YMCA SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMMING: Y CLUB

Y Club: Where the Fun Happens

YMCA School Age Programs offer before and after school fun and learning during the school year and full day programming during the summer months. Incorporating the latest research in youth development, the YMCA of the USA has developed a unique program model for grades K-5 that combines fun with learning and exploration. The careful balance between social time, educational activities, and physical activities makes the YMCA so much more than "just after school child care.”

Y Club is the YMCA's School Age Program for kids in grades K–5, providing dependable care and a safe, welcoming place to play, learn, create, connect and have fun around the school day.

From active play and STEM to creative projects, homework support and time with friends, kids have choices that make their time at Y Club their own.
Grades K–5 • 25+ Convenient Locations • Care Until 6 PM

Start Your Y Club Enrollment

Ready to get started? Choose your area below to begin your first step of claiming your spot. Our Learning Center team will help guide you through the remaining enrollment process and answer any questions along the way.

> F-M AREA YMCA Child Care Program Enrollment - First Step

> FERGUS FALLS YMCA Child Care Program Enrollment - First Step

Not sure which location is right for you? Explore our locations to find a convenient option for your family.

View Child Care Sites

If you have further questions or would like assistance, please reach out to our team at Enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117

See the Program in Action 

Program Details
2026 Child Care Brochure

Hours of Operation:
School Year: Afternoon Bell – 6 pm
Summer: 6:30 am – 6 pm

Program Features

  • 25+ Convenient Locations- find one close to you!
  • On-site supervisor is a certified teacher or has degree in related field
  • Dedicated, experienced and caring leaders trained to work with school age children
  • Nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided
  • Homework Club, special projects, outside play (weather permitting) and gym/physical activities
  • Enrichment Activities in the areas of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Arts
  • Swimming and field trips (offered occasionally)
  • Free time to socialize and play with friends
  • Combination of supervised group play and self-directed activities
  • Enrolled child care participants receive member rates on all YMCA programs (like swimming lessons, basketball, and more)!

Daily Activities

Every day gives kids opportunities to make choices, try new things and spend time doing what interests them. Kids can

  • Choose their adventure with activities that match their interest, energy and mood.
  • Create and explore through art, Makerspace projects, STEM challenges, science experiments, building activities and other hands-on experiences.
  • Move and play through playground time, gym activities, organized games, sports and outdoor play.
  • Learn and discover through special projects, homework support during the school year and opportunities to develop new skills.
  • Share meals together as children enjoy lunch and snacks family style with their peers, helping build social skills and practice good manners.
  • Build literacy skills with quality literature shared through group reading, buddy reading and individual reading time.
  • Connect and belong by spending time with friends, participating in group activities and building positive relationships with others.
  • Lead the way by sharing ideas, helping plan activities, teaching a skill or taking on age-appropriate responsibilities.
  • Find and use their strengths as staff encourage kids to recognize what they do well, build confidence and use their unique abilities to contribute to the Y Club community.
  • Build character through conversations, activities and everyday experiences centered on YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and health.
  • Recharge with quieter activities and downtime when they need a break.
  • Show what they can do through showcases, demonstrations, displays, performances and celebrations of their work.

Our Explore Zone gives kids hands-on opportunities to conduct science experiments, complete art projects, develop their talents and explore new interests.

School Out Days

When school is out, the Y is open! Join us for School Out Days at our School Age Learning Centers! Each school-out day is packed with activities that will keep minds sharp and bodies moving. Kids will unplug from technology, engage in fun activities, stay active, and socialize with friends. 
Check out all of the fun here:
F-M Area School Out Days  Fergus Falls School Out Days

Curriculum

In the School Age Program, kids love using their hands along with their brains to take our daily plans to the next level. Along with physical games and activities outside and in the gym, we also allow children to choose their focus each day in activity areas like arts and crafts, music and drama, STEM/science, technology, math, reading, and more. We strive to make every child knowledgeable on our core values — caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and health — through character development lessons and role modeling. 

Enrollment Information

When your child enrolls in a YMCA child care program, you will receive an enrollment packet to fill out. Along with the paperwork, you will need to provide a copy of your child’s immunization record, copy of your child’s birth certificate, and medical insurance information. Please contact a School Age Director to obtain an enrollment packet. To get started, email us at enroll@ymcanorthernsky.org.

Financial Assistance

The YMCA provides scholarships to families who are in need. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information on how to apply.

 

Kids Have a Voice

At Y Club, kids are encouraged to share their ideas, make choices and take on leadership roles that match their age and comfort level. Younger children build independence by making choices and helping with small responsibilities, while older children have opportunities to lead games, plan projects, mentor younger participants, and help make Y Club their own.

Kids are encouraged to try new things, solve problems, work together, and be proud of what they accomplish. Whether they create a masterpiece, master a new skill, complete a group challenge, or help another child feel included, their efforts are noticed and celebrated.

With the right balance of choice, structure, activity, and downtime, Y Club gives kids an after-school experience they can look forward to—and a community where they can grow into confident, capable young leaders.

For more information on school age programs, contact our child care team at: childcare@ymcanorthernsky.org or 701.364.4117