YMCA of Greater Seattle - International Programs

We are excited to announce that Applications for YMCA Global Teens trip to China and Japan 2020 are OPEN!
For Program information visit http://ymcaglobalteens.blogspot.com/

APPLY NOW
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=seYa2Dd64UeU7olxDG4nCUPg96sxtQlIt-h390ndnuBUMFA3TkJXWjlCV0s3VUZKS1pJTkI3MFlEOS4u

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Calling all 2018 Global Teens alumni! Looking for a way to stay involved and give back to the Global teens program? Come join our interview panel and help us select our next group of Global Teens to YMCA175 in London.
To learn more, send us a message and we'll get back to you with upcoming interview days and times.
Representation Matters!

The Global Teens Program is porudly spnsored by DELTA.

Come be part of the biggest YMCA Global Youth event-YMCA175

In 2019, Global Teens are going to YMCA175 in London from August 3rd-8th, 2019. will bring more than 5,000 young people from around the world together to explore youth issues and be the voice for change.

If you are between 16-18 years of age, APPLY today for this one-of-a-kind international learning opportunity.

For more information and application visit: http://ymcaglobalteens.blogspot.com

Application Deadline: December 31st, 2018.

For a sneak peek visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPVSbC3dxrg

The Global Teens program is proudly sponsored by DELTA

YMCA Global Teens

Calling ALL Youth and Youth leaders. In 2019, will bring more than 5,000 young people from around the world together to explore youth issues and be the voice for change.
Registration is now OPEN at http://ymcaglobalteens.blogspot.com for Teen applications to our 2019 Global teens trip to London.Will you be at ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPVSbC3dxrg

The Global teens program is proudly sponsored by DELTA

YMCA 175 Global Youth Event In 2019, the YMCA will celebrate its 175th birthday with a global youth gathering in London - the birthplace of the YMCA. More than 5,000 young people from a...

YMCA of Greater Seattle - International Programs updated their address.

We are so excited to share our Global Teen Mexico participant, Nicolas Peters-Lopez story as we shed a spotlight on our border Y in Tijuana, Mexico during Latinx Heritage Month.

Latinx Heritage: Creating International Bonds Latinx Heritage: Creating International Bonds The Y of Greater Seattle is committed to building a global community at home. As an international organization, the Y is uniquely positioned to create meaningful and strategic professional development opportunities for kids, young adults and communities'...

It’s at the Y! We have events all over to welcome newcomers to the U.S. and encourage neighbors to meet each other! Check out what’s coming up near you! http://bit.ly/2xg1Of7

September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance  September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of efforts, originally launched in 2002 that promotes community service on 9/11 as an annual and forward-looking tribute

Global Teens Japan: The group spent the last few days of their trip with their host families in Kobe. This gave them an opportunity to authentically experience daily life in Japan. They also visited various youth programs of the Kobe YMCA and playing fun game like duck duck goose and rock paper scissor with the children. They ended their last day soaking up the sights and sounds of Kyoto. As the group head back home today we are reminded of how far the relationship of these two "sister cities" have come since they first began in 1947 as a way to promote friendship and cross cultural understanding after WWII.
We are thankful to our International partners in Kobe YMCA, Aiko Nakamichi and team, to all our host families who welcomed our kids into their homes like their own and the beautiful country and people of Japan.
Arigatou gozaimasu ありがとうございます

Global Teens Mexico: Our group experienced a multitude of emotions in Tijuana with YMCA Mexico. While there, the group visited Casa Migrantes, the Women and children’s shelter , the US Mexico border wall including 7 prototypes for the new wall and Friendship Park. The group travelled into San Diego via the largest border crossing. They met with ACLU lawyers working on policy changes related to immigration and board members from San Diego Border Dreamers who talked about their work in support of a “clean dream” act. The trip ended with a visit to the Copley Price YMCA to learn about how our border YMCAs are responding to newcomer communities.
Today is the final day of travel for our teens as they head back home to Seattle. We are so thankful for the many friendships our teens made at the summit and the opportunity to experience the spirit of Mexico. We are grateful to our international hosts and their teams in Mexico, Abraham Aguilar and Uriel Gonzalez for their hospitality and expertise. Special thanks to Julian Villegas and team of YMCA San Diego.

