on January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15 and August 19.
HOW TO REGISTER: Register at the front desk at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center or by emailing Aishah abrice@cccymca.org
The Y is here to meet your school age child care needs! Our program combines academics with play, and offers a caring and safe environment where kids can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build friendships and explore new interests. Once homework is complete and snacks finished, Y staff will lead the participants in various enrichment activities including STEAM, kids fitness and fine arts.
We help kids reach their potential and thrive in a safe, trustworthy setting. We offer a curriculum that aligns with the school day and supports growth in literacy, science, math, science, engineering, arts and technology (STEAM) while infusing the arts, physical activity, and fun. We teach kids confidence, encourage self-expression and enrich social development. Providing our youth with the support, encouragement and positive role models that they need, will not only increase their ability to succeed in school but in life. For families, we offer peace of mind knowing that your child is in a safe and educational program building new relationships and achieving more.
As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA continues to give youth an enriching and safe experience. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility that help build character. Our core values are woven throughout our child care program to create a warm, nurturing, home away from home. Your child’s growth, development, and education are important to us, as we do our best to ensure their future is bright.
Everyone belongs at the Y. To ensure that all youth have the chance to participate, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need. Please talk with us to learn more. If you’d like to help send a child to child care, you can donate easily on our web site or at our Y. We also participate in the State of CT Care4Kids program.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION
Please review our NHYYC 2024 2025 SACC Brochure and NHYYC 2024 2025 SACC Parent Handbook. To register, please fill out our 2024_2025 CCCY SACC Registration Packet and if necessary and Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization form. Financial aid may be available, to apply please fill out the CCCY Financial Assistance Application_C4K Forms.
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION
Please review our NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Brochure and NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Parent Handbook. To register, please fill out our 2025_2026 CCC YMCA School Aged Child Care Registration Packet-Fillable and if necessary and Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization form. Financial aid may be available, to apply please fill out the CCCY Financial Assistance Application_C4K Forms.
Early Learning Toddler and Preschool ProgramsOur child care programs allow parents to answer the inevitable questions: Where can my child be safe and learn what they need to know to be prepared for school, and for life?
The New Haven YMCA Youth Center provides an OEC licensed toddler program for 1-2 year-olds, a School-Readiness program and a NAEYC accredited Preschool program for 3-5 year-olds. All programs are full day and year round.
We are proud to be helping youngsters gain self-confidence and social skills while developing positive attitudes about school and learning! Please take a look at our brochure: NHYYC-2024-2025-ELC-Brochure and the answers to frequently asked questions.
All the forms and information you’ll need is right here. Click on any item from the listing below to get started!
2024-25-CCC-YMCA-Early-Learning-Child-Care-Registration-Packet-Fillable
2024_2025 NHYYC Early Learning Parent Handbook
CCCY-Financial-Assistance-Application-Materials
Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (also called DSS).
Dwight Community FridgeTogether, we’re dedicated to strengthening the community by giving back and supporting our neighbors. The Dwight Community Fridge is located at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, located at 50 Howe Street in New Haven. It is designed as a “take what you need, leave what you can” program. The community fridge project happily accepts donations of prepackaged, prepared meals, fresh produce, dairy, non-perishables, snacks, and more. It is available to the community daily based on the schedule below.
Community fridges act as a grassroots response to the food insecurity crisis. They are especially critical in neighborhoods where traditional forms of food assistance are difficult to access. For instance, individuals without cars are often unable to reach food bank locations. The goal is to reduce food insecurity by providing free, direct access to nutritious food made possible through community partnerships, local food stores and restaurants, along with Yale University students and farms. On any given day, the fridge is full with items including fresh produce, prepared meals, bottles of water, milk, frozen foods, bakery items, eggs, bread, grab and go snacks, cereal and more! Food is provided by community members, restaurants, local chefs, urban farmers, grocers and food pantries.
When: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-8:00pm / Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am-7:00pm
Where: New Haven YMCA Youth Center, 50 Howe Street, New Haven
How: Donation of items can be made Monday- Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center
An instructed creative art class focusing on exploration and self discovery. Our arts & crafts guru will lead this seasonally themed craft class.
WHEN: Saturdays: 10:30am-11:15am
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
When a friend you’ve referred joins the Y, we’ll thank you by giving you a FREE membership month.
There’s no limit to how many friends you refer and there’s no limit to how many FREE months you can receive.
Being with friends is always more fun for you and your family.
