How YES is responding to COVID-19
October 12, 2022
YES is thrilled to be gearing up for school-year and winter programs. Please click the link below to read all COVID-19 guidelines and precautions that all staff, volunteers and youth will be following to ensure a safe and fun season for all.
Please click here to read YES’s updated policies.
April 8, 2022
YES is thrilled to be gearing up for summer programs. Please click the link below to read all COVID-19 guidelines and precautions that all staff, volunteers and youth will be following to ensure a safe and fun season for all.
Please click here to read YES’s updated policies.
January 5, 2022
The YES office will be closed for cleaning and sanitation on Wednesday 1/5/22. The YES Rental Shop will be closed and Leadership Corps is cancelled tomorrow (Thursday 1/6/22).
January 4, 2022
Due to the latest surge in COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution, YES plans to adjust programs and serve youth already enrolled during this season with an aim to decrease bus time and increase COVID-19 measures via outdoor time, social distancing, mask wearing, and group sizes.
We will be rescheduling the 1/9 (Sunday) Operation SnowSports trip for YES Kids. In addition, all YETTI A trips will be rescheduled to later in the season. If you are a YES parent, you will be receiving an email shortly with further details. All YES rental shop fittings this week will also be rescheduled. For all questions regarding the Operation SnowSports program and schedule, please email [email protected]. For all questions regarding the Leadership Corps program, please email [email protected].
At YES, we’re constantly monitoring and adjusting our protocols to make sure we are safely and effectively providing a safe environment for our youth, staff, volunteers, and visitors. For more information on how YES is taking extra precautions right now to provide the safest environment possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here to read YES’s updated policies.
June 1, 2021
Dear YES Community,
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is committed to offering programs safely and responsibly with guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Public Health (DPH), and state of Massachusetts. This is a working document outlining policies and procedures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the 2021 Summer season. It will be modified to address changes in the current health crisis.
We recognize the youth and amateur sports guidance has been updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports, and that effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.
Private organizations like YES have the right to mandate their own COVID-19 policies as they see fit. YES policies are outlined here.
Updates to these operational plans may be required during the season depending on many factors, such as when states report their latest COVID-19 data and when state and health regulatory agencies establish additional safety requirements.
Please click here to read YES’s updated policies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the importance of flexibility and patience, which we will need to exercise as the pandemic and its uncertainty persists. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Bryan Van Dorpe
Executive Director
January 6, 2021
YES is thrilled to offer modified Operations SnowSports programming this winter. Please click the link below to read all COVID-19 guidelines and precautions that all staff, volunteers and youth will be following to ensure a safe and fun season for all.
Operation SnowSports COVID-19 Policies
July 6, 2020
YES is pleased to offer summer programming for youth during July and August 2020. Social distancing, hygiene, cleaning, and health testing protocols will be followed per Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
Registration is currently open. Application deadlines vary for each program.
Information and applications for the Outdoor Adventure Program (ages 9-12) can be found here. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Information and applications for the Summer Track & Field Program (ages 9-13) can be found here. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Information and applications for the Leadership Corps Program (ages 13-15) can be found here. Contact [email protected] with questions.
We are pleased to be reopening the doors at YES to safely serve young people this summer. YES’s modified summer programs will offer youth opportunities to participate in outdoor enrichment activities. By having new experiences in the outdoors, youth will grow in confidence and explore the natural world around them.
May 19, 2020
Families with school aged children who qualify for free or reduced price meals are eligible to receive a Pandemic – Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) card for additional food support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the resources below for more information. Information is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
P-EBT Information_English
P-EBT Information_Spanish
P-EBT Information_Chinese
P-EBT Information_Vietnamese
May 4, 2020
YES Executive Director, Bryan Van Dorpe, shares video a message to the Boston community. The good news is that YES is open, but our doors are open in a different way. We are currently providing virtual programming and activities for our young people. The best way to help right now is to make a donation. Visit yeskids.org/donate to contribute online. Every gift made to YES by June 30 will be matched by the Gross Family! Thanks for your support.
March 30, 2020
YES’s office at 412 Massachusetts Avenue is currently closed. Programming will be cancelled, rescheduled, or moved to virtual venues. YES staff continue to work remotely. Please reach out to individual staff members or [email protected] with any questions.
Spring Track & Field first practice has been rescheduled to Monday, May 4.
March 27, 2020
As the impact of the crisis continues to evolve and affect every member of the community, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) has been working to creatively support our youth through virtual platforms. From digital workshops on resume writing, college financial aid, and self-care for teens in our Leadership Corps program to fun virtual workouts and drills to encourage children in our Track & Field Program to be active at home, we are keeping connected with our young people during this unique time.
The leadership team here at YES will continue to monitor evolving guidelines from local, state, and federal health officials and will update our families as soon as we can safely move forward with program planning and implementation. The focus of our spring and summer activities will be the healing, health, and wellness of many families and youth who have experienced isolation and have no opportunities or connections available to them.
