Youth Development Center
230 E. Crosstown Parkway
Phone Number 337-8009
Hours of operation:
Sept. 2 - June 16, 2010:
Mon & Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tues, Wed, Thurs: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
Computer and open lab times are available FREE OF CHARGE for both youth and adults. Open times for our use of computers are available during our Youth Development Center hours of operation.
Software available at the Center
Microsoft Excel
Software for creating tables and spreadsheets
Microsoft Word
Software for word processing, creating text documents, printing, paragraph layout, outlines
Microsoft Publisher
MS Publisher is a software program meant to create brochures, flyers, signs, calendars, invitations, and many other applications.
Microsoft PowerPoint All Ages
MS PowerPoint is used to create on-screen presentations.
Typing Software All Ages
A learn-to-type tutorial software program geared toward teaching the participant typing skills necessary for using the computer. This will be an ongoing drop-in with one-on-one assistance, as needed.
Open Lab Hours
Open lab hours are held during our Youth Development Center hours of operation to anyone who would like to work on the computer (practice, e-mail, web surfing, etc.).
Study Night @ the YDC
Every Tuesday from 3- 8 p.m. computers will only be used for homework. Whether you have math, writing, or research. Dont forget everyday the YDC is open for all students to have access to the Homework Help on line tutoring, offered through the Kalamazoo Library website.
YDC Art Gallery
If you or someone you know wants to display artwork at the YDC please call us to schedule a show, 337-8009. We participate each month in the Greater Kalamazoo Art Hop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (see below).
Art Hop
Sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Join us at the Hop! The youth involved in city programs, local schools and other agencies will have their art on display at the Youth Development Center located at 230 E. Crosstown Parkway. Art Hop is held on the first Friday of each month, galleries open from 4-10:00 p.m. For details about the art at the Youth Development Center call the Recreation office: 337-8191.
Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses host a variety of artwork, and you can hop around form one exhibit to the other. You also have the opportunity to meet the artists. For more information about local Art Hop sites call the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo at 342-5059.
YDC Teen Night
The Youth Development Center is offering teens an opportunity to meet with their friends one night a week for a variety of activities! Join your friends for games, movies, art*, music and great conversation. Do you want an Open Mic Night? Or a poetry night? Come and visit find out what the YDC is all about!
Who: Middle and High School students
When: 5 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 5
Where: Youth Development Center
Cost: Free
Specialty Classes
Art Time
Participants will exercise their creative energies exploring and developing skills. Youth will express themselves through painting, drawing and building creative projects and will help set the focus for each session.
Who: Youth ages 5-12
5:30 7:00 p.m. Fridays
Where: Youth Development Center, 230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Cost: $15 City residents; $25 non-City residents
Session 1: Sept. 25 Oct. 30 (3552)
Session 2: Nov. 6 Dec. 18 (3553) No class November 27
Champion Cheerers (3557)
T-E-A-M spells TEAM! Participants will have fun learning cheers and routines while improving self-confidence, poise and coordination. Cost includes pom poms. * No Class Oct. 31
Who: Youth ages 4 7
When: 10:00 11:00 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 3 Nov.14
Where: Youth Development Center, 230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Cost: $20 City residents; $40 non-City residents
Act Out (3586)
Act Out, an Introduction to Theatre. You will explore acting and performing arts as a tool for self-exploration and creative expression. Through the art of acting youth will improve communication, reading, focus and greater awareness of themselves and others. This program will help to prepare students with interest in theatre and performing arts for higher educational institutes or the community.
Who: Youth ages 7-12
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. 12 noon
Oct. 3 Nov. 14 *No program Oct. 31
Where: The Youth Development Center, 230 E. Crosstown Parkway
Cost: $10 Residents; $20 nonCity residents
Hip Hop Classes
Get your moves on in this Hip Hop Class, taught by Charles Curtis Sanders, Dance Major and Instructor. Basic techniques through advance movements will be taught, looking for students interested in performing. Performances to be determined.
Who: youth ages 11 17
When: Oct 6 Dec. 3
Beginner Students - Tuesdays 4:30-6 p.m.
Advanced Students -Thursdays 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Youth Development Center
Cost: Free
Middle School Golf League (3564)
This is a unique opportunity for middle school youth to compete in a golf league at area golf courses. The top golfers from each school will compete against each other for individual honors. City vans will pick up students from their schools and transport them to local golf courses. Parents can pick up their youth between 5 and 5:30 p.m. at the golf course. Students must sign up at their school.
Who: Middle School Students
When: 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Sept. 21 Oct. 22
Golf Tournament Saturday, Oct. 24 at Eastern Hills Golf Course
Where: Eastern Hills Golf Courses
Cost: $44 per student
Disc Golf League (3561)
Come out to Blanche Hull Park and learn the game of disc golf with the professionals from Lees Adventure Sports. Class includes handouts, throwing techniques and lots of disc golf, weekly competitions and a final tournament. This is a great sport that continues to grow. Lees provides all supplies, we just need you.
Who: Boys and Girls ages 10 13,
Where: Red Arrow Golf Course
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Sept. 23 Oct. 28
Cost: $10 City resident; $20 non-City resident
Girls Night
Come and have fun hanging with the girls. This is a great time to come and talk it up with all your girlfriends. Special activity workshops will be provided throughout the session. Lots of activities from ceramics, dancing, music, discussions etc. You help determine the activities for the nights.
Who: Girls 9-17
When: Tuesday nights 4-8 p.m.
Where: Youth Development Center
Cost: Free (small fee for activity workshops)
Boys Night
Come and have fun hanging with the guys. Special activity workshops will be provided throughout the session. Lots of activities from video tournaments, discussions, dancing, rapping and more. You determine the activities for the night.
Who: Boys 9-17
When: Thursdays 4-8 p.m.
Where: Youth Development Center
Cost: Free (maybe small fee for workshops)
Matinee Movies at Kalamazoo 10
Youth must register in advanced for these movies and space is limited to the first 10. A permission slip is available at the YDC desk along with a list of movies, dates and time. These movies are free you may send money for snacks at the theatre. All participants are to be dropped off at the YDC and must be picked up from the YDC.
Spring Break Mini Camp (3380)
Fun trips and special events in our community are designed to give your kids ages 5-12 something fun to do when theyre not in school. Registration is first come, first serve. Come and have fun participating in several activities throughout the day such as arts and crafts, creative writing, computer time, story time, games, chess, field trips, etc.. Bring a sack lunch and money for snacks. Registration is required. Deadline is March 25, 2010.
Who: Youth, ages 5-12
When: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Thur., March 29 April 1
Where: Youth Development Center, 230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Cost: $60 City residents (includes cost of field trip)
$100 Non-residents (includes cost of field trip)
Adult Classes @ the YDC
Adult Ceramics
Ceramics classes are ongoing and participants may attend at their own convenience. There is a class fee of $2 per class plus materials for 55 and over and $3 per class under age 55; materials not included. Bev Willie and Tina Krum teach classes. For more information call the Parks and Recreation office at 337-8191.
Class Times & Locations
Youth Development Center
230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Wednesday: 9 12 p.m.
12 noon 2 p.m.
Youth Development Center For More Information Call 337-8009
Download our Registration Form (.pdf).
