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Youth Development

How Families Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth

Tips to help families foster a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth.

By: Jennifer Brown, Mental Health Specialist | Jun 25, 2025

Youth Development

Metro YMCA of the Oranges Announces 2024 ‘Youth of the Year’

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges and its six branches are recognizing youth members for their distinguished participation in the Y and demonstration of the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

By: Mollie Shauger | May 16, 2025

Youth Development

East Orange YMCA Leader Attends National Youth Advocacy Days

EAST ORANGE, NJ - John Martin, Director of School Age Child Care and Camp at East Orange YMCA, helped to elevate the voices of youth across the country during the YMCA National Advocacy Days, Feb. 11-14 in Washington, D.C.

By: Mollie Shauger | Feb 15, 2024

Youth Development

Helping Others Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Nya Noziere, Youth & Family Engagement Director and Summer Y Camps Director at Sussex County YMCA, shares her staff journey.

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 21, 2022

Youth Development

Metro YMCAs Add Virtual Tutoring to School Age Programs

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges has launched a new Virtual Tutoring Program to provide one-on-one support in specific subject areas to students in grades K-8. This program follows the successful roll out of two similar Y programs - Virtual Distance Learning and Virtual Kindergarten Readiness.

By: Mollie Shauger | Sep 08, 2020

Youth Development

YMCA Offers Virtual Camp and Youth Programs to Fill Summer Schedules

As families shift their summer plans amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offers virtual program options to keep kids active and engaged all summer long. 

By: Mollie Shauger | Jul 03, 2020

Youth Development

Metro YMCAs Offer Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Support

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges now offers a new Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program to help preschool-age children develop the skills they’ll need as kindergarteners.

By: Mollie Shauger | Apr 20, 2020

Youth Development

Metro YMCAs Introduce Program to Support Virtual School Instruction

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges has launched a new Distance Learning Support program to ease the burden on parents who are now juggling work duties with school instruction at home. The program offers virtual one-on-one support to youth in grades K-8 as they complete e-learning assignments. 

By: Mollie Shauger | Apr 02, 2020

Youth Development

How to Help Children Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress and anxiety in children, while promoting happiness.

By: Mollie Shauger | Dec 10, 2019

Youth Development

Cyberbullying: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online

Do you know what your child is doing online - more specifically, their online conversations and what they post on social media? 

By: Joyce Fein | Sep 30, 2019

Youth Development

Everyday Ways to Boost a Child's Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is important in building a child’s confidence, body image, and identity. Here are some ways to build your child’s self-esteem on a daily basis.

By: Metro YMCA Staff | Sep 27, 2019