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 age-appropriate learning in computer skills, art, dance, music, writing, and language, as well as sailing courses, swimming in the 25-yard indoor pool, junior golf camps and clinics, and junior tennis instruction.

Programs

• Children’s School — 2.8–5 · Built in 1921; pioneered the concept of nursery school education.
• Group One — For youth entering first grade in the fall · Designed for children who will enter first grade in the fall and serves as a transition between Children’s School and Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
• Boys’ and Girls’ Club — For youth entering grades 2–10 in the fall · Considered the oldest day camp in the United States.
• Youth Activities Center (YAC) — 12–17 · Open for food service Noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; open evenings Monday through Thursday starting at 5 p.m. · A drop-in center for kids ages 12–17. Located on the south lakefront at Heinz Beach, adjacent to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club campus.
• Special Studies Classes at Chautauqua — Provides youth age-appropriate learning in subjects including computer skills, art, dance, music, writing, language, and more.
• Young Readers Program — Encourages the enjoyment of good reading.
• Youth Sailing — 8 and up · A summer-long curriculum of sailing courses for youth, including Beginner Optimist Sailing, 420 Sailing, Intermediate Sailing, and Saturday morning races. Private lessons may also be arranged.
• Swimming — The 25-yard indoor pool at the Turner Community Center is open year-round.
• Youth Golf — 4-17 · Offers a variety of junior golf camps and clinics.
• Youth Tennis — 4–18 · Provides an outstanding junior development program offering group instruction for all skill levels.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–17 years old

About the provider

Children’s School was built in 1921 and pioneered the concept of nursery school education. Boys’ and Girls’ Club is considered the oldest day camp in the United States.

Last updated August 27, 2026.