Crossroads and the YMCA Build Leaders through Service Summer Program

This summer, the Dallas YMCA partnered with Community Services to offer teens ages 13 to 15 an unforgettable experience that combines service, skill-building, and fun through its Crossroads Teen Camp held at the Crossroads facility in southwest Dallas, the program gives young people a unique opportunity to spend their summer vacation making a real impact in their community while learning life and job skills that will stick with them for years to come.

A Summer of Service and Growth Completed

Each week, teen participants step into a hands-on volunteer role at Crossroads Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity in North Texas. Teens assist with day-to-day operations that help get groceries into the hands of clients in need and help to provide an experience that’s part service, part education, and all heart.

“The team gets the opportunity to come and volunteer and give back,” said Honey, one of the camp’s YMCA counselors. “They help move along the process of getting their clients checked out. They help where they can, allowing people to get the grocery store experience for those who are less fortunate and have a little bit of food insecurity.”

Honey has seen firsthand how the experience changes the teens: “Some of the kids here are able to connect to this environment with their own families, so it’s nice to see them, for their age, mature in a way of understanding they are really helping people in need.”

But it’s not all about the hard work. The program also includes a variety of enrichment activities that round out the teens’ experience. Every Friday, the group heads out on a fun and educational field trip, with destinations like Ripley’s, Nickel Mania, and even the local police and fire stations.

Sarah, a 15-year-old participant in the program, shared, “My favorite part is the field trips we take every Friday. One week, we went to the Police Station, and I really enjoyed this experience getting to learn more about police officers and firefighters.”

Through these weekly excursions, teens not only get a break from their usual routine but also gain exposure to different career paths, community services, and life experiences that broaden their perspective.

A Community Within a Camp

Beyond the skills and service, what really sets this program apart is the sense of community it builds among the teens. “My favorite part is getting the kids out of their shells and seeing them branch out and get to know each other,” Honey said. “We are together for two months, so it’s nice getting to know them and watching them get to know each other.”

With a small group size, the camp is intentionally designed to foster friendships, personal growth, and a sense of belonging, while empowering teens to take pride in their contributions.