Global Teens Japan: The group have been at Camp Yoshima over the last few days having the best time ever! Tomorow will be another exciting day as they head back to Kobe to meet with their host families!

Global Teens Mexico: The group are at Camp El Penon where they are making new friends and working on their Spanish speaking skills. Our trip leader, Brie Davis presented to the 98 attendees about using the Seattle Y's approach to using a Diversity&Inclusion lens when working with communities facing health disparities. One of our Global teens also shared her passion for Environmental Justice! Other activities included Ziplining, swimming in the lake, swinging on a massive bungee swing and obstacle courses!
Today will be their final day at Camp as they head to Tijuana, Mexico.

Global teens Mexico, Day 1 & 2-Here are some highlights from the groups trip so far. The group had a chance to tour Leon and were treated to some traditional Guacamayas, a tasty pork torta unique to the region.The group then made their way to the YMCA of Mexico National Youth Gathering where they will spend the next 3 days.The gathering will convene YMCA leaders and youth from Local Mexican YMCAs and YMCA Toronto, Medellin and YMCA of Central America at a camp in Leon, Guanajuato to further develop their leadership skills and deepen their engagement in the YMCA and community.

Global teens Japan, Day 1&2-
The group stopped at the Kobe City Hall which offers beautiful panoramic views of both the mountain side and seaside from Kobe's city Centre. They visited the peace memorial park, the remains of Hiroshima castle, and talked with a survivor of the atomic bomb which was a truly moving experience. The group then visited the famous Miyajima shrine to study Shinto where deer wander freely. They ended their day at a traditional okonomiyaki restuarant where they prepared savory grilled pancake!

Both our teams have safely arrived at their final destinations-Mexico and Japan. Here are some pics of both groups. The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA shares an international partnership in both countries!

An important day for the Global Teens program as our teens head to Japan and Mexico on their 10day service learning trips. Let’s wish both teams a safe trip and follow their adventures as we share fun photos and videos of both groups, right here!

Our global Teens in Madurai spent their final day shopping for gifts to bring back home. The group left India this morning and will return to Seattle tomorrow. Let’s wish them a safe trip back home.
A special thank you to our hosts, the wonderful Madurai YMCA staff, board members, General Secretary, Shamila Doris and the beautiful Madurai community for their kind hospitality.
We look forward to hearing about our groups journey, experiences and new learnings.

Our next group of Global Teens are headed to Kobe, Japan! On the trip, each student will experience Japanese language, life and culture and connect with local youth through their three day trip to YMCA Camp Yoshima, visiting historic Kyoto, touring Kobe and a home-stay with a Japanese family from the Kobe YMCA. Students will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to see, hear and discuss directly about the personal impact of war.
Let's wish our group a safe trip as they leave this Saturday!

Day 5&6, Madurai: the grp had their second visit to the school for the mentally challenged. They spent the entire time there doing art with the students. It was a great chance for them to sit and not have to focus on the language barrier but communicate through art instead.

Then they spent some time learning about the culture and different festivals in India from a professor here. They were able to have valuable conversations... so much so that him and his wife have invited them over for dinner and prepared some traditional foods from the region.

The grp also visited the YMCA Boy’s Home. There they learned briefly how to hit the ball in cricket as well as pitch. They were even able to teach the boy’s how to play a game called “Find the Leader”.

Lastly, the group was treated to a rooftop dinner back at the YMCA where they performed some classical dances for them. It was absolutely captivating and beautiful.

Day 3 & 4, Madurai:
- The grp visited the YMCA’s Nursery school. Here the YMCA works with children who are from impoverished neighborhoods. This is a great way for the children to jump start their learning while their parents are working. They played games like “Red Light Green Light” and Freeze Tag.

