Chautauqua Institution Youth & Family Programs

Chautauqua Institution Youth & Family Programs includes Children’s School, Group One, Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Youth Activities Center (YAC), Special Studies Classes at Chautauqua, Young Readers Program, Youth Sailing, Swimming, Youth Golf, and Youth Tennis. Activities include computer skills, art, dance, music, writing, language, reading, sailing, swimming, junior golf camps and clinics, and group tennis instruction, plus private tennis lessons and junior memberships.

Programs

• Children’s School — ages 2.8–5 · Pioneered the concept of nursery school education.
• Group One — children entering first grade in the fall · Designed as a transition between Children’s School and Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
• Boys’ and Girls’ Club — youth entering grades 2–10 in the fall · Considered the oldest day camp in the United States.
• Youth Activities Center (YAC) — kids ages 12–17 · Open for food service Monday through Friday, Noon to 5 p.m.; open evenings Monday through Thursday starting at 5 p.m. for YACtivities · Drop-in center with a snack bar, televisions, games, table tennis and pool tables.
• Special Studies Classes at Chautauqua — Provides youth an age-appropriate learning environment with subjects including computer skills, art, dance, music, writing, language and more.
• Young Readers Program — Encourages the enjoyment of good reading.
• Youth Sailing — ages 8 and up · Summer-long curriculum · Includes Beginner Optimist Sailing, 420 Sailing, Intermediate Sailing, and Saturday morning races.
• Swimming — Year-round pool at the Turner Community Center is open year-round.
• Youth Golf — ages 4-17 · Offers junior golf camps and clinics.
• Youth Tennis — ages 4–18 · Provides group instruction for all skill levels; private lessons and junior memberships are also available.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–17 years old
• General schedule: Summer experience offers classes for youth and adults; class registration for the 2026 Summer Assembly Season is now open.

About the provider

The mission of Chautauqua’s programs for youth is to present a diversity of activity in settings varied and historic. The programs offer opportunities to explore the Chautauqua experience and encourage youth to grow in independence, make choices, take responsibility, and celebrate family time, all in the community of Chautauqua. The leadership team includes Alyssa Porter, Director of Community Education & Youth Programs; Brandon Sublett, Operations Coordinator of Community Education & Youth Programs; and Mary Ugoletti, Program Coordinator of Community Education & Youth Programs.

Advance registration is required for Special Studies. Some classes may require waivers. Students are responsible for confirming regularity requirements for professional development certificates. Walking-up registrations may be available during the summer assembly season.

Last updated August 27, 2026.