THE YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF BOISE CITY IDAHO

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: ENRICHMENT, CAMP, & SPORTS: YMCA Youth and Teen programs provide kids with strong mentors who help them develop social connections and a strong support network, self-esteem, cooperation, respect, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic while acquiring and mastering new skills. Programs are designed to nurture successful youth and reduce the incidence of depression, isolation and suicide. Programs under this umbrella include YMCA Youth in Government that exposes young people throughout the State of Idaho to civic leaders and helps them develop an understanding and appreciation of civic involvement and duty. Our service learning and environmental programs help youth develop an appreciation of volunteer service and preservation of our natural resources. Specialty camps are offered that include computer programming, engineering, fashion, cooking/baking and provide additional opportunities for education and engagement. More than 3,000 disadvantaged youth are served each year with education and employment programs, comprehensive support services, and life-skills training. Many programs are provided at no cost, but if a fee is required, financial assistance is available. In 2025, over $150,000 in direct financial assistance was provided to help kids and teens participate in these programs. The Y-CAMP at Horsethief Reservoir provides a lasting experience of personal enrichment. Since 1905, the Treasure Valley YMCA has been offering a traditional resident camp experience for the youth of Idaho. After more than 100 years of camping, we've learned our success starts with our staff, most of whom are former campers who exemplify the Y's character values or caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Our residential (overnight) and day camps offer adventure and outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and environmental education. These activities promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical wellbeing, social growth, self-respect and confidence while being safely cared for during their stay at Y Camp. In 2025, over $85,000 in direct financial assistance was provided to help kids and teens participate in these programs. For sports, the Y offers a wide variety of athletic programs, such as baseball, basketball, cross country, football, indoor climbing, track, lacrosse, soccer, swim team, tennis, and volleyball. Y sports programs emphasize character development and provide fun activities that build athletic, social, and interpersonal skills. Participants are surveyed annually and report the following gains - gaining greater confidence (91%), gaining new friends (94%) and better demonstrating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility (90%). In 2025, more than 8,000 youth participated in our programs in over 60 locations, and we provided over $65,000 in financial assistance.