Director:	Val Lund
Address:	531 Garfield, Kansas City, MO 64124 directions (program locations vary)
Information:	816-691-2977
Email:	CHAMPS@donbosco.org

The Don Bosco Youth Development Center provides a safe and supportive environment for the community's local youth to participate in a variety of activities designed to educate, involve and encourage. Over 700 children participate in a Youth Development Center program each year. Programs offered include:

• Summer Camp - Summer camp is provided June-August for youth ages 5-14 and featuresCHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities and Meals that Promote Success). Activities includenutrition education, sports, reading, field trips, arts and crafts, exercise, Youth Olympics, and more. The camp provides a safe and encouraging environment for children and youth during out-of-school time. Learn more about this year's camp.
  
  
• After School Soccer Academy - The After School Soccer Academy is offered in partnership with the Northeast Soccer League and sponsored by Leatherwood Enterprises, the University of Missouri Extension, Census 2010 and 4-H. When participants meet program requirements (before and after school tutoring, attendence, and more), they may play in the league and compete against other teams in the Northeast while learning values such as sportsmanship and teamwork. The program is a KC Parks Partner, working with the local community to care for and maintain the park used for practices and games.
  
  
• Athletics Program - Intramural sports, including basketball and soccer are provided for youth ages 4-20.
  
  
• Male Responsibilty Program - Young men have the opportunity to participate in peer groups that target topics such as gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, anger management, and more.
  
  
• Girls C.H.A.T. (Creating Healthy Attitudes Together) - Young women can join in health fairs and group discussions on topics such as self-esteem, body image, STDs, pregnancy, and more.
  
  
• Diversity Programs - Through the Youth Development Center's various programs, youth increase in knowledge, acceptance, and understanding of different cultures. In addition, the Youth Development Center has a bilingual Youth Activities Coordinator to assist in outreach to the Spanish-speaking community.
  
  
• Community Service - Youth participate in days of service, such as National Youth Service Day and the United Way's Day of Caring, and participate in service projects throughout the year. Some past projects include serving food at homeless shelters, tutoring younger children, organizing food drives, and serving meals to seniors.
  
  
• Tutoring & Reading Programs - Children are provided tutoring and homework assistance after school.
  
  
• Employment Opportunities Program - Youth ages 14-20 are provided opportunities to participate in career discussions, receive help with filling out job applications, instruction on writing resumes, participation in annual job fairs, and assistance preparing for interviews.
  
  
• Post-Secondary Education Awareness Program - Youth ages 16-20 receive help and support applying for colleges and entering training programs. Field trips to college campuses, college fairs, and speaker sessions are arranged. In addition, youth receive information about available scholarships and financial aid programs.