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Life Skills

Life Skills programming targets our young people, helping them learn practical skills for managing everyday life challenges and prepare for the future. The programs are structured with a focus on developing abilities like communication, decision-making, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and time management. Youth learn work skills, improve their grades, and plan for future goals in our programs.

Naugatuck Youth Services provides Life Skills programs to equip young people with the essential tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. These programs empower youth to make positive choices, build healthy relationships, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in school, work, and life. Ultimately, our goal is to support the holistic development of young people, helping them thrive in their communities.

Girls on the Run (GotR)

Girls on the Run is a national nonprofit organization that offers after-school programs designed to empower young girls through physical activity, specifically running, and life skills development. Naugatuck Youth Services partners with Naugatuck Public Schools to bring the program to our elementary and intermediate schools. The program runs through the spring and ends in early May.

The Naugatuck program typically serves girls in grades 3-6 and combines training for a 5K run with lessons that promote confidence, positive self-image, teamwork, and healthy decision-making. Through a curriculum that integrates running, the goal is to inspire girls to develop inner strength, resilience, and leadership qualities.

Girls participate in two after-school sessions per week and build relationships with their coaches. Girls may register in early spring for the program. Coach and assistant coach volunteers are always in need. Days for volunteering can be flexible, as long as they align with the after-school timing.

If you are interested in starting a Girls on the Run group in your child’s school, please reach out to us at 203-720-5673 or info@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Knowledge Drop

Knowledge Drop is a tutoring and homework space for teens to focus on schoolwork during after-school hours. High school tutors excelling in academic subjects help their peers and younger students understand the content needed for their assignments.

After-school tutoring serves to benefit teens by boosting confidence through one-on-one or small group support in their coursework. Better understanding leads to higher academic engagement in school and promotes improved study skills.

Knowledge Drop is held every Wednesday when school is in session, after school until 5pm at Naugatuck Youth Services.

Students interested in tutoring for community service can reach out to Joe at joe@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Naugy Youth Leadership Camp (“Camp”)

Dedicated to building communication skills, adaptability, and a sense of adventure, high school students who reside in Naugatuck attend a weekend at YMCA Camp Jewell. Camp is the weekend after Labor Day in September each year. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to make connections with staff and each other so they can network and set themselves up for the rest of the school year. 

YMCA Camp Jewell, located in Colebrook, Connecticut, is a year-round camp offering outdoor experiences for children, teens, and families. Nestled in a scenic forested area, the camp provides traditional summer camp programs, leadership training, and family-friendly activities.

With a focus on building character, fostering teamwork, and encouraging outdoor exploration, Camp Jewell offers activities such as hiking, canoeing, ropes courses, and team sports. The camp is well-known for creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where campers can build confidence, develop life skills, and form lasting friendships.

Those interested in attending camp should contact info@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Connecticut Youth Employment Program

The Connecticut Youth Employment program hosted by the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, provides youth ages 14-24 work experience over the summer for a period of 6 weeks, for up to 20 hours a week, at minimum wage. Not all applicants will be guaranteed a position as this program is grant funded and based on a number of slots. Youth are placed at worksites in the Naugatuck area and surrounding towns. These positions include customer service, food service, groundskeeping, childcare, administrative assistant, and much more. 

Applications can be found online only at nrwib.digicon.com. Youth MUST create an online account in order to complete the application. Required documents are listed in the first steps of the application. All required documents are needed in order to successfully complete the application. 

For questions regarding the programming or application process, please contact youthjobs@naugatuckyouthservices.org or call at 203-720-5673. 

Mentoring

Mentoring partners a youth with a trusted adult or older teen who is committed to working on their goals. Young people need someone to confide in. Youth who have a trusted adult outside their home are half as likely to use substances and deal with depressed moods.

Mentors go through a two-hour training on building relationships and dealing with conflict. Mentors are matched to mentees based on a number of factors, including availability, personality/interests, and experience. Ongoing support is provided for all relationships. Mentors and mentees meet once a week for one hour sessions.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact mentor@naugatuckyouthservices.org

Community Cleanups

One of the ongoing opportunities for youth to do community service is to attend one of the community cleanups hosted by Naugatuck Youth Services in collaboration with the Naugatuck High School Sunrise Hub.

Community cleanups of parks are important because they enhance the town’s environment, making public spaces more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Clean parks promote healthier ecosystems, protect wildlife, and prevent pollution from spreading into local waterways. These cleanups foster community pride and civic engagement, bringing students together to care for shared spaces. As a form of community service, cleanups teach responsibility, encourage environmental stewardship, and contribute to the overall well-being and appearance of the town, making it a better place to live and visit.

Our cleanups are seasonal and posted to our social media when they are scheduled.