Youth Programs

Recognizing the importance of the adolescent years in shaping the future of an individual, UNC’s youth programs provide opportunities for at-risk youth to learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment.   Through these programs, participants build confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, and transition into successful, healthy adults.

After-School Teen Center
UNC operates an after-school teen center to provide youth (ages 10-18) with free social, educational, and recreational opportunities in a safe environment. The Oppenheim Center is located at 1004 Jackson Street in Scranton and is open Monday – Friday from 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Dinner is served each evening and transportation is available for Oppenheim programs. For more information about UNC’s after-school teen center, call UNC’s Community Youth Manager, Kylee Colvin, at 570-961-1592, ext 105.

Camp Kelly
In 2016, UNC took ownership of the former Camp St. Andrew in Tunkhannock, now renamed Camp Kelly, and committed to continuing the quality, tuition-based resident summer camps previously offered at the location by the Diocese of Scranton. A variety of week-long programs for boys and girls are available.  LEARN MORE

Illumination Youth Arts
UNC’s Illumination Youth Arts Program focuses on teaching at-risk children and teens artistic skills in a variety of disciplines to help them explore their life experiences and build confidence. All programming is offered at no charge, primarily at UNC’s Oppenheim Center for the Arts in Scranton, which is fully equipped with studio space for each artistic discipline.  Transportation is available and dinner is also served on weeknights. Classes focus on various arts disciplines including photography, pottery, visual arts, video, and podcasting. For more information, call UNC’s Community Youth Manager, Kylee Colvin, at 570-961-1592, ext 105.

Leaders in Training
UNC developed the Leaders in Training Program nearly 20 years ago out of a need to serve teens at risk of destructive behaviors.  The program has since been recognized by the PA Department of Public Welfare as a successful delinquency prevention course.  Through a 38-week curriculum and less intensive summer program, participants learn the skills necessary to accomplish their goals and remain committed to their communities. Graduates of the Leaders in Training demonstrate higher levels of self-esteem and cooperation, and 95% of our participants progress to the next grade level, graduate, or move on to either secondary education or the job market.  It is our goal to give these students the tools, connections, and motivation to become successful, critical thinkers who are aware of their community and seek to change their community for the better.  For more information, call UNC’s Community Youth Manager, Kylee Colvin, at 570-961-1592, ext 105.

Project Hope Summer Camp
Since 1970, UNC has been providing youth (aged 5-12) from low-income families with a traditional summer day camp experience via Project Hope.  The camp is hosted at Camp Kelly in Tunkhannock, PA, and campers are provided with transportation, and also served breakfast, lunch, and a nutritious snack before returning home.  Arts and crafts, sports, and a variety of other activities are all on the agenda to make the experience both fun and educational with a focus on physical and mental health.   For more information about Project Hope call UNC’s Children’s Services Manager, Alexis Featherman, at 570-344-9882.