The YAC has historically operated at a loss, and we reduced the staffing budget by 10% to reduce but not eliminate that loss.

We are no longer offering typical Monday-Thursday evening hours at the YAC because of costs in comparison to attendance — but some weeks will operate with a similar schedule as in the past, with some modifications to food service and activities.

For example, starting Week Two, the YAC will have three evenings open for 12-17 year-olds: Monday and Tuesday for Play CHQ at the YAC, and Wednesday for the YAC dance. One YAC staff member will also be on-site to manage the sale of pre-packaged treats (candy and novelty ice cream) on Monday and Tuesday. The Fourth of July is a historically low attendance day for the YAC, so we will be closed that evening.

Week Three: Evening hours will be available Monday – Thursday.

Weeks Four through Six: Planning is in process, but at least three of the four typical days will be scheduled through Week Six. (Week Six and Seven we traditionally close YAC for Air Band and Old First Night).

In consultation with the YAC leadership, we are allocating staff and other resources from across Youth and Family Programs to support evening activities at the Youth Activities Center that can flex as attendance patterns change. This will result in a more sustainable operating outcome for the YAC, including maintaining the food and beverage service during lunch and during post-Club hours. The food and beverage area of the operation has struggled to achieve a balanced budget due, in part, to an inefficient operating schedule.

While, in past years, the base evening schedule has been Monday – Thursday, the specific hours and schedule of days have been flexible, with the director closing early when there are fewer children on the grounds. In the past couple of years, we have observed this trend beginning as early as Week 5 for participants in this age group who spend time at the YAC, and we consistently see a significant decrease starting in Week 7.