Youth Mentoring Services

Youth Mentoring Services offers Social Emotional Learning (SEL) group mentoring programs for ages 5-19. Its offerings include Thumbs Up for grades K-1, High Five for ages 7-11, C3 for ages 8-18, The Game of Life for older youth ages 12-18, and Spokes for 7th-12th grade. Summer Adventures is for youth entering grades 1-6, and the Junior Leader Program is available to youth in grades 7-12.

Programs

• Social Emotional Learning (SEL) group mentoring programs — ages 5-19 · YMS offers a variety of group mentoring programs based on a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum presented at sites across Niagara County.
• Thumbs Up — grades K-1 · Literacy based, social emotional learning (SEL) for grades K-1.
• High Five — ages 7-11 · Literacy based, social emotional learning (SEL) for ages 7-11.
• C3 — ages 8-18 · STEM based learning with a SEL component for ages 8-18.
• The Game of Life — older youth ages 12-18 · Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00 pm; Third Friday of each month, 3:30-5:30 pm · Game based SEL for older youth ages 12-18. Offered at JT Sports & Recreation and the Cornerstone Ice Arena. Drop in program; no pre-registration required.
• Spokes — 7th-12th grade · Free programming for youth in 7th-12th grade.
• Summer Adventures — youth entering grades 1-6 · 8:00 am-noon, 5 days per week for 8 weeks
• STEM Enrichment Program — 6 weeks during summer 2027 · Summer STEM enrichment extension of Summer Adventures. Registration required.
• Junior Leader Program — grades 7-12 · Offered within Summer Adventures. Youth in grades 7-12 may apply.
• Camp opportunities — children and youth · YMS partners with organizations to provide children and youth who would not otherwise be able to attend camp with the opportunity to go to camp for free.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Current session: Summer 2027 STEM Enrichment Program themes (Jul 5–Aug 13, 2027)
• General schedule: Since 1973, YMS has extended its reach in Niagara County through a variety of group based programs. All YMS programs are based on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Summer Adventures runs 5 days per week for 8 weeks.
• Facility hours: Office hours generally Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Donations collected on Mondays from 9:30am-3:00pm.

About the provider

Youth Mentoring Services has served Niagara County since 1973. It was chartered by the State of New York in March 1973 as a private, non-profit youth serving agency and became Youth Mentoring Services in November 2013. The organization says its mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become productive, responsible, and caring citizens. It has been nationally accredited as a mentoring program since 2017.

Summer Adventures requires registration, and registration does not guarantee a spot. The Spokes program is drop in and no pre-registration is required. Donations are collected on Mondays from 9:30am-3:00pm. Youth Mentoring Services accepts school supplies, personal care products, new or gently used clothing and household items.

What families say

“I like that each session focuses on a different skill - like one has social skills, one has critical thinking skills, one has creativity, and so much more.” — Tempest

“I love the lessons about topics students can use in the school and outside of school.” — DiCarlo/Zimmerman

“Everyone is open to my input and suggestions.” — Aisling

Last updated September 8, 2026.