The Boothbay Region YMCA is a proud recipient of funding from Mid Coast Parkview Health and LincolnHealth to expand programming for middle and high school youth. “FREE Time [Fun, Readiness, Experience, Expeditions]” programming will begin in the fall and occur after-school. All programming will run on a donation-only model, alleviating traditional fees so as to decrease barriers to participation.   

“We’re thrilled,” said CEO Andy Hamblett, “this allows us to expand our offerings in ways that will draw in new kids and give our returning youth new and exciting avenues to explore.” The idea behind programming is three-fold and includes Workforce Engagement, Aspirational Field Trips, and Enhanced Middle School Programming.  

For Workforce Engagement, the Y will partner with area businesses to pilot a training program to intern and hire local youth for industry jobs in fabrication, composites, architecture, boatbuilding, interior design, construction, and more. Early enthusiasm for the Y’s expansion of its workforce engagement has arrived from the town of Boothbay; Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens; Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences; Knickerbocker Group; Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, and the State of Maine Bureau of Marine Sciences.

“The intention here is to build aspirations and training for peninsula youth as we all work to help them enter year-round, high-wage employment,” Hamblett said, “and we’ll offer Red Cross certification for any youth over age 15.” Programs are open to young adults between 14-18 who want expeditionary learning opportunities, have interests in gaining workforce skills, seek resume or experience building, or want to supplement their academic learning with the exploration of hands-on vocational initiatives.  

Aspirational Field Trips are a key component of this program as we seek to increase the connection between mental wellness and adventure and exploration. Five expeditionary trips will be available to youth in middle school and five trips for high school youth. All trips will use the donation-only model so families pay what they can. Trips tentatively planned for youth in grades 6-12 include expeditions to Camden Snow Bowl for skiing and snowboarding; Maine Mall; Bath Skatepark; Hidden Valley Nature Center for fat tire biking, tubing and sledding; Walmart shopping; movie theatres; bowling, Augusta State House and more. Youth and families are encouraged to suggest outing destinations through the Y’s forthcoming feedback initiatives. The Y will provide transportation, healthy snacks, and qualified supervision.  

Additionally, the Y will provide enhanced after-school programming for middle school youth. As always, Gaming Club, Teen Cooking, Volleyball and pick-up athletics are free for middle school students who are allowed to attend the YMCA without familial supervision once they turn twelve. Since Gaming Club and Teen Cooking are the Y’s most popular offerings, this grant will allow the Y to expand Gaming Club to a daily offering, and deliver Teen Cooking twice weekly. Intramural offerings will continue as desired for teens, and can be expanded due to this grant, if students choose.

“This grant gives us new equipment and a lot of room to expand what’s already working for kids,” said membership director Trevor Tibbetts who runs the after-school gaming program for middle school youth.  

The Y is honored by the scope of this grant and how it acknowledges the Y’s continued commitment to engaging youth in healthy, engaging activities that build skills for a lifetime. We’re excited about the programming this grant allows for and we want to hear from you. Stop by and see Andy if there’s a trip you’ve dreamed of, or an offering you’d like the Y to consider.