The Y Middle School Afterschool Program at Thurgood Marshall Middle School offers 6th–8th grade students engaging, student-centered experiences beyond the school day. Participants have the chance to explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with peers through hands-on workshops, field trips, mentorship opportunities, and academic support.

Registration is free. To register for the program, please register for the “2025-2026 School Year” Session before registering for any other sessions.

Workshop, field trips, and experiences:  Families can sign up for workshops and experiences in person at Thurgood Marshall Middle School with YMCA Staff or register for activities listed on the program calendar by selecting the sessions down below. 

The THRIVE Summer Program is a free summer opportunity for middle school students to learn new skills, build friendships, and explore their interests through engaging, hands-on experiences. Each week features a unique theme designed to help youth stay active, creative, and connected throughout the summer led by our various community partners and themed field trips.

The program will be held at Thurgood Marshall Middle School from 12:00 PM–4:00 PM. Lunch will not be provided, but snacks will be available.

Registration Information

Families must register their student for each individual week they would like to attend via creating a free YMCA Youth Programs account online. Space is limited to 25 students per week, so we encourage families to sign up only for weeks their student plans to attend and can fully participate in.

If a week reaches capacity, families are strongly encouraged to join the waitlist. Students on the waitlist will receive priority consideration when spots become available and may have the opportunity to still join if capacity increases for that week (based on demand).

To register for the program, select the sessions you’d like to attend down below.

Weekly Themes

June 29 – July 2
Culinary Skills Week
A 4-day exploration into eating healthfully and sustainably, while learning practical cooking skills such as safe food handling and how to read a recipe. This week will feature a field trip to the Olympia Farmers Market and a local beach for a lesson on shellfish harvesting.

July 6 – July 10
Active Lifestyle Week
An active lifestyle can mean more than just committing to a sport or hitting the gym regularly–it’s an opportunity to integrate the joy of movement into your everyday life. Participants will start off each day with a gentle warmup and get the opportunity to play, move, and dance in multiple ways.

July 13 – July 17
Performing Arts Week
Take center stage during Performing Arts Week! Students will participate in dance workshops, singing, and songwriting activities while developing their creative talents and working together toward a special end of week performance.

July 20 – July 24
Outdoor Skills Week
Olympia has numerous opportunities for getting out into the front or backcountry. Let’s do it safely!

July 27 – July 31
Visual Arts Week
Students will express their creativity through a variety of artistic projects while exploring different art forms and techniques.

August 3 – August 7: Choose One Program down below

Leadership Week
Leadership Week is designed to help students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and discover their leadership potential. Through team building activities, hands on projects, and community focused experiences, participants will learn how to lead, collaborate, and make a positive impact.

Teens Biking Series 11am-4pm
Learn bicycle safety, maintenance, riding skills, and explore the community through guided rides and biking activities. Upon completion of the biking series, students will receive a free bike of their own to take home!

Please Note: Students may register for either Leadership Week or the Teens Biking Series, but not both. Space in the Teens Biking Series is extremely limited. Priority will be given to students who do not currently have access to a bicycle.