Health & Wellness  Summer Camp

A fun, active summer that builds more than fitness. Campers walk away with stronger life skills, greater self-confidence, and tools to make healthy choices all year long. Through hands-on activities, role-play, and real conversation, campers build communication, problem-solving, and substance use prevention skills that stick. Workshops focused on self-worth, identity, and leadership create a space where young people feel seen and empowered. And at the heart of it all are caring counselors who foster genuine connection, belonging, and a community that brings out the best in every camper, setting them up for a strong start to the school year and beyond.

The camp consists of two three-week sessions for rising 6th–8th graders.


Monday–Thursday, June 30 – August 6


Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
• Where: White Plains Youth Bureau


This program is free (White Plains residents only).

Contact: kmindingall@whiteplainsny.gov or 914-422-1378 x6704

Contact Kassandra Mindingall at  kmindingall@whiteplainsny.gov or 914-422-1378 x6704

Tutoring

Middle and high school students who need help with Math, Science and English can contact us to be paired with a tutor. 

Tutoring sessions must be scheduled based on availability.

The program is free of charge to families in White Plains.

Students must be in 6th through 12th grade. 

Applications are available at the Youth Bureau. Must have a parent or guardian must fill out the Neighborhood Services Registration Form which you can download by clicking the ‘REGISTRATION FORM’ button on this page.
You can also email Gina Covington at gcovington@whiteplainsny.gov for more information or to receive applications in English or Spanish.

Drum Corps

Students in grades 6-12 learn how to play the drums and participate in local parades and events. Whether you have been playing the drums for years or have never picked up a stick, we teach you everything you will need to know! Program is FREE and equipment is included.

Thursdays from 4pm – 5:30pm and Saturdays from 1pm – 2:30pm.

Middle School and High School students are welcome to participate. The Drum Corps performs in parades and in events.

Applications are available at the Youth Bureau or downloaded by clicking the ‘REGISTRATION FORM’ button on this page.

You can also email Gina Covington at gcovington@whiteplainsny.gov for more information or to receive applications via email in English or Spanish. 

Youth Employment Services​

The Youth Employment Program provides youth ages 12 through 24 with opportunities to learn about the world of work through job training, life-skills development programs and full and part-time employment.

Great Potential Program (MS & HS)

The Great Potential Program provides White Plains students in grades 7–12 with the critical thinking, study skills, and academic support needed to thrive and succeed throughout middle and high school. The program helps students develop effective learning strategies, strengthen their decision-making and problem-solving skills, and build the confidence necessary to reach their educational goals. Through meaningful guidance and support, Great Potential prepares White Plains students for a successful transition to post-secondary education, career opportunities, and productive futures.

Middle School: We currently meet on Wednesdays when there is no early release from school from 2:35 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. at Highlands Middle School.

High School: Two Mondays a month at 2:35 p.m. at WPHS

Students are typically referred by the sixth or seventh grade guidance counselors. Sometimes they are also recruited by the group leader. Students are typically referred to this program if someone believes they can benefit from being connected to a positive, active program. They should be able to benefit from belonging to our group and being exposed to different activities and community service. Students may be struggling with behavior, school, family issues, or may just be quiet or outgoing and can benefit from being involved. Once students start in middle school they automatically continue on to the high school program at White Plains High School. Oftentimes, students are in the program for 6 years.

No. Participation is voluntary.

If a student has not been referred by their school, they can contact Catherine Backes Valenzuela, 914-422-1378, cvbackes@whiteplainsny.gov, to get more information about the program. There is an application that gets completed by the parent if the child is appropriate for the program.

Applications are not available online.

Aviation Academy​

The goal of the White Plains Youth Bureau Aviation Academy is to introduce youth to the wide range of opportunities that exist in aviation and aerospace. The New York area hosts a robust aviation and aerospace ecosystem featuring top-tier educational institutions, major airline headquarters, historical museums, and corporate innovation hubs spanning aerospace engineering, airport management, and aviation technology.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays at the White Plains Youth Bureau.

Must be a White Plains resident and view 3 Youtube videos prior to visit. Call to make an appointment.

An application must be requested. Applications are not available online.

My Brother’s Keeper​

On August 10, 2016, Mayor Thomas M. Roach held a Press Conference on the steps of City Hall to formal announce that the City of White Plains accepted the call to action to launch the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and to ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. Interim Superintendent of White Plains Schools Tim Connors agreed that the White Plains School District supported the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The My Brother’s Keeper initiative was launched by President Barrack Obama, February 2014 to improve the lifelong outcomes of boys and young men of color. Since 2014, more 250 cities across the nation have accepted the My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

To find out more about My Brother’s Keeper download our 13 page brochure.

