Middle & High School Afterschool & Summer Programming

I am exploring.

The Middle and High School Youth “Bigs” Program has two main components: the Afterschool Program during the academic year and the Summer Program. During drop-in, youth participate in a range of activities throughout the center including but not limited to dance, visual arts, debate, yoga, zumba, basketball, soccer, pickleball, origami, etc.  These activities build self-esteem and confidence and encourage students to take ownership over their own creative expressions.  We strive to provide youth with the space and tools necessary to explore their own creative capacities and build passions that are important to them.

The Afterschool Program provides a safe space that offers drop-in hours from 2pm-6pm during the academic year. Youth between 6th and 12th grade can come to the center to hang out, get homework help, play sports, participate in enrichment classes and activities or participate in other core programs. 

The Summer Program includes summer programming for middle and high school youth. Programming in the summer includes enrichment classes, field trips, college visits, a college and career themed “Summer Challenge” and provides lunch to all participating youth. High School programming is offered in conjunction with Next STEP High for credit-bearing experiences. In addition to the afternoon summer program, Tree Street also offers a morning summer camp specifically for Tweens (grades 6th-9th).

One of the core philosophies of the program is offering Novel Experiences, which are opportunities that create unique access to experiences otherwise not typically available to our youth. We strive for all youth to “crack an ACORN” each year, which means participating in experiences in Arts, Community-based Opportunities, Recreational/athletic, and Nature-based opportunities. These activities can take place within the center and beyond its walls to encourage youth to get outside their comfort zones and build connections.