Youth Directions & Alternatives

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS:
YDA SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION IS ONLY 5 DAYS AWAY!

View specific Adventure info at: www.ydaonline.org/program​

Registration begins online - Tuesday, June 2nd @ 6:00 PM

Please review all YDA Adventures policies before registration

13/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: It was a Tuesday full of ball 🏀

Our CIT volunteers created signs for the players on the team! The signs were presented at their Senior Send Off/ Exiting students game. It was a blast to celebrate these awesome athletes. ✨

Then later that night we got to witness some impressive moves from a varsity player at YDA’s HS Basketball program - now that’s a slam dunk day.

12/05/2026

Our first Youth Connections Program Series experience was a hit! Thank you to AWARE Drug & Alcohol Community Coalition for making this program possible and 1LIFE for being amazing role models.

Great food and even better connections 🍱🔥

This past Friday, AWARE, 1LIFE, and YDA were excited to host a successful Youth Connection Program: Hibachi Night for 6th-8th Grade Students!

The students had the opportunity to enjoy a fun hibachi-style dinner, spend time with peers, and connect with supportive high school leaders in a screen-free, welcoming, positive environment.

Programs like this help create safe spaces where young people can build friendships, strengthen communication skills, and feel connected to their community.

Creating opportunities for connection and belonging plays an important role in supporting mental wellness and preventing substance use, including opioid misuse, among youth.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this night so special! 💙

12/05/2026

YDA is thrilled to be a collection for The Northport Rotary Book Drive for Hindi's Library. Please drop off your new or gently used children's books M/W/F 10:30 -5:00 PM.

Give a book. Change a life. 📚✨
The Northport Rotary Club is collecting new and gently used children’s books this May to support literacy in underserved communities. Clear out your shelves and help a child discover the joy of reading!

Drop-off locations are all around Northport & East Northport—every book makes a difference ❤️

12/05/2026

Pop-Up Dress Boutique!👗
Join us Wednesday, May 20th from 4pm-6pm!
A variety of dresses and suits are available.
For questions please call the Youth Bureau at 631-351-3061.

11/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ready to make a difference AND have fun doing it? 🙌

Join YDA’s L.I.V.E Program (Leadership In Volunteer Experience) and turn your time into impact 💙🧡

✨ Help out with awesome after-school programs
🎨 Get involved in art, sports, cooking & events
🗣️ Build leadership + teamwork skills
⏱️ Earn community service hours

Open to 10th–12th graders in Northport, East Northport, Elwood & Harborfields!

📅 Training: Tuesday 5/12 | 6:30–7:30 PM
📧 Email [email protected]
to apply

Step up. Give back. Lead the way. 💪

11/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: Check out the PAWS-itive impact of CIT! Last week our youth volunteers baked delicious and healthy dog treats for our pup friends at the Town of Huntington Animal Shelter. The staff were kind enough to share photos of sweet Lola enjoying the treats 🐾🦴 To learn more about Lola and other available dogs visit their page on PetFinder or Huntingtonny.gov

05/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: A little bit of everything lately 💫

YDA staff have been busy as bees this Spring:
From DIY NeeDoh stress balls - to creating artful moments that speak up at the Social Justice Ambassadors Acceptance Day @ NHS 🎨
We of course made time for some self-care (face masks, smoothies, and DIY scrubs) and baked treats to donate to our furry friends at local shelters 🐾🦴
But nothing beats some sunshine and kickball in the park ☀️⚽
So many ways to be yourself, give back, and have fun together.

This is what YDA looks like!

04/05/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: CHECK OUT OUR AWESOME MAY PROGRAMS! Spots still available - sign up at www.ydaonline.org/programs

⚽ Soccer Showdown World Cup
🔥 Ready to bring your A-game?
Join our Soccer Showdown World Cup this May! Compete with friends, play mini games, and celebrate with 🍕 on the final day!

🎮 Video Game Tuesdays
👾 Gamers, this is your moment!
Join us every Tuesday to race, battle, and compete in your favorite games like Mario Kart & Smash Bros 💥
Come one day or every week!

🧪 Slime Thursdays
💚🧪 Mix it. Stretch it. Love it.
Join us every Thursday for the ultimate slime-making experience!