YMCA Teen Volunteering Opportunities
Grades: 6–12
At the Y, we believe teens have the power to make a difference. Our teen volunteer programs are designed to help young people build leadership skills, develop confidence and give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Through hands-on service and social impact projects, teens gain real-world experience, form lasting friendships and grow into leaders who inspire change.
Join a movement where your ideas matter, your voice is heard and your actions create positive impact.
TEEN EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP (TEAL) PROGRAM
AGES 13-17
The TEAL (Teen Empowerment and Leadership) for ages 13-17 provides an opportunity to assist children and adults involved in various activities at the Y, including character development, gymnastics, swim, clerical skills and more. TEAL participants will shadow and assist YMCA staff mentors in their roles at the Y.
This program will serve as a training ground for teens to learn gymnastics, fitness and aquatic safety, basic job-related skills, and YMCA program procedures.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ages 13-17 years old
- Have interest in learning about YMCA programs and be able to shadow and assist YMCA staff with basic duties
- Must attend YMCA trainings as recommended by the program administrator or director
- Must attend YMCA character activities
- Must turn in monthly participation log
- Maintain at least a C average in school
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Wear TEAL t-shirt when participating in the program
- Abide by all other YMCA policies and dress code
- Meet with program administrator and director twice per year for general assessment
- Help supervising staff with program and facility upkeep and general cleaning
- Abide by the YMCA’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
- Be punctual for all assigned duties and remain at the YMCA until released by supervising staff
- Be attentive to all assignments and duties, as well as to YMCA members and participants
- Report to assigned staff person when engaged in TEAL activities
- Refrain from unacceptable language (vulgar, derogatory, or negative speech)
- Be a positive role model for younger YMCA members and participants
PARTICIPANTS WILL ACHIEVE
- Positive exposure to YMCA staff role models
- Being a role model for younger children
- Greater self-esteem through responsibility
- Comprehension of YMCA programs
- Better communication skills with adults and peers
- Opportunity to experience a job-like setting
- Increased leadership skills
- CPR certification
- Volunteer hours for graduation credits and/or college applications
COST
Cost: $30/Nonmembers (Up to 15% off with select Y memberships) Includes shirt and CPR certification
Registration coming soon!
For more information, please contact Melanie Navarro at mnavarro@ymcasd.org or Josh Ichull at jichullingya@ymcasd.org.
TEEN BOARD AT DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA
GRADES 8-12
The Teen Board is a youth advisory group made up of passionate students in grades 8–12 who want to lead, serve and shape the future of YMCA teen programs. As a member, you’ll:
- Represent youth perspectives within your YMCA and local community.
- Help plan events and service projects.
- Develop leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills.
- Engage with peers and local leaders to make a lasting impact.
MORE DETAILS
- Meets biweekly every other Monday from 6:00-7:00pm
- Registration for Spring 2026 is open!
- Deadline to Register: January 19, 2026
- Save the Date — Info Session: January 12, 2026
Volunteering for Events & Activities
Looking to make a difference? Get involved as a teen event volunteer! Support YMCA community events, family activities and youth programs while earning volunteer hours and meeting new friends.
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities and registration details.
TEEN PROGRAM Locations
COPLEY-PRICE FAMILY YMCA
Copley-Price Family YMCA
Address:
4300 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 280-9622
Program Leaders:
Teen Coordinator | Brenda Verastica | bverasticamora@ymcasd.org.
Phone: (619) 280-9622
DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
Address:
8355 Cliffridge Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3483
Program Leaders:
Program Director | Hannah Lewis | hlewis@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext.1832
Program Coordinator | Reese Kirkpatrick | rkirkpatrick@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext. 2662
JACKIE ROBINSON FAMILY YMCA
Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
Address:
151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 264-0144
Program Leaders:
Teen Coordinator | J’Neia Stewart | jstewart3@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 264-0144
MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Address:
12006 Campo Road
San Diego, CA 91978
(619) 462-9622
Program Leaders:
Program Director | Melanie Navarro | mnavarro@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 462-9622
RANCHO FAMILY YMCA
Rancho Family YMCA
Address:
9410 Fairgrove Ln, San Diego, CA 92129
(858) 484-8788
Program Leaders:
Program Director | Taylor Martorana | tmartorana@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 484-8788
SOUTH BAY FAMILY YMCA
South Bay Family YMCA
Address:
820 Paseo Ranchero, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 421-9622
Program Leaders:
Program Director | Kyle Millard | jmillard@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 421-9622
T. CLAUDE & GLADYS B. RYAN FAMILY YMCA
T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA
Address:
4390 Valeta St, San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 226-8888
Program Leaders:
Program Director | Christopher Cerda | ccerda1@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 226-8888 ext. 3265
Teen Volunteering
