The Youth Development Center (The YDC)

The Youth Development Center (The YDC) offers activities that include Esports, a Summer Art Class, a Summer Art Series, an adult vinyasa yoga class called YDC Community Flow, and a High School Dance. The Summer Art Series at The YDC is free and offers a new creative project each week led by Ms. Lindsay and special guest helpers. The YDC Esports Program introduces youth ages 12–17 to a structured, team-centered gaming environment that builds confidence, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

• Ages: 6–17 years old

The Youth Development Center (YDC) was founded in 1990 by a group of individuals, including business people and community leaders, who cared for the development of adolescents in Winchester, Frederick and Clarke County. Tom and Sheila Baker donated their home and three acres of land to complete a three building campus site, and three acres of land were donated by the O'Sullivan Corporation, expanding the campus to 6 acres with 3 acres each in the city of Winchester and Frederick County. $1.6 million was raised and the Dave and Kathy Holliday Annex was dedicated in November of 2006. The Youth Development Center later relocated to a historic space in the heart of downtown Winchester, and this relocation places The YDC at the center of the community it exists to support, making programs more visible, accessible, and connected. The historic space allows The YDC to expand offerings, welcome new partnerships, and open doors wider to youth and families seeking opportunity, support, and belonging.

Donations to The Youth Development Center were solicited and received from individuals, businesses, civic groups, youth groups, schools, churches, and government agencies. The Youth Development Center follows the inclement weather policy of Frederick County, VA public schools.

One parent shared, “She has gained confidence in her artistic abilities as the instructor was very encouraging.”

Last updated July 19, 2026.