Ys Owl Newsletter - Vol. 4 Issue 1

The mission of the Virginia YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that provide a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Specifically, it provides high school teenagers with opportunities for leadership development through community service, civic engagement, and model government programs.

All programs and conferences are for high school teenagers, grades 9-12.

• Hi-Y/Youth & Government Clubs - School based, with emphasis on local school and community service. YMCA provides assistance with organization and training. About 2,500 students belong to clubs.
• Model General Assembly - A youth legislature program modeled after Virginia’s General Assembly. Approximately 600 students from over 60 high schools attend this conference at the Capitol in Richmond. This is a hands-on learning experience about how laws and policy are made in the Commonwealth.
• Model Judiciary Program - Mock trials in circuit courts introduce students to Virginia’s court system. Students serve as attorneys, witnesses, and jurors. Program culminates in the spring with select schools arguing oral appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia. Over 2,000 students participate in MJP.
• Teen Leadership Conferences - A one-day introduction to Virginia state government for middle school students, with emphasis on the legislature.
• Hi-Y Council/Club Leaders’ Training - An overnight leadership training event for students who plan to serve in club leadership roles in their schools. Also allows students to have direct input into YMCA’s planning process.
• Youth Symposium on Current Affairs - A weekend program that allows high school students to discuss and debate issues of, national and international concern.
• YMCA Conference on National Affairs - Selected students represent Virginia at this national summer conference held in Black Mountain, NC.