Bay Terrace YM and YWHA

All teenagers, who are from between 13 and 18 years of age can find many productive ways to spend the summer months if they go to the Bay Terrace YM and YWHA. Teenagers who go to the Bay Terrace Y will not only find themselves doing something worthwhile, they'll also have fun.

The teen work program, as administrative director Cheryl Stein calls it, employs teenagers in many various capacities. They begin working on Memorial Day and work up until Labor Day. It's a positive way for them to spend the summer months and earn some money in the meantime. They learn good work ethics and also help others.

They work as lifeguards and are responsible for the pool club. Cheryl Stein is impressed by how good a job they do. "The fact that they run the whole swimming program is amazing," Stein said. "These are community kids who live in the apartments and houses around here," she added.

In addition to the work the teenagers doing managing the swimming program, they are also responsible for registering new members and managing the snack bar and Stein's office. Stein is very please by the work the teenagers do in all capacities. They are responsible for every aspect of their employment too. Stein has absolutely not contact with their parents and must call themselves if they are going to be out sick. Stein feels this is another way for them to learn responsibility.

The skills they learn while working at the Y will service them well in later years, particularly when it comes time for them to look for jobs. Having learned how to work with people, among other skills puts them ahead of their peers. In the competitive world we live in this is important.

In addition to their other duties, the teenagers are also in charge of the game room. For them, one of the most difficult aspects of the job is having to keep their friends in line while maintaining those friendships.

Older members love the kids, especially those who don't have close relationships with their grandchildren. Many ask about the teens when the summer program ends.

During the school year, the Y runs an after school program from 3-6 p.m. Teenagers run the day care program and an arts and crafts class. One girl who worked arts and crafts had gone into a career in fashion, another girl to a career in art design.

Most adult programs at the Y are held in the evening including karate classes, which are offered two nights a week.

"We try and meet the needs of the community," Stein said.

The Bay Terrace YM and YWHA is affiliated with the Samuel Field YM and YWHA in Little Neck. "They give us backing to put these programs into effect," Stein said.

"We are always looking for new and different things and will consider new ideas," Stein said.