YOUTH ACCESS PROGRAM (YAP)
The YMCA Youth Access Program is available to youth ages 5-21. It is an opportunity for youth to enjoy barrier-free access to the YMCA at no cost. The Youth Access membership provides youth access to drop-in programs such as open gym and recreational swim; use of the wellness centre for those 12 and older; and one registered programs per registration session (some fees may apply). Youth Access memberships are activated for 4 months at a time – survey completion is required for initial activation and renewal of memberships.
Who is eligible for the Youth Access Program?
The following circumstances should resonate with the youth seeking a membership: recent home life changes preventing them from paying for a membership; extra-curricular activities would benefit the youth academically or socially; low income; or involved in the provincial care system.
Youth Access Membership Overview
Youth Access Memberships last for 4 months and start or renew on January 1, May 1, and September 1. Members may join before or after those dates but will be required to complete the survey at the renewal dates. After a year of membership, Youth will need to be re-nominated.
Eligibility
The following criteria are required to complete the application process:
- You must be nominated by your community support person. This person cannot be your parent/guardian and must be a guidance counsellor, alternative education instructor, home support worker, YMCA Staff, teacher, community worker, government body, advocate, or other titles of that nature. Nominators may be contacted for further information. If you are a parent/guardian of a child or youth and cannot afford to pay membership fees, you can apply for Membership Assistance here.
- You must have signed consent by your parent/guardian if under the age of 16.
- You must complete your in-take survey. If the Youth is too young to complete it on their own, it can be completed on their behalf by their parent/guardian or with the help of their parent/guardian or with support of a YMCA staff member.
- You must have an online YMCA account. If you already have an account, please do not create a new one.
- You must be prepared to use your membership regularly and complete a check-in survey at the end of every term.
- You must be prepared to abide by the Fredericton YMCA conduct policy.
- Once all of the required documents are completed, you must contact yap@ymcafredericton.org to inform them that you are ready to begin your membership.
~If this program does not sound like a good fit or if you do not have a nominator you can apply for Membership Assistance here. ~
Ready to Apply?
You will need all of the following documents completed to meet the application requirements. Once all of these documents have been completed, please email yap@ymcafredericton.org to inform staff you have completed the required steps and are ready to activate your membership.
- Nomination Form completed by Nominator
- Consent Form completed by Youth over 16 or Parent/Guardian if under 16.
- In-take Survey completed by the nominated Youth.
- YMCA Online Account (Youth under 18 will need to be added to their parent/guardians account)
All steps can be completed in person at the YMCA (570 York Street) with support of a YMCA staff member. Please let us know if we can help you with this process.
IMPORTANT – COMPLETION OF THESE STEPS DOES NOT GUARANTEE MEMBERSHIP. PLEASE CONTACT THE OUTREACH TEAM TO INFORM THEM THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE STEPS REQUIRED AND YOU WILL BE INFORMED WHEN YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS ACTIVATED