The Youth Center is for any students in grades 5-8 living in the Plymouth School District, including students who attend parochial schools. Located next to Riverview Middle School, the center is open after school until 5 p.m. with at least one adult present at all times. Memberships can be purchased by the month, trimester, or year.
The Youth Center is not childcare, but a safe place for students to be after school with adult supervision. We see our role as an assistant to parents/guardians as students venture into a time of more freedom. We emphasize empathy, personal responsibility, acceptance of others, and respect.
Students check in as they arrive and then are allowed to come and go as they please. Many come sporadically -- after another school activity, on days when they need to stay in town for a practice, etc. -- and some come every day. Some students will walk home on their own at some point, others go back to Riverview when the Youth Center closes at 5 p.m. to wait for a ride.
Community Ed & Rec staff and instructors provide an enrichment program for interested students, including simple meals, relaxation, recreation, team building, and crafts. These activities are optional, and the Youth Center also is a safe place to just hang out with friends, or to play games including pool, air hockey, and foosball. We also recognize that students have a variety of needs at the end of the school day and try to provide quiet areas for homework or conversation.
Food often is provided as part of the programming, and healthy snacks are available for purchase. We do not sell candy or soda.
