Programs for Children and Youth

The First State is the perfect state for raising children. With hundreds of quality public and private schools; safe, hometown neighborhoods; recreational and natural destinations; clubs, activities and programs, opportunities abound for Delaware’s youth to have fun and find their village on the road to becoming responsible young adults.




Programs for Children and Youth

Kid-approved!

Delaware is a great place for kids to grow up

Beaches, neighborhood swimming pools, children’s theater, bike paths, parks, sporting venues. A kid’s life is never dull in Delaware.

In Delaware, we recognize the pivotal role that children and young adults play in shaping our collective future. That’s why organizations and the state government have implemented various innovative programs and initiatives geared towards empowering them and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

Delaware Communities
Delaware center of mid Atlantic key cities

Travel Sports Programs

Let’s face it. Sports aren’t just fun for kids; they’re essential to help children and teens stay healthy— physically and mentally—make friends, build self-esteem and improve social skills. And we do love our sports here in Delaware. You’ll find us cheering from the stands at DIAA high school sports events, rooting from the sidelines at Saturday morning soccer matches, signing our kids up for community-center, YMCA or Parks & Rec leagues, or hitting the road for competitive regional competition with Delaware’s many travel club sports teams. From basketball to football, soccer to wrestling, there’s a school, club or community recreational team waiting to welcome your child here in Delaware.

Delaware Turf Sports Complex

Featuring 12 synthetic, lighted fields and stadium bleacher seating for 700, the Delaware Turf Sports Complex in Frederica is a first-class sports destination for youth leagues, camps, clinics, regional and national tournaments.

302 Sports

Tune into 302 Sports for streamed and prerecorded Delaware school sports events. It’s a great way to meet the coaches and players putting Delaware on the map for sportsmanship and athletic talent.

Student Community, Leadership and Youth Programs
Committed to making the world a better place through Delaware’s future leaders

Volunteer and leadership programs give teens valuable coaching and real-world experience to help them become the leaders of tomorrow for our community.

Teen Sharp

TeenSHARP prepares Black, Latino and low-income high school students with community-centered leadership skills and the intense academic preparation, support and advising they need to succeed in top colleges.

The Warehouse

The Warehouse, Delaware’s first community center for teens, by teens, offers the latest technology, state-of-the-art performing arts space, workforce preparation and quiet meditation areas in a fun, relaxing and nurturing space – plus adult mentorship to help youth thrive.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware

Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware provide a safe place for youth to learn, grow and interact with their peers through recreation, safe havens and mentorship.

With so many agricultural communities, Delaware has an active 4H community full of summer camps, afterschool programs, volunteer leadership and State Fair opportunities. But 4H is not just for rural kids. Have your child check out the events schedule to learn how they can develop skills to reach their full potential and improve the world.

Delaware American Legion Boys State trains youth in the successful management of a democratic society through an innovative program that mirrors the structure and operation of Delaware state government.

ASPIRA school-based leadership clubs help Lantino youth build skills to become leaders in their communities. Programs are available at several schools in both New Castle and Kent counties.

Scouting options are offered statewide through the Boy Scouts of Del-Mar-Va and Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay

New Castle, Kent and Sussex County Recreational Departments

From art classes to youth workforce development programs, New Castle, Kent and Sussex County departments of Parks and Recreation offer nature programs, summer and specialty camps, youth sports leagues and instructional clinics for children and teens.

Civil Air Patrol

Home to the Dover Air Force Base, Delaware has a large and proud military community. The Civil Air Patrol introduces youth to aviation while promoting physical fitness and moral leadership, with opportunities for scholarship and volunteer service.

Governor’s School for Excellence

The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence one-week residential summer camp experience at the University of Delaware offers academically and artistically talented Delaware high school students to expand their leadership skills. Students are nominated and selected for this competitive application process.

Junior Achievement of Delaware

Through Junior Achievement of Delaware, elementary students are introduced to financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

Senate Programs

The Senate Page Program exposes high school juniors to our nation’s legislative branch in action while living, working and attending classes on Capitol Hill. Pages from Delaware are sponsored Delaware Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons.

