Where is the San Carlos Youth Center and what do they offer for youth?
The San Carlos Youth Center, initiated and partly funded by the efforts of the San Carlos Rotary Club, is part of the Parks and Recreation Department. The Youth Development unit addresses human needs for the healthy growth of young people, including competencies necessary for adult success. Under the direction of two full-time professional staff and supported by part-time recreation leaders, the center creates a sense of place and belonging for families and youth. To foster human development , the center offers programs and classes for infants to teens in an asset-based, nurturing environment. The center takes a proactive approach in facilitating community problem-solving by collaborating with the San Carlos Youth Advisory Council, service clubs, community organizations, San Carlos School District, San Carlos Chamber of Commerce, Police Activities League, and the San Carlos Children’s Theater.

The San Carlos Youth Center is located at 1001 Chestnut St.; phone (650) 802-4471, in the heart of Burton Park. Its central location near bus lines makes it convenient for most young people to reach. The center offers programs, activities, classes, and special events for children, youth, and teens.

The Youth Center has a Computer Lab/Homework Center with tutors during the school year, a full-size gymnasium with youth-oriented sports leagues, and sports readiness programs; a dance and drama studio offering dance classes ranging from ballet to hip hop; and an arts and crafts room for photography, painting, and ceramics. The center also has an active TV social lounge and a large game room for pool, foosball, video games, board games, ping-pong and special events.

The center offers a wide variety of free after-school and summer activities for youth ages 10 to 17. To participate in the free activities, a young person must register by completing a Participant Registration Form and Rules Contract. All participants then receive a free Youth Center Membership card, which they are required to bring each time they visit the center. Processing fees are charged to replace lost membership cards.

Besides to the free programs, the center offers classes and workshops for youth that are fee-based such as babysitting workshops, guitar lessons, driver's education, writing skills improvement, photography, dance, art, and cooking. The center also sponsors specialty camps and special interest classes (See Parks & Recreation Activity Guide headings - Tiny Tot, Youth, Teen).

In partnership with the San Carlos Police Department, the center offers a Police Activities League (PAL). The league sponsors overnight sleepovers at the Youth Center, field trips, and some sports activities. In partnership with FACES, Inc. and PAL, the center offers counseling and referral services for youth.

What is the San Carlos Youth Advisory Council?
The San Carlos Youth Council (YAC) is made up of local teens appointed by the San Carlos City Council to advise them on issues pertaining to that age group. In addition, the YAC builds leadership skills, raises funds for charitable causes, volunteers at community functions and provides healthy, safe, and fun special events for teens. For more information, call the YAC advisor at the Youth Center (650) 802-4471.

Are there any theater arts programs for young people in San Carlos?
The San Carlos Children’s Theater (SCCT) is an integral part of the community. Run by community volunteers and theatrical staff, SCCT conducts classes and workshops throughout the year. SCCT presents four to five major productions at local schools sites a year. All the productions feature youth as actors, crewmembers, and creative teams. For SCCT information, call (650) 594-2730

What kinds of offerings are there during spring, winter, and summer vacations for youth?
San Carlos offers many specialty camps and class offerings during vacation times. San Carlos Adventure Camp is the biggest and best day camp program in the area for children ages 4 to 15. Please see Recreation Activity Guide  heading for Youth.

Is there help to find my kids summer jobs?
Yes, call the San Mateo County Jobs for Youth program at (650) 301-8492. This program offers employment services for youths ages 14 to 21. Typical jobs are gardening, cleaning, repair work, and delivery tasks.

Where can I find babysitters?
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a Babysitting Workshop for teens ages 12 and up. Graduates of the class are eligible to be placed on a Babysitting Service List. Drop by Burton Park at 1017 Cedar St. to review the list.

What types of classes does the city offer for youth and teens?
See the information presented under the Recreation and Youth Center sections.

Does San Carlos have a curfew for minors?
Yes, San Carlos has a nighttime curfew between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. everyday. During those hours, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to loiter or wander on public streets, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds, vacant lots, or any unsupervised place within the city limits.

What types of organized sports are available for my children?
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), ages 5-18; information hotline: (650) 595-0642 or website www.sancarlosayso.org .

California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA); call (650) 598-9174 or website www.sancarlosunited.org .

Little League Baseball (includes Tee-Ball, Minor League, and Major League), ages 5 - 12; call (650) 599-1887.

Pony/Colt Baseball, ages 13-16; call Scott Strombom, (650) 365-9038.
 
San Carlos Youth Softball Association (SCYSA), ages 5-18; call Danice Pons at (650) 595-3951 or website www.eteamz.com/scysa  
Parks and Recreation programs include youth basketball, youth volleyball, instructional soccer classes, and a full summer of various sports camps. For more information, call (650) 802-4382.

PAL (Police Activities League) - For more information call (650) 802-4245.