WILLIAMSPORT – Finding after-school programs for youth is important to working parents, or kids who need to keep themselves busy during the school year. The city has a few select options – and some are even free.
YMCA – School Age Child Care
The Williamsport YMCA branch offers a program for kids to get help with homework, character development, social competence, health and wellness, and more. The program provides scholarships for those who qualify.
- When: Before and after school
- Cost:
- Before OR After School: $61/per week
- Before AND After School: $76/per week
- Where: 641 Walnut St., Williamsport, PA 17701
Firetree Place – After School Club
Firetree’s program picks up students from Curtin Intermediate, Cochran Primary, Jackson Primary, and Stevens Primary. The program includes time for recreation, homework, special programs and dinner.
- Cost: Contact 570-360-9946 or email at kdomino@firetreeplace.org for pricing.
- Where: 600 Campbell St., Williamsport
Odyssey of the mind
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. This year’s team registrations have already passed, but next year’s registration will open sometime around January. Contact your school to get on a team.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. For a 10-week program, trained coaches lead small teams through dynamic discussions, activities and running games focused on health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. Girls on the Run is for grades 3 to 5 and then it offers a middle school program call Heat and Sole for grades 6 to 8. For more information, contact Shannon Butters at 570-337-9865 or by email at SHANNON.BUTTERS@GIRLSONTHERUN.ORG.
- When: Times vary by school
- Cost: $135
- 484 Alexis Drive, Williamsport
Soccer Shots
By using sports to positively impact youth, Soccer Shots provides an active after-school program for youth locally and across the county. The program implements the “three c’s” – coaching, communication and curriculum. In Williamsport, ECLC Preschool at First Southern Baptist Church offers a Tuesday morning class. You can find other locations in Montoursville, Watsontown, Linden and Lock Haven here.
- When: 9 to 9:40 a.m., Tuesdays
- Where: 89 Kimble Hill Road, Williamsport, PA, 17701
- Cost: $96
YWCA HUB
The Hub beings on Sept. 9 and is open to grades 7th to 12th. The kids play basketball together and hang out with their friends. The program is closed on days when school is closed. Contact Erin Scholl with any questions or concerns at escholl@ywcawilliamsport.org or 570-322-4637 ext. 124.
- When: Sept. 9
- Where: 815 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
- Cost: Free
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