Youth

Hartford Street Youth Project

Recreational and drop-in center

We reach out to at-risk youth and offer positive alternatives to street activities. We provide safe, structured recreation and age-appropriate activities for Hartford youth.

Our staff act as positive role models and provide a caring adult presence to guide youth and help them to maximize their full potential. Our programs and activities enhance positive youth development through recreation.

• After-school and Saturday activities
  Programs and activities reflect the interests, needs, skills and abilities of the youth in our community. Decision-making, teamwork, trust, physical skill, and conflict resolution are stressed.
  
  Participants choose from a variety of activities during each quarterly registration period. We encourage participants’ verbal and written feedback and incorporate it into our program planning. Programs include team sports (basketball, softball, football), chess, creative writing, ceramics, arts & crafts, photography, greenhouse/gardening, drama, cultural dance, jazz club, movie time, and other seasonal/ cultural activities. There is no charge to youth participating in our programs and activities.
  
  
• Cultural/holiday celebrations
  Past activities include Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, Kwanzaa celebrations, Three Kings Day, Black History Month, and much more.
  
  
• Trips/cultural events
  Youth participate in trips to increase their exposure to new ideas, expand their knowledge base, and enhance their enjoyment. Trips/cultural events include the circus, theater, professional sports games, mini-Olympics, and holiday/cultural celebrations.
  
  
• Summer day camp
  We offer a six week summer day camp and provide lunch for over 50 children ages 8-13 as campers and over 30 youths ages 14-21 who act as Summer Youth Counselors.