Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's
Berkshire Outdoor Center
413.623.8991
Outdoor Education
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CityKids School Program

CityKids School Program is a new addition to Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's Outdoor Center Programs in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The program is designed to provide an Outdoor Education experience to financially-challenged youth as an addition to their school curriculum.

Through generous funding from a variety of individuals and businesses, the CityKids School Program aims to reach more than 300 children each year, from all over New England and New York.

Our staff are wonderful, experienced role models. Their knowledge of the outdoors - the environment and local ecosystems, also provide an educational basis to our programs. But their true strength is in facilitating healthy interactions between the students, and improving self confidence and self awareness within the students. It's also a wonderful eye-opener for teachers to see their students in a new and different setting!

Qualifying for CityKids School Program Funding

School eligibility is based on the number of USDA Free and Reduced Lunches the school provides to its student population. If the total number of Free and Reduced Lunches is greater than 75% of the school, then most likely your school would qualify for City Kids School Program (depending on funding available). If your school gives Free and Reduced Lunches to less than 50% of the student population, you may partially qualify. The overall school district may also be examined.

If you are unsure whether or not your school may qualify, contact us anyway and talk to us about your school and school district. (413) 623 8991.

Supporting CityKids
The City Kids School Program costs approximately $2,500 per day to run for a school group of 100 kids. This means that the typical program, a 2 day visit, is valued at $5,000 for a school of 100. Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA looks for grants and other sources of funding, but individuals may also contribute to this worthwhile program.
  • $25 buys participation for 1 student in our 1 day program.
  • $50 buys participation for 1 student in our overnight program.
  • $100 buys participation for 4 day students or 2 overnight students.
  • $500 buys participation for a class of 20 students for a 1 day program.
  • $2,000 buys participation for a class of 40 students overnight.

 
School Programs

Funding from the CityKids School Program may be applied to any of the following programs for schools: