Program areas at YMCA of Rapid City
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The YMCA of Rapid City nurtures the potential of every child and teen in our care. This area of operation encompasses over 50% of the annual budget. The Y offers afterschool programs for students K-5, summer day camp, early learning childcare, youth sports, safety around water programs and swimming lessons which strive to help youth grow socially, physically, and emotionally. In 2023, 7963 youth and teens participated in our programs. We operated 14 childcare sites and 8 of our school-age sites were offered in coordination with Rapid City Area Schools. Additionally, the YMCA operates teen programming including our Youth Institute digital media for teens and a teen center. All childcare and afterschool programs are fully licensed with the SD Department of Social Services. The YMCA strives to create an environment where parents, staff, and volunteers work together in helping all children grow up healthy, happy, and strong. To ensure the Y is equitable and open to all, scholarships are available for all YMCA youth programs. In addition to educational development, the Y provides opportunities for character development, mental health education, leadership and physical/sports activities that support the whole child.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The YMCA of Rapid City is committed to giving back and supporting the most vulnerable in the community and has been doing so for 75 years. The Y is committed to advancing equity in the local community through programs like Jump Start child care which provides early learning to children aged 0-5 whose parents are working to complete their high school education or who are seeking to break out of homelessness, addiction, or poverty through one of our partner programs. Currently, 1 in 4 children enrolled in Y after school programs and 1 in 3 children in summer day camp are receiving subsidized care or scholarships, whether from Federal, State, or local funding sources. Committed to addressing local needs, the Y regularly adapts programs to community needs such as providing daily food security for adults aged 60, as well as ensuring inclusivity, a sense of belonging and support for individuals and families, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
HEALTHY LIVING The YMCA of Rapid City fosters a culture of healthy living within the Black Hills communities it serves, including Box Elder, Custer, Edgemont, and Rapid City. The Y provides access to high-quality fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personalized training plans, outdoor community wellness events, group hiking excursions, and social engagement for all ages that bring people together to stay active and healthy. In total, the Y was able to positively impact the lives of 18,266 individuals throughout 2023.