Youth Directions & Alternatives

02/10/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS - Behinds the scenes peek at CIT 👀💗

02/10/2026

💗 BREAKING YDA NEWS — Pink for a Purpose! 🩷

This Monday, Community Impact Team (CIT) kicked off the school year by creating colorful rocks for the Pink in the Park event hosted by the Town of Huntington. The event honors breast cancer survivors and those currently facing a diagnosis. 🎀

Each rock is a simple reminder of the strength, courage, and determination of the many friends, family members, and loved ones who are affected by breast cancer every day. 💕

Did you know? About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, too. Early detection and regular screening can help save lives.

💗 Want to make a difference? Join CIT at our next meeting!
📅 Monday | 4:00–5:00 PM
📍 324 Main St.

29/09/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS:✨ A LEGO-filled adventure to prep for LEGO Challenge Club! ✨
YDA Youth Worker Nick took a trip to Bricks & Minifigs West Babylon Bricks & Mini Figs in West Babylon to stock up on LEGOs for our creative builders — and came home with an AMAZING supply that will keep our imaginations going for weeks to come!
Even more special: the store is owned by a local community member, Rachel Joffe, who kindly connected us with this wonderful collection of LEGOs. We’re so grateful for the generosity and connection that made this possible! 💛
We can’t wait to see what our LEGO Challenge Club members dream up and build next week! 🧱💡

17/09/2026

Join YDA for a free special trip to see Dear Evan Hansen 🎭 This outing gives teens a chance to experience live theater together, connect with others, and witness a show about real topics that matter to them. We will meet at YDA for pizza before heading to the theater with YDA staff. This Adventure is open to youth in grades 8-12.

Tickets have been generously donated by John W. Engeman Theater 💙

A Note About Dear Evan Hansen:

At its heart, Dear Evan Hansen is a story about people searching for connection in the aftermath of loss. Along the way, the musical explores mental health, anxiety, depression, loneliness, su***de, grief, family relationships, and the consequences of choices made out of fear and a desire to belong.

The production contains mature themes, some profanity, and some suggestive material.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dear-evan-hansen-yda

-Access to ONE showing per participant only
-All participants must leave and depart as a group. NO EXCEPTIONS. Parents are prohibited from following YDA Adventures in their own vehicles.
-This Adventure is open to youth in grades 8-12.
-Substitutions are prohibited. NO EXCEPTIONS.
-All YDA Adventures are subject to minor changes. Unfilled YDA Adventures are subject to cancellation.
-A completed permission slip is required to attend.
-All participants must be able to function independently. Failure to do so will result in the participant's removal from the adventure. Do not register your child without notifying us of any special needs that they may have.

16/09/2026

✨ Charmed Creations is coming to YDA this October! ✨

Get creative and make something totally YOU! 💜 Join us every Wednesday from 4–5 PM for a fun-filled crafting experience. 🎨🧿

📅 October 7: Design Your Own Claw Clip
📅 October 14: Customize Your Own Jibbit
📅 October 21: Create Your Own Phone Strap or Keychain
📅 October 28: Create Your Own Spooky Bracelet 🎃👻

📍 YDA – 324 Main Street, Northport
👧 Open to 5th–8th graders
💲 $5/day

Spots are limited, so register today at ydaonline.org/programs or contact Julia at [email protected] or 631-261-7901.

💖 Come craft, customize, and show off your unique style!

15/09/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: 🎸 YDA IS BRINGING BAND NIGHT BACK! 🎸
Last winter, we had 75+ students come out and 4 student bands rock the stage at our Winter Band Night! 🤘
And this year, we’re doing it again!
🎶 We’re looking for 3–5 student bands to rock out with us—and we need YOU!
All student bands + genres are welcome! 😊
Know another student band that should join? Feel free to forward this form their way!
📋 Interested in performing?
Please fill out the form in its entirety.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19iZ1QZFYy1Xy9FXnTUBSei0q92Ttz3bOhrAkuZIz4Zc/viewform?edit_requested=true

We’ll be in touch afterward to confirm your details and let you know if you’ve secured a spot.
⚡ Spots are limited and fill up FAST—first come, first serve!
Let’s make this year’s Band Night even bigger. 🎸🤘

14/09/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: Youth Community Service Opportunities with YDA or Community Partners

Need volunteer hours? Want to make a difference? Looking to do something fun while giving back or learning about keeping yourself healthy? Slide to check out out your options!

11/09/2026

03/09/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: Fun for everyone this fall!
https://www.ydaonline.org/programs

03/09/2026

BREAKING YDA NEWS: Summer at YDA = FUN, FRIENDSHIP & NEW MEMORIES!

Our Middle School Summer Drop-In gave local middle schoolers a place to hang out, try new activities, see friends, and enjoy their summer in a safe, welcoming environment. From games, prizes, and themed challenges to plenty of laughs, every day brought something new! 🎉

We love creating opportunities for young people to connect, grow, and just be themselves. That’s what YDA is all about. 💙 Swipe to keep the fun going this school year 👀➡️ See you Friday!