Stay active all year long with our teen programs specializing in Helping Youth Produce Excellence (H.Y.P.E)!
Messages from Leadership Academy participants:
| Participant |
Quote |
| Addison – 2nd Year |
“I have learned a lot of leadership skills that have translated well into group work activities at school.” |
| Bronson – 1st Year |
“Everyone here is nice, you are going to have a great time and learn things you can actually use n real life. I look forward to every Tuesday night, going to H.Y.P.E.” |
| Jordan – 1st Year |
“Everybody is really inviting, it is a lot of encouragement, and it is easy to participate.” |
Are you ready to make a positive impact in your community? Join us in this 12-week program for an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and give back! Through workshops and guest speakers you'll have a chance to develop your skills, plan meaningful service projects, connect with other like-minded teens, and discover different ways to get involved with the City of Mesa.
H.Y.P.E. Community Leaders consists of these main components:
Skill Development
The program provides a series of trainings and workshops, providing teens an opportunity to learn new skills that will enhance their ability to lead and serve effectively (teamwork, communication, project planning, problem-solving, etc.)
Service Projects
The program connects teens with service projects sponsored by City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, providing on-the-joblearning and hands-on experiences in planning and participating in community impact initiatives.
Mentorship
The program partners teens with City of Mesa staff, offering professional connections andhands onexperiences in their field of interest.
Social Interaction
Meet and collaborate with other teens who share your passion for making a difference!
The Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program is a service-learning approved, volunteer program designed to give teens the opportunity to have fun during the summer while learning valuable skills for the employment world. Teens volunteer at summer camps and programs throughout Mesa, assisting with group games, craft projects, swimming trips, and much more! This program serves as a valuable pathway to future employment.
TLT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)(PDF, 202KB)
HYPE Leadership Academy is designed for veteran teen leaders (ages 13+) who have previously participated in the Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program and/or HYPE Community Leaders program and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Key components of the program include pairing each participant with a summer camp staff mentor, training sessions to enhance mentoring skills with new incoming Teen Leadership Trainees and preparing for the next step – a part-time position with our Parks and Recreation department! As a previous participant in our Teen Leadership Training (TLT) and/or HYPE Community Leaders programs, this is a fantastic opportunity to build on your leadership skills and prepare for future success in the Teen Leadership Training program and beyond!
The Junior Lifeguard program equips youth (13 – 15 years old) the knowledge, skills, and positive attitude, needed to become responsible volunteers and future lifeguards. The Junior Lifeguard program qualifies for HONOR FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE-LEARNING for Mesa Public Schools high school students (going into 9th grade). For Junior Lifeguard Information please contact 480-644-7529 or aquatics@mesaaz.gov.
Learn More Junior Lifeguarding
Welcome to the upgraded game room at the Red Mountain Center. Designed to offer a variety of activities, the game room has a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Computers, and Oculus system. For those who are looking for hands on activities, guests can also enjoy board games, foosball, ping pong, and pool. This area is designed for youth ages 8–17. Parents are also welcome to join and participate after signing a waiver for their children.
Outside of the normal hours, the game room throws many teen-focused events, such as esports competitions, pool tournaments, and game nights. We offer programming for teens every month, and while events may not always take place in the game room, there is something to match a wide range of interests.