Horizons Program

2024 Summer of service

Our Horizons program is service oriented summer for campers ages 13-17. Campers will learn more about the community while having fun and giving back during Summer of Service.

  • Week 1: Adventures Week
    Kick off the summer with a backpacking and hiking adventure creating unforgettable moments in the wilderness.
     
  • Week 2: Camp Cares
    The focus this week is all about giving back and making a difference through service projects.
     
  • Week 3: Helping Hands
    Campers extend kindness and support to the community around us.

     

  • Week 4: Global Hearts
    Campers embark on an international community service trip, exploring new cultures and making a positive impact.

 

Interview required after registration for acceptance into the program.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Horizons Program FAQ

Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Click here to apply. 

  • The amount of financial assistance that can be provided will be dependent on income and other factors. Please have financial documents ready before you apply. 
  • You must apply for DHHS vouchers with the Department of Social Services state subsidy program before you can qualify for financial assistance through the YMCA. Call the DSS at 828-250-5500.

Financial assistance

Horizons is a middle school program, primarily serving students ages 11-14. 

Horizons runs through the year, but the schedule can be broken into our summer session and our afterschool session. 

Horizons Afterschool begins on Aug. 28, 2023 and will run on typical school days until the end of the school year. 

You may enroll in this program at any time, so the date when the program begins will not be an obstacle to enrollment. 

Daily schedules vary greatly, but here's what a typical day looks like:

Afterschool Schedule  
3:30pm Students collect after school
3:45pm Homework help
5pm Activity break
5:30pm Free time
6pm Student pick-up

 

Summer Day Camp Schedule  
8:30am Student drop-off, free time
9am Groups separated, Activity 1 starts
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Activity 2
5:30pm Student pick-up

 

Parents usually provide lunch for their campers. The Y can provide lunch if required. Ask the camp director if you would like lunches provided for your child at summer day camp. 

Click here to learn more about our packed-lunch policy and guidelines.

Food from home guidelines

Horizons Afterschool

Your student should come to Horizons Afterschool with their homework and study material as well as clothes that can be used for moderate physical activity. Snacks will be provided for Horizons Afterschool.

Horizons Summer Day Camp

Your student should come to Horizons Summer Day Camp with: 

  • Backpack
  • Active clothes, that are OK to get dirty
  • Active sneakers 
  • Sunblock
  • Brimmed hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Any medications they will need through the day
  • Allergy medicine, including an EpiPen if prescribed

If your child will need anything other than what is listed here, YMCA staff will let you know.

Info for parents

As a parent, you need to comfortable leaving your child in our care. See our Parent Handbook to learn about our protocols and policies.

Ready to join?

Signing up is fast and easy, spots fill up faster, so reserve your spot now!