Families from Cypress appreciate top-rated Youth Center After School and Music Programs in Los Alamitos, where kids from within or outside the city can still sign up for both low-cost programs. Currently, there are a total of 230 kids in the after school program, and 220 enrolled in the music program, coming from all area cities.
Families from Cypress appreciate top-rated Youth Center After School and Music Programs in Los Alamitos, where kids from within or outside the city can still sign up for both low-cost programs. Currently, there are a total of 230 kids in the after school program, and 220 enrolled in the music program, coming from all area cities.
“Children come from all surrounding communities like Cypress, Long Beach, Buena Park, La Palma, Hawaiian Gardens and beyond. Affordable programs are not only offered for families who reside in our community but also all the families who work locally. The Youth Center’s scope reaches out to everyone who wants to come here,” said Executive Director Lina Lumme. “We’re committed to enriching the lives of all our youth regardless as to where they come from, nurturing them in a safe atmosphere, keeping them off the streets and from otherwise being home alone.”
Cypress resident Tera Kaufmann’s 13-year-old daughter, Paige, walks from neighboring Oak Middle School in Los Alamitos to the Youth Center. “We like that it’s so close to her school, and when we call to check – they always know where she is,” Kaufmann said. “It’s a safe environment where she gets her homework done without distractions.”
Attending the program for three years, Paige likes socializing with other kids, playing games like ping pong or pool, eating from the Snack Shack, and interacting with the friendly helpful staff, according to her mother. “We had three other options, but went with the Youth Center because of what they offer the kids — they are the best,” Kaufmann said.
Having a safe, enjoyable setting with homework help available is what appealed to Cypress resident Erik McCall for his 11-year-old son, London, who just started his first year in middle school. “His grades have improved since 5th grade, and I think the Youth Center has helped facilitate this smooth transition,” McCall said. “He can interact with other kids of all ages and form new friendships.”
On the benefits of music education, the Youth Center embraces and agrees with what philosopher Plato said, “Music is a more potent instrument than any other form of education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”
“In addition to obtaining musical skills needed to become a performer, a child learns skills that can be used in every facet of life like teamwork, dedication, self-discipline and responsibility, which prepare them for a successful future in any profession,” Youth Center Music Director Daniel Van Andler said. “A variety of research shows that music students are among the strongest academically in their schools, with higher SAT scores than other students.”
Cypress resident Angie Lea-Wilson’s 9-year-old daughter, Chloe, loves the challenge of learning something new. “She has always loved music, and has become a lot more comfortable holding her guitar and reading music notes.”
The Youth Center’s Music Program offers the only elementary school music education in the Los Alamitos Unified School District. Kids ages 5 to 12 from any city or school are welcome to learn everything from keyboard, string and band instruments, percussion, preparing them for middle and high school music programs. Cost is about $13 per lesson in a group setting or $399 for the year with scholarships offered to those in financial need. Lessons are held after school at Weaver Elementary, Los Alamitos Elementary, Rossmoor and Lee Elementary, McGaugh, Hopkinson Elementary Schools and at Applied Music Studio in Los Alamitos. Students will perform twice a year, including in the All District Music Concert.
“We’ve seen kids grow immensely personally and academically in the Music Program,” said Youth Center Programs and Operations Manager Julie Rubin. “It not only helps them learn to play an instrument and appreciate music at an early age, but it also helps them to grow emotionally, socially and mentally.”
For more information or to sign up for both the after school and music programs, call the Youth Center at 562-493-4043 or go online to theyouthcenter.org.