PROGRAMS
The YCO @ Palmyra
The Youth Centers of Orange has partnered with Palmyra to provide a Before & After School Care Program!
Wednesdays With Friends
Begins: After Labor Day (September)
A gathering every Wednesday at Friends Church Orange, where kids can enjoy hands-on activities, make new friends, and explore their creativity through music, arts and crafts, and discovery-based learning. This program fosters a sense of belonging and joy, ensuring every child has a space to grow, play, and connect.
YCO ELO-P Program
The Youth Centers of Orange has partnered with the Orange Unified School District to provide after school opportunities made possible by the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program in the State of California.
Below is our diverse menu of enrichment programs, available at participating school throughout the district. Each program is taught by passionate, trained mentors who care deeply about their students and creating a positive school culture.
YCO Sports: YCO Sports keeps students active, focused, and having fun - while building life skills through play. Students rotate through structured games and sports. At the end of program students will learn discipline, leadership, resilience, and teamwork. Students will gain mentors and understand the foundation of what it is to be a student athlete with great character on the field and the class room.
YCO Art: YCO Art offers students a chance to explore visual storytelling and self-expression through diverse art projects. Each session focuses on one or more elements of art - such as line, shape, and form - while using paint, collage, clay, and more. Lessons are inspired by master artists, cultures from around the world, and the students' own lives.
YCO Anime: Anime club provides students the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of animation, storytelling, and design while learning about the Anime creation process. They will also discuss online safety in Anime communities and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a fun and supportive environment.
YCO Gardening: Students in the Gardening & Outdoor Science program will explore nature firsthand by planting seeds, observing plant life cycles, and studying ecosystems through hands-on projects. They'll learn about pollinators, composting, and weather patterns while developing responsibility and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
YCO Photography: Photography introduces students to the art of capturing the world through a creative lens. This hands-on club encourages students to explore storytelling, creativity, and observation while learning the fundamentals of photography. Students will learn the basics of photography, explore different photography styles, practice using cameras or mobile devices to capture high-quality images, develop visual storytelling skills through themed photo projects, build confidence presenting and discussing their creative work.
YCO Chess: Students will learn chess rules, strategies, and life skills like decision-making, perseverance, and teamwork through immersive instruction and gameplay. As they challenge themselves on the board and collaborate with peers, they will build focus, resilience, and a love for the game.
YCO Culinary: Students in the Culinary program will learn essential cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and food preparation while exploring recipe development and meal presentation. Through hands-on experience, they will also build teamwork and connections, gaining insight into the culinary industry and the importance of nutrition.
YCO Gaming: Students will explore introductory game development, gain insights into the Esports industry, and develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and digital awareness. Through structured gameplay, friendly competition, and interactive lessons, students will connect with peers who share their passion for gaming while learning the importance of balance, sportsmanship, and responsible gaming habits.
YCO STEAM Academy: YCO STEAM Academy sparks curiosity and builds 21st-century skills through engaging projects in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Students might design mini-robots, code their own animations, explore circuitry, or complete real-world challenges that blend imagination and logic. Each session is hands-on and mentor-guided, giving students the opportunity to problem-solve, collaborate, and grow their confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
YCO Newspaper: Newspaper empowers students to become young journalists, storytellers, and leaders within their school community. Through hands-on reporting, writing, and publishing, students will learn how to research, interview, and create engaging content that informs and inspires others.
YCO Debate: This program helps students develop confidence, critical thinking, and powerful communication skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Through structured debates and interactive discussions, students learn how to express their ideas clearly, listen respectfully, and defend their perspectives with evidence and reasoning. By the end of the club, students will feel more confident sharing their voice, supporting their ideas with evidence, and participating in meaningful discussions both inside and outside the classroom.
YCO All Play: This program is designed to create an enriching, welcoming space for students with special needs to enjoy after-school fun just like their peers. Each session includes social games, sensory-friendly activities, movement, and creative play led by patient, caring staff who focus on connection, safety, and joy. The program supports individual needs while encouraging group participation, helping students build friendships, develop social-emotional skills, and experience success in a nurturing, judgment-free environment.
YCO Graphic Design: Graphic Design gives students the opportunity to explore creativity through digital art and visual storytelling. This hands-on club introduces students to the fundamentals of design while building technical skills, confidence, and creative expression. Students will learn the basics of graphic design, explore digital design tools, create logos, posters, social media graphics, practice giving and receiving constructive feedback, build a mini design portfolio of their completed projects.
YCO American Sign Language: YCO's American Sign Language (ASL) provides students with an engaging and inclusive introduction to ASL and Deaf culture through hands-on learning, games, and interactive activities. This club creates a welcoming space where students build communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of accessibility, empathy, and community. Students will learn the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling, practice everyday signs, greetings, and conversational phrases, explore Deaf culture and the importance of inclusive communication, and build confidence presenting and signing in front of peers.
YCO Spanish: YCO's Spanish Enrichment program offers a joyful and interactive approach to learning a second language. Students build vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural awareness through songs, movement, hands-on activities, and conversation practice. Bilingual instructors create a warm and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages students to use their voice in new and exciting ways.