Clarkston Area Youth Assistance

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

Attention Clarkston Families! ☀️📚

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids active and engaged this summer? We want to make sure every child in our community has the chance to experience the magic of summer camp!

If your children are enrolled in Clarkston Community Schools and your household meets income eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a summer camp scholarship.

How to apply:
1️⃣ Check the income qualification chart (included in the photos below) to see if your family is eligible.
2️⃣ Fill out the application form.
3️⃣ Submit your materials to get the process started!

Scholarships help cover costs for a variety of programs, ensuring that financial barriers don't stand in the way of summer fun and learning.

Learn more and download the forms here:
🔗 https://www.caya-mi.org/summercamp

Don't wait—get your applications in soon to secure a spot! Please share this post with any local neighbors or friends who might benefit.

04/29/2026

Last night, our community came together to celebrate 70 amazing youths who are making a difference. Congratulations to all of the honorees, and thank you to everyone who participated in recognizing all of their contributions!

04/16/2026

New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Join us for "Riding the Wave: Real Talk on Grief."

Grief is complicated, personal, and often hits when we least expect it. In this episode, we explore practical tools for grounding yourself, the difference between acceptance and approval, and when it’s time to reach out for extra help.

Stream it now: https://cayaconversations.buzzsprout.com/2414132/episodes/18781731-riding-the-wave-real-talk-on-grief

04/08/2026

Ever feel like your temper goes from zero to sixty in a split second? 💨

In our latest episode of CAYA Conversations, we’re breaking down what’s actually happening in your brain during those "flip out" moments. Think of your brain like an office: when the "security guard" (your amygdala) takes over to protect you, the "CEO" (your prefrontal cortex) gets kicked out of the room.

We explore why anger is often just a signal for something deeper—like hurt, stress, or anxiety—and share practical ways to get back in the driver's seat.

🎧 Listen now: https://cayaconversations.buzzsprout.com/2414132/episodes/18781721-when-anger-is-a-signal-not-the-story

03/23/2026

Making Magic (and Music!) at Pine K**b Elementary! 🎶🥁

We are so excited to share some highlights from CAYA's Music Mashup program at Pine K**b Elementary!

These students have been having an absolute blast diving into the world of rhythm and sound. From the high-energy "Percussion Freeze Dance" to the creative beats of "Bucket Drumming," the joy in the room is infectious!

But it’s about more than just having fun—our young musicians are growing every day. Through this program, they are:

*Building Teamwork: Learning to listen and collaborate in our Drum Circles.

*Boosting Confidence: Expressing themselves through Percussion Karaoke and showing off their unique musical ideas.

*Expanding Horizons: Taking a "Cultural Music Exploration" to discover instruments and rhythms from all around the world!

*Developing Focus: Mastering basic rhythms and fundamental academic skills through hands-on play.

*Whether they are budding rockstars or just curious about a new hobby, it’s incredible to see these kids explore, learn, and grow in such a supportive environment.

Check out these rockstars in action! 👇📸

03/17/2026

Join the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA) Pinwheels for Prevention Program!

We are dedicated to preventing child and adolescent adversity by strengthening youth and families through community involvement.

Our blue pinwheel campaign is a powerful way to show that Clarkston is committed to the well-being of every child and adolescent. These pinwheels represent our collective responsibility to create safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments where young people feel connected, valued, and loved.

When you purchase a blue pinwheel garden, you are investing in CAYA prevention programs that build resilience and provide youth with the tools to make healthy choices.

How you can help:
-Extend kindness wherever you go.
-Connect with the children and adolescents in your life.
-Plant a blue pinwheel garden.

Together, let’s ensure our youth feel safe, hopeful, and welcomed throughout the community.

The CAYA Pinwheels for Prevention Program works through its projects to strengthen the well-being of children, adolescents and families through community involvement by:

03/14/2026

Earlier this week, our community came together for the Pinwheels for Prevention kickoff. 💙

Thank you to everyone who attended and showed their support for the children and families in our community. It was a morning filled with encouragement, connection, and hope for the future of our youth.

The pinwheels we planted are a reminder that every child deserves a safe, happy childhood—and that it takes all of us working together to make that possible.

Learn more and find ways to support the initiative:
https://www.caya-mi.org/pinwheels-for-prevention

03/10/2026

The Sixth Circuit Court of Oakland County, Michigan is pleased to announce our jury sticker contest celebrating 250 years of independence.
Oakland Schools - Michigan

02/26/2026

🎧 New Episode Alert: Substances, Choices, & Limits
Pressure from friends, stress, and curiosity are part of teen life—but how do substances like alcohol and w**d really affect the developing brain and everyday goals? 👀

In this episode of CAYA Conversations, we cut through the myths and share honest, judgment-free insights about why teens might experiment with substances, how they impact sleep, mood, memory, and performance — and most importantly, practical tools for making choices that protect health, goals, and relationships. 💡✨

From setting limits without killing the vibe to learning simple skills like box breathing, music resets, and when to reach out for support — this convo has something for parents and teens alike. 🧠💬

🔗 Listen now: https://cayaconversations.buzzsprout.com/2414132/episodes/18574984-substances-choices-limits