a branch of the YMCA of San Francisco

Since 1947, the Marin YMCA has been part of the backbone of the Marin Community. From Sausalito to Novato and as far as West Marin, our programs reach into many communities and support thousands of families in the county.

An inspirational peer-to-peer leadership event held at the College of Marin from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Peer Summit is a special day of workshops aimed at promoting the health and well being and teaching skills of civic engagement to middle school students throughout the county. Contact Don Carney at (415) 459-9622 or dcarney@ymcasf.org for more information.

Parent University is a free, day long conference aimed at promoting healthy and effective parenting skills. Topics and presenters span a wide range and a notable keynote speaker opens the day of workshops. Contact Don Carney at (415) 459-9622 or dcarney@ymcasf.org for more information.

Youth Court is a program where first time offenders are tried through a court system of their peers. There are sixty such programs in California one of which is offered through the Marin YMCA. Click here to see our Youth Court Program in Action on ABC 7

Make a lasting difference in a child's life by volunteering to be a mentor. Building Futures is a free program, established to serve the needs of children ages 6-14 witin Marin County. This is a unique opportunity where, after comprehensive training, adults work one-on-one as a mentor for a year. There is ongoing support throughout the relationship from the YMCA youth and family services director and other mentors.

Mentors serve many roles including that of friend, confidant, counselor, and ally. Mentoring has been shown to significantly reduce teen pregnancy, drug use, and gang involvement, in addition to helping kids stay in school.

Call Don Carney at (415) 459-9622 for information on upcoming trainings.

Youth Support & Recources Group (YSR)

The Youth Support & Recources Group (YSR) is a counseling diversion program for teens ages 11-17 that have been identified by a parent, teacher, police sheriff, or probation officer as having the need to be in a structured environment where they can learn to accept responsibility for their actions.

The Youth Support & Recources group program encourages positive attitudes and behavior by improving communication skills, teaching conflict resolution, critical thinking, team building, acceptance of resposibility, and a better understanding of self and others. The group meets twice a week for two hours and youth are required to complete between 15 and 30 hours of community service.

County Community After School Program

The YMCA, in partnership with Juvenile Probation, Marin County Office of Education and County Community Scholl, provides a wide rage of enrichment and athletic activities, life skills education, and community service opportunities for students on probation. Youth are encouraged to help shape the direction of the After School Program. The development of student leadership skills is an important component of building participation and enthusiasm of the youth mandated to the program. The goals of the program are to keep probation youth positively engaged during times when most adolescent crime takes place, providing a safe, productive and a rehabilitative environment for very high-risk youth during the after school hours, school breaks and summer.

The athletic part of the program includes participating in an Alternative Schools League featuring basketball, flag football and softball. Students also have the opportunity to engage in supervised physical conditioning and weight training at the YMCA, as well as access to the YMCA pool, spa and sauna.

The program serves probation youth 11-17 years of age.

A collaborative effort to provide youth at Bahia Vista School a safe place to be after school. The YMCA is providing athletic sports and games for 2nd-5th graders. As with all YMCA programs, the four character values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring are an integral part of programming.

A collaboration with CYO, the Marin YMCA and City of San Rafael to provide a safe after school program for youth in the Canal Area of San Rafael. The program offers sports and recreation, homework help and arts & crafts projects for Canal Community youth in grades K-5.

Camp Chance

Camp Chance is a 5-day residential summer camp that offers a highly structured camping and counseling experience with a mix of challenging physical, mental and emotional activities. Over 85 middle school youth have benefited from this camping program since its inception in 1999.

The Marin YMCA provides adult leadership for Camp Chance activities, a lifeguard, and transportation. Mental health professionals from the Youth and Family Services Department of the YMCA conduct counseling groups, anger management and conflict resolution workshops during the camp. Throughout the camp, YMCA's core values of Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, and Caring are emphasized.

San Rafael police officers also participate with the kids in camping activities throughout the week. This informal and personal contact with police officers has proven to be a big win-win for the kids, police and community. When children feel more connected with their community and have a good relationship with their police officers, they are less likely to be involved in destructive behavior and criminal activity.

The San Rafael Police Youth Services clinical staff provides follow-up counseling services to the children and their families during the following school year. Camp Chance participants are also invited to attend recreation and counseling programs at the YMCA.

Bahia Vista                                       Brookside Upper
Brookside Lower                                 Laurel Dell
Manor                                              San Pedro
Venetia Valley                                   Wade Thomas
West Marin/Inverness                         Willow Creek Academy

SPLASH Week is a water awareness course offered to the entire community. Daily topics typically include: Pool Safety, Beach Safety, Boating Safety, and Water park Safety. Some basic swim skills will be covered, but this is not a swimming lesson. Volunteers are needed to help run the program by assisting in the water, taking registrations, monitoring locker rooms and more! Contact Elizabeth Cook at (415) 446-2115 or Ecook@ymcasf.org for more information.

YMCA Point Bonita is a sister branch of the Marin YMCA where outdoor education brings students closer to the environment, their peers, and their teachers with experimental and cooperative learning in the magnificent Marin Headlands. Students may have an up close encounter with a sea star, observe a graceful red tail hawk in flight, or smell the aroma of wildflowers in bloom.

Our trained and committed Naturalist staff works with teachers to design a program that will enhance school curriculum. The approach is holistic and interdisciplinary with subject areas such as marine biology, Native American (Miwok) culture, birding, environmental issues, and cooperative adventures. From half-day outing to five-day residential stays, the YMCA Point Bonita is ready to serve your needs. We operate year-round, hosting classes with diverse populations and economic means.

Point Bonita is also a multipurpose conference center, perfect for day retreats, corporate meetings, or group stays. Sleep in heated, dorm-style rooms and eat 3 meals a day in a full-service dining hall. 4 meeting rooms accommodating 25-150 people-all wheelchair accessible. Take advantage of the nature hiking trails and beautiful views for a conference you won't forget!

For more information about Point Bonita, contact them directly at (415) 331-9622.