Arts and Recreation
LAYC is proud to offer a rich program of arts and recreation for youth in a safe and drug and alcohol-free environment.
LAYC’s DC Teen Center is home to our DC arts and recreation programs. It is the center of multiple opportunities for youth 12-21 as it offers digital media (radio, photography, music/poetry and design); art (drawing, painting, mixed media, and mural), guitar, jewelry making, and more. A large recreational space provides a place for youth to relax and interact with friends. Activities include ping-pong, pool, fuss-ball, board games, and a computer lab. Youth collaborate with staff to plan movie nights, fundraisers, and field trips. During DC Public Schools half-days, special ‘fun’ days are planned for youth to try new art and recreational activities.
LAYC also operates the Rita Bright Family & Youth Center in collaboration with the Parents’ Association of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The center has a multi-purpose room, computer lab, teen lounge, and gymnasium; and often hosts health fairs, and other special events with LAYC.
In Montgomery County, LAYC pairs young men in our Montgomery County Conservation Corps as mentors with middle-school boys as mentees in our Full Circle Brotherhood Mentoring program. In partnership with YMCA Youth and Family Services and the Gandhi Brigade, the program aims to encourage, support, and empower local youth to lead a healthier life through positive youth development and cross-age peer mentorship.
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