March 24, 2020
The 10th Annual YES Black Diamond Gala has been rescheduled for Monday, October 5 at the Seaport Hotel. More info coming soon – watch your inbox!
YES Spring Track & Field will delay its first week until Monday, April 27.
March 20, 2020
The Boston College MBA 5K to benefit Youth Enrichment Services (YES) on Saturday, April 4 has been cancelled. Thank you and please continue to watch the YES website and Facebook page for continued updates.
March 16, 2020
YES’s office at 412 Massachusetts Avenue will remain be open, although programming will be cancelled, re-scheduled, or moved to virtual venues.
The information below may be adjusted if and when more information is released and/or state or city policies are announced.
Operation Snowsports
- The upcoming weekend (March 21-22, 2020) snowsports trips to Wachusett Mountain (Mass Snow Challenge) and Jiminy Peak are cancelled.
- Adult Last Run scheduled for early April is cancelled.
Spring Track and Field
- Opening session of practice has been moved to Monday, April 6, 6 p.m. at Moakley Park. (This date coincides with the state’s current three week closing for schools.)
YES Academy
- The final 2 weeks of winter Leadership Corps (LC) programming will be moved to virtual, utilizing chat rooms with opportunities for LCs to engage in resume writing, college financial aid application help, and other tutorials.
- Spring Leadership Corp Registration will continue with a tentative start date of late April.
- LC Last Run is cancelled.
- LC April Vacation College is cancelled. A possible adventure trip to Swann Lodge is in the planning stages.
Events
- Mass Snow Challenge (March 21) – The event has been cancelled.
- Black Diamond Gala (April 9) – Plans are underway for rescheduling and/or re-inventing the YES Gala. Stay tuned!
- Boston Marathon (April 20) – The BAA Marathon had been moved to September 14. More information will be forthcoming as to how this will affect YES’s Charity Team.
Please email the appropriate staff contact at YES or our general mailbox ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns. Thank you and please continue to watch the YES website and Facebook page for continued updates.
March 13, 2020
In light of the current issues surrounding COVID-19, YES will be cancelling all trips this weekend, March 14-15, 2020. We will continue to monitor the ongoing and ever-changing situation and follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Boston Public Health Commission. YES’s top priority is the safety and health of our youth, families, volunteers, and staff.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
YES staff will be available for optional equipment returns between 9am and 1pm tomorrow, Saturday, March 14th. Please continue to use caution. If you return equipment, please wipe or spray it down with a disinfectant and use the hand sanitizer in the entry way upon entering YES. You will receive more information about other times to return gear at a later date.
March 10, 2020
Dear YES Families, Youth, Partners, and Volunteers,
We wanted to reach out and send our community a message about how Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is responding to COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus. The health, well-being, and safety of our youth, staff, and volunteers has always been – and continues to be – our highest priority.
We understand that many of you may be concerned about participating in YES programs and events amid the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. I want to reassure you that we are taking the evolving situation seriously and taking additional steps to be prepared.
Cleaning & Sanitation
- We have increased the frequency of professional cleaning at the YES office located at 412 Massachusetts Ave in Boston.
- We have been routinely disinfecting all surfaces throughout public space areas in the YES office and disinfecting used equipment.
- We have hand sanitizer pumps located throughout the YES building, as well soap and water in all restrooms.
Participation in YES Programs and Visiting our Office
- If you are feeling sick or showing signs of illness, please stay home. Out of an abundance of caution, we are extending this request to also apply if anyone in your household is feeling sick or showing signs of illness – please stay home.
- We also encourage each participant to bring their own hand sanitizer for YES trips.
Cancellation of YES Programs and Events
As of today, we are proceeding with programs and events as planned. This status may change in the coming days and weeks as the situation evolves. If changes are made to programs or events, you will be notified via email and a notice will also be posted on the YES website (www.yeskids.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/yeskidsboston).
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate contact listed below. I am also available via email or phone at [email protected] or 617-267-5877 x18.
- Operation SnowSports and Track & Field Programs: Laura Neubauer, Director of Programs & Operations – [email protected]
- Leadership Corps and College Prep Programs: Shiona DeCarvalho, Director of Impact & YES Academy – [email protected]
- Gala and fundraising events: Jamie Burch, Senior Director of Development – [email protected]
- Adult Volunteers: Ethan George, Volunteer and Outdoor Adventure Manager – [email protected]
In order for YES’s building, programs, and events to be safe spaces, we are asking all members of our community to think of others and be proactive by following the above recommendations and following commonsense practices to prevent the spread of germs.
Additional helpful resources are listed at the bottom of this letter.
Thank you for your support during this challenging and evolving health crisis.
Bryan Van Dorpe
Executive Director
Helpful Resources
- How to Protect Yourself: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- Understanding the Virus: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.