88 Hawaii Parent March/April 2026 connection. For many teens, the YMCA became a place where they felt included during years that could otherwise feel isolating. Camps and conferences offered space to step away from daily routines, try new roles, and gain confidence alongside peers. That belief in teen voice and leadership continued to grow. In 1950, YMCA teens in Hawaii helped launch Youth & Government, a program that continues today and invites students to step into the roles of lawmakers, debate real issues, and practice civic engagement. For many participants, it was the first time adults listened seriously to their ideas. U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono reflected on her own experience as a Youth & Government teen delegate in the 1960s, describing it as an eye-opening moment that helped her see herself as someone who could lead and make change. YMCA Looking Ahead The YMCA’s vision for teens also extended beyond our island. Through programs such as the Hiroshima Student Exchange, local teens have traveled, learned, and built relationships with peers across cultures. While the world teens are growing up in today looks different, their needs remain familiar. Today’s YMCA teen programs continue to offer consistent, supervised spaces where teens can connect with peers, decompress outside of school hours, and build confidence with the support of caring adults. From Y Teen Club Afterschool to Youth & Government, leadership programs, school break camps, junior leadership oppor1965. YMCA Fundraiser. For many teens, the YMCA became a place where they felt included during years that could otherwise feel isolating. These experiences connect teens to a broader world and understanding global citizenship in a personal and meaningful way.
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