Youth Development Program Funds

The following programs and agencies were awarded Youth Development Program funding by the Madison County Youth Board to provide services, opportunities and supports for children and youth in Madison County in 2018.

Mentoring Partnership Program

Operated by the Community Action Partnership for Madison County. This program is for youth ages 8 through 15 that are in need of a positive adult role model. The program matches youth with an adult volunteer mentor who meets weekly with the youth. The goal is to help the youth develop positive social skills, self-esteem and trust through their one-on-one interaction with their adult mentor. Participation in program sponsored activities also helps promote community leadership, vocational direction, and educational enhancement. For more information call 315-697-3588, extension 11.

At Risk Case Management

Operated by Catholic Charities Oneida/Madison Counties. This program offers case management to Madison County youth who are engaged in risky behaviors such as substance use, teenage pregnancy, truancy or other issues affecting physical or emotional well-being.

Case management seeks to link youth and families with community resources to reduce negative outcomes and assist in dealing with difficulties that impact functioning in school or at home in order to reduce potential placement, DSS involvement or separation from the family unit. For more information call 315-363-5274.

Village of Hamilton Summer Youth Recreation Program

Operated by the Village of Hamilton. This program provides Red Cross certified swim lessons to the children in and around the municipality, including the towns of Eaton, Hamilton, Madison and beyond. The program offers instruction in water safety, basic swimming strokes, and the skills necessary for life-long health and fitness. The program helps young people develop social skills and self-confidence in a safe and nurturing setting. For more information call 315-824-1111.

The Town of Sullivan Summer Playground Program

Operated by the Town of Sullivan Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation Department hosts a playground program every summer for close to 300 area children ages 5 to 12. Youth between the ages of 16 and 21 are hired to plan and coordinate activities, communicate with parents and keep participants safe and supervised. Funding will serve to provide job and life skills to youth entering the workforce that they will take with them to their next adventures and jobs. For more information call 315-687-3471.

Summer at Skanda Farm Program

Operated by the Haven at Skanda. Summer at Skanda is a free, four-week summer program for at-risk youth ages 7-12 that teaches children to care for the rescued and endangered animals of Skanda while improving self-esteem, empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program teaches mindfulness, peaceful conflict resolution, appreciation for diversity, and respect for animals and nature. Each of two sessions run for four consecutive weeks, and include workshops and guides for parents, so they can support their children throughout the year. For more information call 315-815-5056.

Madison County Children's Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program

Each summer, Madison County Children’s Camp, Camp Lookout, conducts a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth aged 14-17. The program provides teenagers an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the campers’ experiences at Camp Lookout while being mentored by staff in a healthy, safe, and thriving environment. The program focuses on communication in group discussions and one on one interactions, working as a team facilitator and member, and leadership skills. The most successful participants are given the opportunity to apply for paid staff positions. Approximately 70-80 youth are involved from throughout Madison County. CITs are credited with 40 hours of community service. For more information call (315) 684-9129.

Cazenovia Public Library’s Story Room at CazCares, Summer Program

Cazenovia Public Library’s Story Room at CazCares provides educational outreach for Madison County families utilizing the services of CazCares, the local food pantry, which also houses a free “Clothing Closet.” Families drop off children to participate in a wide variety of learning experiences while they shop. The goal is to prevent “summer slide.” Children are assessed to find their exact reading levels, free books of interest at their exact reading level are distribute, and children record their achievements in reading journals. To encourage a family literacy culture, families also receive two free children’s classics to read aloud daily with their children, and participate in a fun-filled pizza party to discuss these books and celebrate the joy of reading! The 2018 summer theme is Stop the Bullying: BE KIND. For more information call 315-655-9322.