About
Afterschool Childcare includes activities focused on healthy eating. The program offers several types of afterschool options, including drop-in, part-time, full-time, year-round, and a year-round option with a Watia upgrade that includes a week at overnight Camp Watia. Year-round programs include a complimentary YMCA membership.
• Ages: 5–14 years old
• Schedule: Program begins when school lets out and runs until 6 p.m., with Schools’ Out days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; options include full-time afterschool care for 41 weeks, year-round afterschool care plus Summer Day Camp for 50 weeks, and year-round care with a Watia upgrade for 50 weeks plus one week at overnight Camp Watia; Horizons Afterschool Program runs from September 15, 2025, to May 29, 2026
• Price: $35 registration fee per registrant; Schools’ Out Days available separately at $40 per day
The programs are run by trained, certified professionals. The YMCA of Western North Carolina states that it is the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare and the nation’s leading childcare expert. Financial assistance is available, and the Horizons Afterschool Program is grant funded at no cost to the parent or guardian. Through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the program receives federal support to serve nutritious and free snacks at many afterschool care sites.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Since 1889, the YMCA of Western North Carolina has operated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It receives donor and volunteer support for financial aid, food assistance, and community health programs, and delivers fresh, healthy produce and meals at no charge to neighbors in five counties.
Last updated January 31, 2026.
• Ages: 5–14 years old
• Schedule: Program begins when school lets out and runs until 6 p.m., with Schools’ Out days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; options include full-time afterschool care for 41 weeks, year-round afterschool care plus Summer Day Camp for 50 weeks, and year-round care with a Watia upgrade for 50 weeks plus one week at overnight Camp Watia; Horizons Afterschool Program runs from September 15, 2025, to May 29, 2026
• Price: $35 registration fee per registrant; Schools’ Out Days available separately at $40 per day
The programs are run by trained, certified professionals. The YMCA of Western North Carolina states that it is the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare and the nation’s leading childcare expert. Financial assistance is available, and the Horizons Afterschool Program is grant funded at no cost to the parent or guardian. Through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the program receives federal support to serve nutritious and free snacks at many afterschool care sites.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Since 1889, the YMCA of Western North Carolina has operated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It receives donor and volunteer support for financial aid, food assistance, and community health programs, and delivers fresh, healthy produce and meals at no charge to neighbors in five counties.
Last updated January 31, 2026.
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