Published January 29, 2026
BY SOPHIE CANAN
Following a year-long shutdown in 2023, the Carmel Youth Center is up and running once again with new programs and a remodeled building as a safe and fun place for kids.
In March 2023, the CYC was forced to shut down due to the lack of a license needed in order to operate an afterschool program. Certain parts of the building were up to code while others weren’t, so during the closure, parts of the building were remodeled and a heating system was installed, which allowed the youth center to reopen in April 2024.
The Carmel Youth Center renovated parts of the bathroom, installed a heating system and remodeled the building during its year-long closure. Courtesy of KELLY SCHMIDT
“This facility used to be very active with children in their afterschool program,” describes Kelly Schmidt, CYC’s executive director as of September. “When it closed, parents had to find an alternate solution.”
In order to welcome back families, the Youth Center introduced enrichment classes, where parents have the option to send their children for full sessions or a drop in. These programs include a science, technology, engineering, art and math class, as well as a Spanish class, junior golf and a cooking class.
Although Carmel River School offers free childcare after school, they are closed during breaks and parents often need a place to send their children. The Youth Center is busiest during this time, with 40 to 45 kids every day.
“Seeing the space come to life with energy, laughter, and creativity made it clear how much care had gone into rebuilding it as a safe and welcoming environment,” says CHS junior Ellie Williams, who volunteered at the CYC during the summer of 2025.
In addition to camps and afterschool care, the facility also offers Parents Night Out programs, where childcare is offered on select Friday nights.
The youth center’s enrichment classes allow children to bond through fun activities. Courtesy of SHANNON JACKSON
Kids can enjoy snacks, movies and other activities as their parents can have time for themselves.
CHS sophomore Gianna Kemmerly, who volunteered at the CYC during the summer of 2025 and previously attended the afterschool program when she was younger, has noticed some changes as well.
“Now the camp provides more activities for the kids, like bracelet making, slime making and other arts and crafts that are planned every day,” Kemmerly explains.
The executive director emphasizes how she wants to create an environment where youth of all ages, including teenagers, can feel supported.
“We’re trying to expand to the high-school age,” Schmidt says. “We have a vision where we want to turn our garage into a teen center to offer a safe environment for all the youth to come to.”
Since reopening, Carmel Youth Center offers many daily activities where kids can express themselves creatively. Courtesy of SHANNON JACKSON
The youth center’s role in the community has been rebuilt through the introduction of all these new programs, goals and renovations, breathing new life into the historical building.
“Through conversations, shared laughter or simply being present, I was reminded how powerful community spaces can be,” Williams says. “I enjoyed spending time with the kids and forming genuine bonds with them.”
CYC also supports the community in other ways, like offering a warming center during storms and power outages, as well as hosting a blood drive twice a year.
On March 7, the Carmel Youth Center will be having their first Inspiration Gala at Spanish Bay, with an auction, raffle and live music. More information can be found on the Carmel Youth Center website.
