YMCA Teen Late Nite Begins in Sumner

Information from the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

Many youth voices were heard during forums held in Sumner and Bonney Lake over the last year and the consensus was they wanted YMCA Teen Late Nite. In response, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties began offering monthly programs on Saturday, July 20 inside Faith Covenant Church in Sumner. With 32 students in attendance, Y staff and church volunteers were able to connect with teens by playing 4 on 4 basketball, board games, and ultimate Frisbee.

“The teens seemed to really like it and will be getting the word out to their friends,” said YMCA Teen Director Tom Gorospe.

“The Y operates to serve all people and respond to community needs. Teen Late Nite was an apparent need in Sumner and we wanted to ensure we responded to the call,” said YMCA President and CEO Bob Ecklund.

As the program grows, teens can look forward to program offerings expanding. Tacoma Center YMCA Late Nite participants received national recognition for their original song, “Wake Up To Happy.” They wrote, choreographed and performed during their time at Teen Late Nite and were awarded an all-expenses paid trip to Pittsburgh where they performed live at the YMCA General Assembly.

Sumner Teen Late Nite occurs the third Saturday of each month from 8:30-11:15pm. This free program is open to any teen grade 8 to age 20 at Faith Covenant Church located at 1915 Washington Street in Sumner.

Live performance from YMCA General Assembly: http://youtu.be/bHnZk8S2cRc

Original recording of “Wake Up To Happy:” http://youtu.be/sa6CYWDPZao