90 Hawaii Parent March/April 2026 tunities, and college and career exploration, today’s programs are designed to support teens through both challenge and possibility. Supporting Hawaii’s Youth For some youth, the YMCA provides a positive alternative during times of risk or instability through substance abuse prevention and treatment programs offered in middle and high schools across Oahu and neighboring islands. For others, it opens doors to opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves, such as College Camp and leadership pathways. What remains constant is the focus on belonging, guidance, and believing in teens even when they are still finding their footing. For many families, there is another meaningful thread. Teens do not suddenly appear at thirteen. They grow into who they become. Many of the teens participating in YMCA programs today are the same keiki parents once dropped off at YMCA preschools, A+ Afterschool programs, school break day camps, or Camp Erdman. They learned to swim at the Y. They made early friendships there. Over time, the YMCA became a familiar place that grew with them as their needs changed. The YMCA is a place that walks alongside children and families through many seasons of life. For parents of younger keiki, it can be comforting to know that when the questions get bigger and the path Teens looking out to the ocean.
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