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Youth/Teen

NYSS Badge

At Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS), we are very proud to be recognized by the National Youth Sports Strategy as a NYSS Champion.

The National Youth Sports Strategy aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.

The Strategy is based on research and best practices from the scientific community and successful youth sports programs across the United States. It offers actionable ideas for parents, coaches, organizations, communities, and policymakers to support youth sports participation for all.

After School Pickleball Crew

NEW SESSION ADDED!!!

During this after-school program, students will learn the rules of the game, learn how to keep score, and practice key skills like serving, rallying, and dinking at the net. With teamwork, laughter, and plenty of active play, this crew is all about building confidence and having a dill-lightful time on the court! All equipment is provided. Instructed by Josh Stouffer.
Grades 3-5

Mon Apr 13–May 11 (no May 4)
3:45–4:45pm (Grades 3-5)
$55 ($65 NR)
Bear Creek Gym

At the conclusion of the school day, students will be dismissed directly to the gym.

 

Babysitting Basics

This American Red Cross 7.5-hour Babysitting Course is designed for youth ages 11–16yr to learn the essentials of caring for young children safely and responsibly. Participants will gain skills in basic care for children and infants, age-appropriate activities and promoting positive behavior, emergency preparedness, first aid skills and pediatric CPR/certification, and safe practices for being home alone with children. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, participants will build confidence in their ability to handle real babysitting situations. Upon completion, each participant will earn a certificate of completion and be better prepared to take on babysitting opportunities. Taught by certified instructor, Carissa Ressler.

Participants should pack a lunch.

(I) Wed Jun 24 
     East Donegal Township Building
(II) Mon Jul 20
     GEARS CC
8:30am-4:00pm
$125 ($135 NR)

PJ Story Nights

Join us for our Summer PJ Nights and relax in our cozy log cabins as we read stories by lantern light inspired by tales from the colonial era. Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas and bring a blanket or stuffed animal for a comfortable evening of storytelling. A variety of craft materials will be available for participants to create their own colonial-inspired crafts while enjoying this relaxing night of history and imagination.
Snacks will be included.

PJ DATES:
Friday, March 27 – Mystery Night
Friday, April 24 – Magical Adventures
Friday, May 29 – The Great Outdoors
Friday, June 26 – Colonial Era
Friday, July 17 – Colonial Era

6:30-8 pm
$8 ($10 NR)
Winters Heritage House

Youth Soccer Program

Does your child want to learn soccer? Check out this instructional and low competitive soccer program. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of soccer in a fun environment. Participants will play fun skill development games. Led by the E-town Girls Soccer Club.  Fee includes a shirt. Grades 1-3

  • Sat April 11-May 23 (No Class May 9) 
  • 9-10:30 am
  • HS Field 3
  • $60 ($70 NR) 

Beginner Tennis

Children of beginner skill level will learn the fundamentals of tennis using the ORANGE practice balls. Through the use of fun games and drills, players will learn proper technique of forehands, backhands, serve and volleys. Taught by Brenda McBride, Etown HS head tennis coach.
Ages 7-14

  • Tue May 12-June 2
  • 6:15 pm-7:15 pm
  • Etown HS Tennis Courts
  • $65 ($75 NR) 

Intermediate Tennis

This intermediate class is for players that have completed two or more sessions of beginner tennis lessons. Instruction will focus on continuing to develop tennis skills, footwork, and prepare for match play. Taught by Brenda McBride, Etown HS head tennis coach.
Ages 10-14

  • Tue May 12-Jun 2
  • 7:15 pm-8:15 pm
  • Etown HS Tennis Courts
  • $65 ($75 NR) 

Trail Riding

45 min guided trail riding. Ride horses through the 275 acres of woods and farmland on the ranch. Horses are well mannered and trained to work with riders that have little or no experience. For your own safety and safety of the horses, we do not trot or gallop through the trails. All children must be 8 or older and there is a strict weight limit of 225 pounds.

  • (I) Wed April 22
    (II) Wed May 20
  • 5pm-5:45pm
  • $70 ($80 NR) 
  • Stone Gables Estate

Girls Middle School Volleyball League

Get ready for the 2026 season! This Middle School Volleyball Program will compete in
a Girls Volleyball League on Monday nights at Spooky Nook (Sept 7-Oct 19). Fee includes practice, uniform, mid-season tournament and playoffs. Teams for girls in grades 5-6 & 7-8.

  • Mon, Tue & Thu  Aug 3-Oct 19
  • 6-8 pm
  • Bear Creek Gym
  • $260 ($270 NR)

Afternoon Kids Club

Be a part of Winters Heritage House Museum’s Thursday Afternoon Kids Club where each
afternoon program is an adventure in art, history and creativity. Using the Museum’s exhibits
and artifacts each session brings a new theme that offers discovery through hands on activities, painting, stories, images, games and crafts. Snack is included.

Thur  March 5 – May 21 
4:15 – 5:30 pm.
$70 ($75 NR)
Winters Heritage House


Father & Son

Have Questions?

Call: (717) 367-0355

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