Enrichment at Dan McKinney Family YMCA
The YMCA of San Diego County’s after-school enrichment program offers a safe, license-exempt recreational environment for students in grades K–5 to engage in educational support, daily physical activity, STEM and art projects, and life skills development. Children are grouped by age or grade and participate in imaginative, hands-on activities such as creative arts, science, cooking, swimming and organized games, all led by trained YMCA staff. Utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces, the program emphasizes healthy relationships, active play and safety guidelines throughout the experience.
About Our Staff
Dan McKinney Family YMCA takes pride in hiring the best people to fill our programming staff. Each leader was hand-selected through an extensive hiring process to ensure the safest environment for everyone. Staff training includes CPR and First Aid certification, transportation safety, behavior management and bully prevention, child protection and abuse prevention, field trip and off-site safety procedures, risk management/prevention and more.
YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Program Location
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
Address: 8355 Cliffridge Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Phone: (858) 453-3483
Enrichment Program Hours
- Monday: 3:30–5:00pm
- Tuesday: 3:30–5:00pm
- Wednesday: 1:00–5:00pm
- Thursday: 3:30–5:00pm
Directors and Supervisors
Youth Program Leaders (Ages 4-12)
Youth Program Coordinator
Ollie Ferrer | oferrer@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483
Associate Executive Director
Lauren Gregg | lgregg@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483
Pick-Up/Drop-Off Information
Pick-up for classes is at 5:00pm from Dan McKinney Family YMCA. Pick Up locations will vary as we utilize the following rooms and spaces for our classes: Studio D, Outdoor Courts, Rec Field, CR1, CR2, Adventure Center, Studio C, and our Teaching Kitchen.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Our Youth Enrichment program offers seven exciting monthly programs, each featuring rotating themes to engage and inspire your child. Programs include Dance, Kids Create, All Star Sports, Kids in the Kitchen, STEM, Climbing, Half Day Enrichment and so much more! Explore, learn and create with art, cooking and hands-on science experiments. Our goal is to ensure every child a diverse and enriching experience every month.
YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS (CLICK TO EXPAND)
ART
Ages 5-12 | FIND ART PROGRAMS
Through various mediums, this art series gives kids the opportunity develop their creative expression. Drawing, painting and craft projects will encourage their imaginations to flourish and inspire self-confidence and individuality. Each class provides a different theme and activity.
CULINARY ARTS
Ages 5-12 | FIND CULINARY PROGRAMS
Our hands-on cooking programs are the perfect way to learn, explore and build confidence in the kitchen! Experience a blend of education, nutrition and fun with new recipes each week. Practice age-appropriate cooking techniques, fundamental kitchen skills and kitchen safety.
FITNESS
Ages 6-12 | FIND FITNESS PROGRAMS
Get moving and have fun with our Fitness Enrichment programs! Designed to keep kids active and energized, our after-school fitness programs features a variety of themes including climbing, dance, games and more! Participants will build strength, coordination and confidence while staying active in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. Snack is provided.
Miscellaneous
Ages 4-12 | FIND MISC PROGRAMMING
Our Youth Enrichment programs offer a fun and supportive environment where kids can explore new interests, build skills, and make new friends. From themed Half-Day Enrichment sessions to hands-on creativity in our Makers Space, children will enjoy a wide range of activities including STEM, cooking, art, music & movement, sports & games, fitness, and architecture. Participants are grouped by age for age-appropriate learning and engagement. Snack is provided.
Music
Ages 4-12 | FIND MUSIC PROGRAMS
Explore rhythm, creativity and self-expression through our after-school music programs! Designed for all skill levels, these engaging sessions help participants build confidence and their music fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment. Whether your child is a budding musician or just curious, there’s a beat for everyone!
SCIENCE
Ages 4-12 | FIND SCIENCE PROGRAMS
Ignite your child’s curiosity with hands-on science and nature exploration! Through interactive experiments, outdoor discovery and creative projects, kids will learn about the world around them in a fun, engaging environment. Activities may include nature walks, simple chemistry, earth science, LEGOs, wildlife observation and sustainability-themed crafts. Children are grouped by age to ensure meaningful, age-appropriate learning. Snack is provided.
Teen ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Program Location
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
Address: 8355 Cliffridge Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Phone: (858) 453-3483
See below for a list of all Teen Center events happening at the Dan McKinney Family YMCA! All Teen Center programs are open to all teens in the community who want to attend.
- March 2025 – View Calendar
- April 2025 – View Calendar
Directors and Supervisors
Program Leaders (Ages 12-17)
Program Director
Hannah Lewis | hlewis@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext.1832
Program Coordinator
Reese Kirkpatrick | rkirkpatrick@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext. 2662
TEEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS (CLICK TO EXPAND)
TEEN COOKING
Ages 12-17 | Day: Wednesday | Time: 5:30-6:30pm | SEARCH CODE: TNENR28
Ages 12-17 | Day: Thursday | Time: 5:45-6:45pm | SEARCH CODE: TNENR28
Join our teen cooking class! Whether you’re a beginner or an Iron Chef, our cooking classes provide meals and lessons to meet you where you’re at. You can expect a fun and supportive environment to build your confidence, culinary skills and community!
TEEN Nights
Ages 12-17 | Once a Month | Time: 7:00-8:30pm | SEARCH CODE: TNENR28
Teen Nights at the Dan McKinney Family YMCA offer a fun, supportive space for teens to connect, build confidence and engage in interactive activities. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends or try something new, these events provide an inviting environment to grow socially and be part of the community.
Additional Information
Prices are based on a 4-week month. Actual weeks may vary and will be prorated.
Program Times
Enrichment staff will meet students attending Torrey Pines Elementary School at school dismissal at 3:00pm (12:30pm on Wednesdays) and will walk to the Dan McKinney Family YMCA.
Please note: Students who do not attend Torrey Pines Elementary School, should meet at 3:30pm (1:00pm on Wednesdays) at the Dan McKinney Family YMCA.
Absent Policy
If your child is going to be absent from the program, please notify us by calling (858) 292-9622.
The YMCA does not provide refunds or vouchers for sick or missed days of enrichment classes.
More Information
n email with details of times, class locations and updates pertaining to each month will be sent out within the week prior to the start of the class.
For questions pertaining to our Youth Enrichment, please contact Ollie Ferrer at oferrer@ymcasd.org.
For questions pertaining to our Teen Enrichment, please contact Hannah Lewis at hlewis@ymcasd.org or Reese Kirkpatrick at rkirkpatrick@ymcasd.org.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. Applications are available at the service desk and online. Assistance is based on verified income and completed applications.
Giving Back
The Y provides program scholarships for families seeking financial assistance. This is made possible through the generosity of our community. If you wish to help a child, please visit our scholarship page for more information.
