Youth Leadership – YMCA of Snohomish County

Youth and Government Leaders in Action at YMCA Camp Casey

Posted on February 8, 2025 Updated on February 12, 2025 by Abbey McGee

Coupeville, WA. February 8, 2025 — Braving the winter weather, Youth and Government students from YMCA of Snohomish County and Whatcom Family YMCA came together at YMCA Camp Casey to prepare for the 78^th Youth Legislative Session in May at the State Capitol!

For some students, it was their first experience debating bills and speaking in public. Stepping up as future leaders, they embraced the challenge, discovered their voices, and built confidence through thoughtful discussions on real-world issues. Returning students showed incredible leadership, mentoring their peers and fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.

“Watching these young leaders support one another and find their voices is inspiring,” said Ethan Harrington, Teen Director, Mill Creek Family YMCA. “They are tackling complex issues with passion and respect, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

At the Youth Legislative Session, students step into the roles of lawmakers, debating bills, writing legislation, and practicing parliamentary procedure in a hands-on, student-led experience. They engage in floor debates, committee discussions, and leadership roles, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the legislative process. YMCA of Snohomish County plans to bring a delegation of over 75 students to the legislative session.

“I can’t wait to see our students take the next step in their leadership journeys,” said Harrington. “They’re ready to make an impact and a difference in our community.”

We look forward to seeing all that they achieve this spring in Olympia!

Future Leaders Bash Raises Over $300,000 For Youth Leadership and Mentoring Programs

Posted on October 28, 2024 Updated on November 12, 2024 by Abbey McGee

On October 25, 2024, the YMCA of Snohomish County hosted its 1st Annual Future Leaders Bash at Tulalip Resort Casino, and the evening exceeded all expectations. With 500 attendees gathered to support youth leadership and mentoring programs, the event raised an extraordinary $304,500 to empower young people across the county. This achievement highlights the incredible generosity of our community and the commitment to creating opportunities for youth to develop confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Guests enjoyed dinner, heard inspiring impact stories from youth volunteers, and learned about the transformative programs their contributions support. Together, we celebrated the profound difference donor generosity makes in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to our sponsors including Fortive, Coastal Community Bank, Kirtley Cole, Alaska Airlines, Moss Adams, Everett Community College Foundation, Puget Sound Energy, LifeWise Health Plan of Washington, UBS, Peoples Bank, Pacific Seafood, Washington State University – Everett, McClain Insurance, BASE by Pros, and Groundworks.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Future Leaders Bash on October 3, 2025. We look forward to continuing the work with community partners and supporters to build brighter futures and inspire young changemakers to lead in Snohomish County and beyond.

2024 Dream Builders Car Show Raises $70,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA. June 25, 2024 – Despite a cold and rainy start to Father’s Day Sunday, the 10^th Annual Dream Builders Car Show brought in $70,000 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Snohomish County’s youth mentorship programs. The terrible weather reduced show participation by nearly 50 percent, but the event still proved to be a huge success.

“We consider the show a tremendous success, despite lower participation due to the weather. We had tons of support from the YMCA and the broader community,” said Kim Gaffney, Executive Director of Youth Leadership, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We thank our loyal supporters for coming out and braving the rain. We look forward to some sunshine next year and raising even more money for our BBBS programs.”

Funds raised at the car show go directly to support BBBS adult-child matches, as well as other programs like Mentor U and Kids Book Club which serves kids in local schools. The event is quickly becoming one of the largest car show’s in the county, building awareness and support for BBBS.

“We appreciate the visibility in the community and how many people we’re reaching at a fun event,” said Gaffney. “Participants and attendees get to see who we are and hear about our impact through our event founder, Steve Myers, and his Big Brother sharing their story year after year.”

Myers benefitted from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in his youth and uses the car show to give back to the organization that provided so much to him.

“I was matched with my Big Brother in 1994 and he is still a part of my life today,” said Myers. “Over the years, we’ve done everything together. He’s been the closest thing to a father figure that I’ve ever had.”

Due to his work schedule, Myers hasn’t had the availability to volunteer as a Big Brother, but wanted to contribute in some way. He tried fundraising in other ways before hosting his first car show in 2014. The first show surpassed its goal of $10,000 and the event has kept growing and raising money throughout the years. Over its nine-year history, the car show has raised over $600,000.

“People come back year after year because it’s a fun day, but they also see my passion for BBBS and want to contribute and support an organization that means so much to me,” said Myers. “Rich, my Big Brother, stands behind me during the awards ceremony, so attendees see the positive, lasting impact of mentorship relationships first-hand.”

Supporting youth in the community is beneficial for both the adult and the child. There are dozens of children waiting for a match and BBBS is actively looking for “Bigs.”

“Many volunteers think they are just changing the life of youth, but there are two lives being changed,” said Gaffney. “A mentoring relationship is life-changing, and much more impactful than just community service. You may be positively changing the trajectory of a child’s life.”

For more information about next year’s Dream Builders Car Show, please visit dreambuilderscarshow.com. To volunteer or learn more about BBBS of Snohomish County, please visit bbbs-snoco.org.

Marysville Y Mock Trial Team Tops Local Rivals at State Competition

Posted on March 25, 2024 Updated on April 1, 2024 by Zac Jagow

Marysville Y Mock Trial Team Tops Local Rivals at State Competition
High School Students Learn Real-World Skills in Courtroom

Marysville, WA. March 25, 2024 – The Marysville Family YMCA Mock Trial Team soared to success as Snohomish County’s top finisher at the State Competition held over the weekend in Pierce County. Despite being in just its second year, the team secured an impressive 7th place finish out of 24 teams, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ remarkable achievement,” said Taryn Dinuis, Associate Executive Director, Marysville Family YMCA. “Their team work, problem-solving skills, and ingenuity have been truly inspiring. The sky is the limit for these amazing students.”

The YMCA Mock Trial Competition offers high school students real-life courtroom experiences. Participants take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, presenting their cases before actual judges and juries. The Marysville Y team spent months preparing for the event, competing at districts and earning a place in the State Competition. The program not only fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, it also introduces students to careers in the legal system.

Sabrina Neal, Team Captain and senior at Marysville Getchell High School enjoys the challenge of preparing for Mock Trial, especially being on a newer team. “I love reaching the end of a trial and hearing the jurors give feedback so we know how to improve the next time,” she said. “It’s really encouraging to hear from professionals and I like the challenge of leveling up.”

Neal’s efforts paid off. She was awarded Best Attorney at the State Competition. She plans to attend Western Washington University after graduating and is interested in a career in law.

Marysville YMCA’s 11-member team is comprised of students from local high schools. Mock Trial is part of the Y’s Youth and Government program and anyone can join. No previous experience is needed; just a desire to learn, regularly show up, and be an active team member. The confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills that participants acquire benefit them in all aspects of life.

Rudy Vazquez, sophomore at Marysville Getchell High School, discovered Mock Trial last year and decided to join because he’s interested in a career as an attorney and knew this would be a good opportunity. Vazquez served as a preliminary attorney in this case and can’t wait for next year and a new case to research, prepare, and present. “I love learning,” he said. “You can never stop learning. There is always something new.”

To learn more about Mock Trial and other youth leadership programs at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.

Category: Youth Leadership

Youth and Government Leaders in Action at YMCA Camp Casey

Future Leaders Bash Raises Over $300,000 For Youth Leadership and Mentoring Programs

2024 Dream Builders Car Show Raises $70,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County

Marysville Y Mock Trial Team Tops Local Rivals at State Competition

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