After School Teen Drop In Program
Club 21

CLUB 21 is a prevention program that provides an alternative for youths ages 12-18. It is a dance program that was started in 1988 to provide an alternative to gangs and drugs. CLUB 21 is an acronym for Cool Ladies Unique Boys 2gether as 1. Their motto is "Stay off the streets and get with the beat!" which means to stay away from gangs and drugs and to find an alternative like dancing. Yolanda Holck was the first dance instructor to head the program and got students within the Kalihi-Palama area involved. After 2 years of instructing students, Yolanda went on to dance with the then famous M.C. Hammer. Reynold Fernandez, a student of Yolanda's took the responsibility of continuing the program in 1990. CLUB 21 is still under the direction of Reynold with the assistance of Krista Hasegawa, who was a past participant of the program. Both dance instructors are currently working with students from Farrington H.S., Kalakaua M.S., Dole M.S., McKinley H.S. and Punahou Schools. Besides working on dance routines to showcase at performances, the students practice their leadership, social, and life skills to better enhance their lives and build self esteem. CLUB 21 has performed at various functions like A+ programs, fundraising and community events, and at shopping malls.

The dance group practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If anyone is interested in joining the program or just wants to get more information, call 848-2494 or stop by at the Kalihi YMCA.

This is a national YMCA of the USA conference for teens, and is held each hear during the Thanksgiving holiday. Held in camp retreat sites in Seattle and San Francisco, teens participate in a variety of activities that promote self-esteem building, self-awareness and team building. Prior to attending this conference, our teens go through weeks of training to prepare them for what can be a very intense mainland retreat. The teens and their families pay for the trip, however, fundraising events are organized to help offset the cost.

Raggers

The YMCA Raggers program is for any persons who want to make a commitment to themselves as well as the YMCA. When deciding to participate in Raggers, a person must commit to their personal growth and be willing to be held accountable for it. Annually a ceremony is held where people who decide to make the commitment. They receive a "rag" to symbolize their commitment. Although participants of this program are normally teens, adults are also welcomed to participate. It is a unique experience that every YMCA participant should have.

Youth Leadership Corps (YLC)

YLC - Run's Summer Only

YLC youth meet throughout the year to learn leadership skills, plan their own social, recreational and educational activities. During the summer YLC youth serve as Junior Leaders in the various Summer Fun programs. Youth help leaders with their groups, assist in swimming instruction and other important functions. Youth also participate in activities on the weekends and evenings. The youth group plans all activities. Program fees for Junior Leaders is $75.

For the past 47 years, the YMCA of Honolulu has held the Youth Legislature program which provides teens in grades 7 through 12 with the experience of seeing how it feels to be a legislator/law maker in government. Beginning in November of each year, teens begin the process of training in government awareness, bill writing, as well as debate. Teens sponsor and write bills and then during the Spring Break, they meet together for a one-week mock legislature session.

Program Scholarships

The Kalihi YMCA Board, and other volunteers, raise money each year to support our scholarship fund. If you are interested in filling out a scholarship application, please contact our business office and one will be sent to you.

Links

• Youth and Government YMCA Program
• YMCA Earth Services Corp