- They then visited the Tamil Government School. There are approx. 3000 female students that attend this school. It was a big big school and all the girls was very excited to have visitors. They welcomed the grp with enthusiastic waves and loud “Hi”s. The girls were bombarded at times with questions like, “What is your name?” and handshakes.

- Other fun activities included visiting the Meenakshi temple, hiking and getting henna!

Day 2, Madurai: Before visiting the Y schools, our Global Teens started the day bright and early with 7am guided yoga practice.

They visited the following schools today:
- the “School for the Mentally Challenged” where over 100 children with diverse mental abilities receive education and physical therapy depending on their conditions.

- the School for the Hearing Impaired where over 150 children receive education using sign language, written language, and lip reading.
The grp was treated to an inspiring dance performance by the boys!

Day 1, Madurai: The group headed out for some sight seeing to the Palace and Gandhi Museum. This was followed by a visit to the YMCA Evening Study Center that provides children from rural, low income families, the opportunity to receive academic support, nutritious food and a place to play and be children.

After flying 8,263 miles across the Pacific Ocean, our group have finally arrived in Madurai. Our Global teens were warmly welcomed by General secretary, Ms. Shamila Doris and YMCA staff. The Global teens program is officially sponsored by our partners- Delta Airlines,

0ver 20hrs of flying time and look at these happy faces! The group has reached Chennai, India and await their final flight to Madurai.

This amazing group of Global Teens are traveling to India today. They will learn about the many barriers that children in India face with access to education during their 10 day visit with our International partners, the Madurai-India YMCA. Let's wish them a wonderful trip!
Continue to follow us for more fun pics and videos of the group right here!

Please share with families and young people in your communities.

Applications are being accepted for the 2017 Global Teens program.

The mission of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Global Teens program is to develop teens into global citizens. Global Teen participants learn through cultural competency training, service-learning, leadership development, and cross-cultural exchanges. Teens selected to participate in this year-round program will engage in social justice-oriented conversations and activities culminating in a service-learning trip to a global YMCA partner.

Each trip will consist of a group of 8 - 15 teens, along with at least 2 YMCA trip leaders. Once the trip group is selected, they will attend pre-trip gatherings at the sponsoring YMCA location which will focus on team-building, leadership development, and cultural competency trainings in preparation for their trip.

Bellevue - Madurai, India
Matt Griffin/Auburn -Nicaragua
West Seattle - Kobe, Japan

Who: 10th - 12th graders (in Fall 2017)

For more information, dates, fees and to apply go to: http://ymcaglobalteens.blogspot.com/p/home.html

**Priority will be given to those who apply by November 11th.

YMCA GLOBAL TEENS OVERVIEW The mission of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Global Teens program is to develop teens into global citizens. Global Teen participants learn thr...

Sadly, the death rates are rising and people are suffering in Haiti due to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

Please consider donating to aid families in Haiti.

Here’s something you should know: 100% yes, 100% of anything you donate, $5, $10, $100, goes directly to the Haitian community!

Here’s a link to YUSA’s Haiti Appeal:http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/pdf/Haiti-appeal.pdf

To donate go to:
https://donate.ymca.net/world-service-donation.aspx?_ga=1.202844689.1620006295.1427303663

www.ymca.net

Y of Greater Seattle Global Teens Program: The mission of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Global Teens program is to develop teens into global citizens. Global Teen participants learn through cultural competency training, service-learning, leadership development, and cross-cultural exchanges. Teens selected to participate in this year-round program will engage in social justice oriented conversations and activities culminating in a service-learning trip to a global YMCA partner.
For more information and to apply: http://ymcaglobalteens.blogspot.com/p/home.html

YMCA GLOBAL TEENS OVERVIEW The mission of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Global Teens program is to develop teens into global citizens. Global Teen participants learn thr...

Hosting the NYC Global Teens! They are learning about environmental justice in Seattle. Today they are learning about South Park and the city's effort to clean up the Duwamish river.

Nicaragua Global Teens at the Acahualinca Y Youth Center!