Healthy Opportunities for Youth Development
There are hundreds of programs throughout Tompkins County devoted to creating healthy, fun and constructive activities for young people. Many are in Ithaca, but they're also in all corners of the County. What's your interest? Choose from theater, recreation, arts, sports, science, outdoor and nature, dance, computers, volunteering, jobs and exploring careers, music, and much more.
Tompkins County Youth Services Guides Three comprehensive references, available on line at the links below, are compiled by the Tompkins County Youth Services Department.
2014 OJ Guide to Teen Services and Activities
Over 60 pages that list teen services and activities in Tompkins County, recently up-dated in 2014. Available electronically.
2015 Youth Summer Employment List
Written each spring in anticipation of summer job searches, this is a comprehensive guide to programs that hire young people. There is one guide for youth, one for adults wanting to help or hire.
Guide to Summer Camps
In early April each year, watch for the annual camp guide in the Ithaca Times, written and co-sponsored by the Tompkins County Youth Services Department. A searchable version is available by clicking on the link above.
Ithaca Parent & Teen
Ithaca Parent and Teen is a free quarterly journal that can be picked up free at area outlets, or viewed on-line. Full of local events for youth and families and stories by people who know our community, including teenage writers.
The Ithaca Journal and the Ithaca Times
Both the weekly Ticket section of the Ithaca Journal and the free weekly Ithaca Times have calendars, listing local events for family and youth.
School clubs, Faith-based groups, Civic youth groups
For even more options, ask your school, religious organizations and civic groups about the clubs, after school activities, or special events that they sponsor for teens.