The MBK program is offered at various locations and times depending on the activity. Please sign up for our email to receive up to date information.

Call the Program Director – Ray Tribble at 914-422-1378 for information on how you (your child) can participate. 

Girls Saturday Academy (MS & HS)

The Girls Saturday Academy offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and life skills instruction to participants over the course of 25 Saturdays. The MS & HS programs are designed to help girls develop an interest in STEM, connect with successful women in STEM and other professional fields, and build the competencies, skills, and academic knowledge needed to pursue high-paying careers. In addition, participants learn important core values such as respect, integrity, and responsibility.

Saturdays from October through May.

There is no fee for this program.

Registration form can be  downloaded online.

Completed registration forms should be brought to the White Plains Youth Bureau, 11 Amherst Place, White Plains, between the hours (school year) of 10 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

Saturday Academy for Girls

Boys Saturday Academy (MS & HS)

The Boys Saturday Academy meets for 25 Saturdays and provides participants with opportunities to discuss current events, explore jobs and career options, hear from guest speakers, participate in college tours, and engage in community service activities. The program is designed to help young men build leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and prepare for success in college, careers, and their communities.

Saturdays from October through May.

There is no fee for this program.

The program is open to Middle and High school boys who are residents of White Plains.

When Registration is open the form can be downloaded from this page.

Completed registration forms should be brought to the White Plains Youth Bureau, 11 Amherst Place, White Plains, between the hours (school year) of 10 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

Step Up! for Boys​

Step Up is a program for Black and Latino young men ages 13–21 who reside in White Plains to support participants in identifying personal, academic, and career goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

The program focuses on character development, goal setting, and building self-confidence and self-esteem, with an emphasis on promoting positive social, behavioral, academic, and occupational outcomes.

Participants meet weekly in group sessions that explore topics related to personal growth, decision-making, and future planning. The program also includes several free educational and recreational trips throughout the school year that expose participants to new experiences and broaden their perspectives.

Group meets on Wednesday/Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

September – June during the school year.

This is a FREE program for eligible participants.

Program is open to all High School Boys. 

Regular attendance and participation in groups, trips, and social activities.

Applications are available at the Youth Bureau and on this page.

Please scan the QR Code for the Step Up Program Application.

Scan QR Code for the Application

Social Justice for Youth Program: Youth Court & Peer Advocacy

A real court run by trained high school youth who process real low level crime cases – peer court. The goal of Youth Court is to promote positive peer leadership and youth development amongst teens 13-18 years old

The Youth Court members recommend community service projects for juvenile delinquency cases referred to the program by the Westchester County Probation Department. Members earn community service hours, looks great on any college application, network with attorneys, judges and community leaders, gain valuable advocacy skills, improve public speaking and attend bonding field trips.

Training takes place during the Summer and Fall.

To join Youth Court, please see our application.

Varies Training for youth court officers in the summer – July/August.

Must be a White Plains resident. Youth Court leaders may be 9th – 12th graders.

Peer Advocacy – Girls only, ages 20-30 years old.

Peer Advocates only: $1,500 stipend per client served.

Youth Court leaders: Volunteers only; will receive community service credit.

Funded By

Brand Name : Brand Short Description Type Here.
Brand Name : Brand Short Description Type Here.
Brand Name : Brand Short Description Type Here.

Clubmen Higher Aims​

An after school program designed to help Middle through High School African-American and Latino male students achieve academic excellence and develop key life skills required to succeed. This is accomplished by providing academic support, mentoring and exposure to cultural, social, and leadership experiences.

Middle School: Monday through Friday from 2:45 – 5:45 PM at Highlands

High School: Monday through Thursday from 2:45 – 5:45 PM at White Plains High School

No fees are required for regular daily activities. Nominal fees may apply for some of the field trips.

Must be African-American or Latino Middle or High School male student. Must strive for excellence and maintain high academic standards and regular attendance. Must maintain a minimum grade point average of “C.” Strive to achieve honor roll status. Participate in group activities. Wear a shirt and tie on designated day(s). Learn to play the game of chess. Commit to program through 12th grade.

At this time applications for this program are through referral only. Space is limited.

Select a Program