Winter Spring Highlights
Youth Challenge had a dynamic winter-spring season, packed with both exciting new programs and returning favorites. Participants and volunteers stayed active with rock climbing, pickleball, skiing, basketball, football, boccia, and sled hockey—while also exploring their creative sides in fiber arts, ceramics, Lego Derby, Story Explorers, and stop-motion animation, just to name a few.
We were thrilled to bring back pickleball for a second time. Although racket sports can be challenging—especially for younger participants and those who use mobility aids—small adaptations and the support of our incredible teen volunteers helped make the game accessible and fun for everyone. Thanks to our partnership with North Ridge Racket and Paddle, participants had the chance to learn and play on real pickleball courts!
This year, football was shifted to the winter-spring season to better align with high school athletes’ schedules. By moving football to spring and switching baseball to fall, more teen volunteers were able to support the sport they love without overlapping with school team commitments. The change was a great success, and the football program was filled with energy, teamwork, and fun.
Story Explorers asked the big question: How many ways can you tell a story? Budding writers and imaginative minds explored comic book art, autobiographies, and even time-travel fiction. It was a season full of creativity, where tall tales and heartfelt stories took center stage.
And of course, we loved seeing our youngest participants during Mini Camp, a once-a-month Saturday adventure! This season, we partnered with the Avon Early Childhood PTA, made art at the Pivot Center, and enjoyed camping-themed fun right here at YC. Mini Camp continues to grow, and we can’t wait to make a splash this summer with these awesome kiddos in the pool!
