Youth Services Initiative
The Youth Services Initiative (YSI) inspires youth and families from underrepresented communities to make healthy, caring and responsible choices through recreation, health and well-being opportunities as well as life skill development.
Each year, YSI provides underserved community members opportunities to learn about art, good nutrition, the benefits of academic achievement and higher education, and a healthy culture and support system.
Youth summer camps
Summer camps are places for our young community members to build a community and create fast friendships. Both campers and counselors can be their authentic selves and belong as they try out new games, learn new skills, gain a new sense of self-confidence and most importantly have fun.
Summer camp opportunities include “Goats and Gardens,” “Kidz Kamp,” “Reservoir Camp,” and EXPAND camps for community members with developmental disabilities. Summer’s wrapping up, but make plans for next year by seeing what we offered in our 2023 Summer Camp Guide.
Youth sports
BPR partners with organizations to provide camps and classes for kids across the city. They provide youth a chance to express themselves in drama camp, expand their minds in STEM camps, build clay projects at The Pottery Lab, sports with Skyhawks, and sail at the Reservoir.
See everything your kids can participate in year-round in our recreation guide and via Skyhawks Sports.
Childcare at recreation centers
Parents, want to exercise but don’t know what to do with your young children? BPR has brought back childcare at North Boulder Recreation Center. We encourage our kids to have fun and let parents get their exercise on!
Drop-in childcare is available for children ages 2-10, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kids 2-3 can stay for up to 1.5 hours and kids 3-10 can stay for up to two hours. The childcare is included with the family pass, a youth pass or pay the youth entry fee, which is $6 for residents and $7.25 for non-residents. Sign up in advance and get more details.
Gymnastics is fun and builds confidence for kids
Our 12,000 square foot gymnastics facility in North Boulder Recreation Center provides opportunities for young athletes to develop life-long lessons of self-confidence, bravery, and perseverance through the vehicle of gymnastics.
From beginner classes for 2-year-olds to advanced competition preparation, there’s an on ramp/low balance beam for everyone to join in the fun of gymnastics!
Fitness programs for youth
We have fitness opportunities designed specifically for our younger community members.
One is our Youth Speed, Agility, & Quickness (SAQ) Camp, which helps young athletes master their body control and mechanics as related to movements such as jumping, landing, acceleration and changing direction. Through this class, participants will be more dynamic and explosive in their movement and reduce the risk of injury.
BPR also provides weight room orientations to community members under 14. These classes show them how to use the weight room equipment safely and learn weight training policies and protocols.
Playgrounds in our parks
Last, but not least, are the over 60 parks that BPR manages in Boulder. They are a chance for kids to explore, take physical (and emotional) chances, make new friends, and be active! These spaces are places to make memories and be a kid! We hope you can visit one close to you or a large one that may be a bit farther away.