Youth Wellness Program at PYT Wellness Center
The Wellness Center provides a variety of opportunities to our youth to be active, healthy and well, and engaged in fun activities geared towards youth. Through partnerships with several tribal programs including Sewa U’usim, Centered Spirit, Hiaki Schools, Boys and Girls Club and other youth groups.
For more information about any of the following programs please contact the Wellness center at (520) 879-6203.
Art therapy – Mosaic Room
Mr. David Valenzuela offers art classes for youth using a variety of traditional and art media. He offers classes to youth to support them in identifying and pursuing their goals and staying true to their path.
Fit-kids Program
Youth Exercise Specialists lead physical activities after school on week days for kids 8 – 17 to help them learn about healthy eating and exercise and to maintain a healthy weight. Fun activities support kids in being active and preventing early onset of Type 2 Diabetes which is high in Native communities. Softball Conditioning is offered to interested youth.
After-school Program
The after-school program is another opportunity for young people to interact after school, get some homework help from our recreation Specialists and participate in fun activities. Monthly field trips are also provided to sporting and other events.
Vaa’a Mantela – Pool of Water
Swimming lessons and open swim. Each year from the end of May through to October 1 the swimming pool at the Wellness Center offers fun water activities for youth. Swimming lessons are available, as well as water aerobics and movie nights at the pool. Lifeguard conditioning classes are available and each year the pool employs 8-10 youth as Summer Lifeguards.
CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Program
The CATCH program is offered during Summer and Winter school breaks. CATCH offers kids and youth a structured day program filled with fun sporting activities and games, hiking, swimming, weekly field trips and healthy snacks and meals. The program helps kids learn about being healthy with their peers.
Youth Basketball League and Tournaments
The program sponsors two youth basketball leagues/ tournaments per year to support local youth in competing against each other and outside teams.
Boxing Program
A structured boxing program is available to youth at both New Pascua and Old Pascua-Ritchie School. The program is led by Coach Jose Moraga, an ex-professional boxer and Assistant Coach Maria Varela who guide youth safely and responsibly in conditioning and matches. Boxing cardio classes are offered each weekday.
American Indian Youth Wellness Camp
Each Summer, the PYT diabetes prevention and treatment program recruits youth between 9-15 years to attend a week long camp in Prescott. The camp brings together Native youth from across the State to have a fun time and learn about healthy lifestyles, being active, eating healthy foods and staying positive. In 2017, 20 youth and 4 camp counselors attended from PYT.
Powerlifting Program – Yoeme U’ttea
A record breaking PYT powerlifting team meets daily in the Fitness room at the wellness center for strength training and conditioning.
Fitness Room
A state of art Fitness Room is open to youth 18 and older. Initial fitness assessments are conducted and individualized programs designed with coaching provided by trained Exercise Specialists.
Sports Leagues
Sports leagues are hosted at the Wellness center regularly throughout the year which are organized by the community. These include Little League, Men’s baseball, Men’s basketball Softball, Volleyball etc. Please contact Wellness center staff who can direct you to local organizers.
5K Runs and Walks
Several times each year the Wellness staff lead a community 5K run/ walk. Many youth and families participate and take pride in completing the event.
Youth Wellness Conference
In July 2017, a community wide Wellness Conference was held at Casino del Sol led by the Health Department. On the first day, a youth wellness day took place at the Wellness Center. Approximately 300 youth attended a fun-filled afternoon with time to share what matters to them most regarding their health and wellbeing. They also had some fun with an obstacle course, jumping castle, photo booth, Wii dance and DJ. Youth helped to make “leis”, or flower necklaces, for the evening’s festivities at the Wellness Center, where there was a Luau and movie night at the Pool of Water for the whole community.