The Delaware Senate Youth Program deepens high school students’ understanding of our nation’s political process and strengthens interest in public service careers.

Youth Fire Explorer Program

Wilmington, DE

A groundbreaking program aimed at expanding opportunities for young individuals interested in the fire service. By encouraging their passion for firefighting and fostering essential life skills and leadership qualities, this program instills a sense of community and prepares them for future endeavors.

Wilmington, DE

A groundbreaking program aimed at expanding opportunities for young individuals interested in the fire service. By encouraging their passion for firefighting and fostering essential life skills and leadership qualities, this program instills a sense of community and prepares them for future endeavors.

Youth Mentoring Programs

Delaware’s mentors serve as role models, offering valuable insights and advice on education, career choices, and personal growth. By nurturing these connections, mentoring programs in Delaware empower youth to build confidence, resilience, and equip them with the tools they need in their adult lives.

Ace Mentor

Ace Mentor aims to familiarize high school students with the diverse spectrum of career prospects within the industries of architecture, construction, engineering. This program offers a distinctive opportunity for students to explore and cultivate fresh skills, work towards their future aspirations, and embark on a path toward fulfilling careers.

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Youth Mentoring Initiative

The Youth Mentoring Initiative, known as YMI, partners with the Hamilton Southeastern School District to implement a school-based mentoring program that provides individualized mentoring for students. YMI’s core mission involves fostering a mentoring community characterized by exemplary service, integrity, encouragement, and empathy. Central to this endeavor is our commitment to nurturing the community by making meaningful investments in our youth’s growth and development.

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Art Programs

Delaware also celebrates the power of art to inspire and ignite young imaginations. We take great pride in offering a diverse range of art-themed programs for children. These programs serve as platforms for creative exploration, enabling young minds to delve into various artistic disciplines, express themselves to discover their unique talents.

Art Programs

Delaware also celebrates the power of art to inspire and ignite young imaginations. We take great pride in offering a diverse range of art-themed programs for children. These programs serve as platforms for creative exploration, enabling young minds to delve into various artistic disciplines, express themselves to discover their unique talents.

At Risk Youth Programs

These mentoring endeavors for at risk youth are thoughtfully designed and bolstered by the state and diverse community entities, aspiring to offer direction, assistance, and a constructive beacon of guidance.

Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF)

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) is a government agency dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children, youth, and families in Delaware. It provides a range of services and programs aimed at supporting children and youth, addressing their needs, and ensuring their healthy development. The department’s focus areas typically include child welfare, foster care, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and services for families in need.

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Delaware Futures

Delaware Future’s supports at-risk youth in their journey towards college readiness following eighth grade. Their tailored programs encompass academic enrichment, group sessions fostering problem-solving and teamwork skills, community involvement, hands-on workplace internships, and individualized guidance. More than 88% of Delaware Future’s graduates attend college and students meeting admission criteria become eligible for comprehensive or partial tuition scholarships at affiliated higher education institutions.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

Big Brother’s Big Sister’s mission is to “Create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is for all of Delaware’s youth to achieve their full potential.”

Located in each county of Delaware, BBBS has been a consistent source of supportive mentors to at-risk youth. These adult volunteers undergo a meticulous screening and receive tailored training before being matched with children. Based on shared interests and the individual needs of each child BBBS will pair the child with the best fitting mentor. Functioning as friends, and role models, these committed volunteers play a pivotal role in bolstering the self-confidence of children, especially those from

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DNREC

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Moreover, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers engaging classes designed specifically for kids. These interactive and educational sessions foster a deep appreciation for nature and the environment, nurturing environmentally conscious citizens. From wildlife exploration to outdoor adventures, the programs encourage children to become stewards of the Earth and guardians of Delaware’s natural wonders.

Diversity

Equity

Inclusion

At the core of Delaware’s approach lies a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We embrace individuals from all walks of life, ensuring that every child and young adult has equal access to an exceptional education, regardless of their socioeconomic status or cultural heritage. By cultivating an inclusive society, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective progress.

Become a Delawarean

Experience firsthand how our state empowers its youngest residents to dream, learn, and grow in an environment that values their unique perspectives and aspirations by joining us in Delaware.

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