After School Program: September 2019

• Open Gym: Open gym is a non-structured program where youth are allowed free play and choice of activities in the gym as well as the rest of the youth center (lounge and game room).
• Homework Help: Youth can, upon request receive help from staff in the game room area for homework they are having trouble with. All game systems will be turned off for the first hour of the after-school program in order to provide a more focused environment for getting work done. If youth would prefer not to have help with their homework, they are provided space to do it on their own.
• Quiet Zone:Quiet zone is a volunteer run program that allows the student access to our computer lab along with a quiet space to study, do homework or read silently. We have been lucky enough to have Dawn Foley drop in once a month during last years quiet zone with her two therapy dogs from Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy. Students are able to sit and interact with the dogs during the quiet zone period to help reduce stress. We can’t wait to announce her next visit!
• Boxing: Boxing is run by Mark Castiglione. Mark is the resource officer for the Milford Schools. This is a group class, that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The classes are divided by age range (Tuesdays age 12-18) and (Thursday ages 8-11).
• Fishing: Fishing will be run by Bob Gilmore. Bob has been continuing our fishing program for some time now and we love to see him back! This fishing program will take place at Fino. This will be a fun class of getting to know how to use a fishing pole and bait a hook. It will be a catch and release class.
• Gardening: Gardening will be run by one of our After-School staff members, Chrissy Ferrucci. Chrissy grew up at a nearby farm and has a plethora of knowledge in regards to growing and maintaining a garden. We can’t wait to incorporate some of our delicious vegetables into our nutrition classes!

Crafts: Crafts is led by staff member, Joanna Abrantes. Joanna has a great eye for fun crafts for all ages. This program is all about fun and creativity, and a lot of experimenting from Pinterest. We use a lot of up-cycled materials so youth can learn about recycling and the benefits it has to the environment.

• Nutrition:Led by our Assistant Director Katie Covell. This program will focus on all of the students making easy and fun recipes as well as tasting new foods. Youth will also be shown the importance of healthy eating through modeling and will be encouraged to make healthy changes through discussion and staff guidance.

The Milford Youth Center has become the focal point for the children of Milford. It hosts many different activities and events throughout the year for the youth of Milford and/or the Milford Schools. The Milford Youth Center’s after school program is open for youth ages 8-18, free of charge, from 2-6 pm, Monday through Friday (check monthly calendar, website and social media for any changes due to weather, holidays or vacation weeks). All Youth members must be picked up by time of closing (unless they walk home). Pick up is outside of the building on 24 Pearl St. Please visit our website for both our  weather policy and  traffic control plan.

All participants must fill out a registration form annually to be a member. Once this form is completed and returned to the Center, the member will be provided with a key tag and ID number (if they are new members to the program). This will be how the Youth Center staff will track attendance. Therefore, all members are required to bring in their key tag in order to enter the facility. If key tag is lost, the Center will charge $1.00 for replacement. The game room, lounge and gymnasium will be offered daily. There will be structured programs that participants must sign up for to participate in. Members are also able to use our washer and dryer, free of charge, during operation hours. The Center also offers a free snack and dinner program, due to the collaboration of CACFP, Hockomock Area YMCA and the Milford School Food & Nutrition Services department.