Youth Activities
The United Way of Pekin is committed to empowering our youth through a variety of engaging and enriching programs. This page highlights local initiatives offering sports activities, mentorship, and more, each playing a vital role in the healthy development of young people in our community.
Participation in these programs is key to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Sports activities foster physical health and teach teamwork, while mentorship provides guidance and builds resilience. These experiences are crucial in preparing our youth for future success, equipping them with essential life skills.
By supporting these youth services, we're investing in Pekin's future. We invite you to explore these programs and see how they're making a positive impact on our young people. Your involvement can help ensure that our youth are not only active and engaged but also poised for a bright future.
The Issues:
A general decline in youth sports participation, a reliance on technology, and the impacts of COVID-19 during their early childhood have played a huge role in shaping the youth of today and their development. Due to this mental health resources, mentorship and development initiatives remain a key priority for these future leaders of our communities.
Positive youth development programs lead to better health, social, and educational outcomes, including higher academic performance, improved social skills, and lower levels of risky behaviors (Youth.gov). Mentoring programs can significantly impact youth by reducing drug and alcohol use, improving academic performance, and increasing the likelihood of pursuing higher education (Youth.gov).
Decline in Youth Sports Participation (2008-2021)
Other Challenges Youth Face
40% of youth reported being bullied on school property in the past year, and 18% experienced cyberbullying. Additionally, 70% of youth find it hard to stop worrying when something important goes wrong in their lives (Boys & Girls Clubs of America). Bullying, social emotional needs, and mental health concerns are major issues that youth and educators are facing today and ones that directly impact many of the agencies and programs the United Way of Pekin supports. That is why sports and activities are so important for youth to stay engaged and healthy in their continued development, especially those that are prone to or at higher risk for whatever reason.
Importance of Sports for Youth Development
Malcolm X -
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Youth Development Impact
Youth development programs play a critical role in fostering the growth, resilience, and success of young individuals. Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and lessons enhances academic performance, social skills, and self-esteem. For instance, 44% of boys and 35% of girls engage in sports, which helps build teamwork and leadership abilities (Census.gov) (Jersey Watch).
Positive youth development programs also address mental health and emotional well-being. Post-pandemic, 42% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships with adults and peers (CDC). Programs like afterschool clubs and mentorship initiatives significantly reduce risky behaviors, improve academic outcomes, and boost community involvement (Youth.gov) (Afterschool Alliance).
Furthermore, youth involved in leadership roles and community service are more likely to develop strong decision-making and interpersonal skills, contributing to lower dropout rates and higher educational aspirations (Roots of Action). Engaging in these programs not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the community by creating a more connected, resilient, and capable youth population.
Youth Sports Participation (2021)
Participation in Extracurricular Activities (2020)
Youth Activities Resources
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The Boys & Girls Club of Pekin offers an after school program for Pekin District 108 students during the school year. Children can be bussed directly from their school to the facility. For more information contact your child's school or the Boys and Girls Club at 309-346-5437.
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The Boys & Girls Club of Pekin offers a summer day camp program that is open to youth aged 5-18. For more information contact the Boys and Girls Club at 309-346-5437.
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The YWCA of Pekin provides various aquatics based programs at their indoor pool year round. They feature
Aquatics programs such as:
Open swim
Lap swimming
Aquaerobics
Arthritis/Fibromyalgia
Deep Water
More information on hours and fees can be found here: https://www.ywcapekin.org/aquatics
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The Boys & Girls Club of Pekin offers a wide variety of sports activities for youth in the Pekin area. From basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, floor hockey and more! Contact them at 309-346-5437 to see what sports are currently taking registration or for volunteer opportunities.
Partner Agencies in Youth Activities
Local Organizations Providing Youth Activities
