The City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation Department seek to provide positive youth development to children through life skills and self-concepts. Our mission is to provide safe, enjoyable recreation opportunities for all participants while teaching the basic skills and fundamentals of the sport, mentoring, life skills, role modeling, community involvement and character. To assist with our goals, some our partners include Spartanburg District 7, Connect, Housing Authority………. Below is a summary of the programs we provide.
The Itty Bitty Sports Series is designed for youth ages 3-6. This developmental program has seen tremendous success within the community. With very limited programming opportunities for youth ages 3-6 Itty Bitty gives us an early opportunity to teach youth the fundamentals of sport in a non-competitive environment.
Itty Bitty Basketball is a six-week instructional program that helps children learns the basics of basketball: dribbling/ball handling, shooting, passing/catching, and running/agility. Registration begins in December and the season starts in January.
Itty Bitty Soccer is a six-week instructional program that teaches children the basics of soccer: kicking, dribbling, trapping, throw-ins and agility. Both programs help prepare children for organized sports by using safe and fun equipment to teach basic motor skills. Registration begins in March and the season starts in April.
Competitive Youth Sports partnership with Spartanburg District 7, this program design is currently being refined and may include additional partners.
The All-Sports Summer Camp for boys/girls will bring together multiple sports such as (track, volleyball, kickball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse and baseball). The camps are held all week long at Spartanburg High School and Duncan Park. Sessions led by Viking coaching staff. Registration begins in mid-July and camp starts the last week of June.
Youth Basketball Development-This innovative basketball program focuses youth age 7-14 looking to refine their skills in preparation for playing organized basketball and making high school team. The emphasis will be on teaching fundamental basketball skills including dribbling, passing, jumping, shooting, rebounding and running/agility. Registration begins in February and the season starts in March.
Developmental Softball for Girls- we are currently seeking to partner Spartanburg District 7 to offer softball to girls interested in playing and developing basic fundamentals such as hitting, throwing mechanics, fielding technique and base-running skills. This low player-to-coach ratio is perfect for the young player looking to learn and improve.
Pop Up Flag Football- Spring/Summer program that encourages free play and while teaching children a variety of football skills including: throwing, catching, pulling flags, running/agility, and kicking/punting. Teamwork is emphasized in this program. Boys and girls will learn how to play football in a FUN, non-threatening environment.
COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMS
TEEN OUTREACH PROGRAM (TOP)-designed to meet the needs of middle and high school teens The TOP program focuses on key topics such as adolescent health and development, including building social, emotional, and life skills; developing a positive sense of self and connecting with others.
SIHLE- Sistas Informing, Healing, Living, and Empowering an interactive group designed to address relationships, dating and sexual health within the context of female African-American experience.
WILDCAT WEDNESDAYS- Programming by Carver students for students including cooking classes, intramural sports, gaming, STEM activities, beauty/self care
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN-our girls program built on establishing Trust. Through 4 main components sports, health, leadership and life we strive to teach better social skills, eating habits, health and hygiene, improve study skills and how to speak in public.
HER TIME TO PLAY-focus on the fundamentals of basketball we take girls to the next level of play by enhancing their skill set and refinement.
EXPLORERS PROGAM-program designed for youth ages 11-18 that widens their scope to possibilities of their future. Includes one on one tutoring and college preparedness.
TEEN ADVENTURE CLUB-community service oriented program for youth ages 13-18. The program seeks to broaden youth perspective in the community through hands on engagement. Teens also explore different college campuses to getting valuable exposure and guidance into the next phase of their development. As
MAKING A DIFFERENCE- an abstinence only approach only to teen pregnancy prevention. This is a goal based character educational program that allow teens to express their dreams set goals to meet their dreams, but mostly avoid the things that will prevent them from accomplishing their dream.
IRON SHARP-mentoring program for boys ages 11-13 where were discuss financial literacy, professional appearance and life as a young man growing up through guest speakers.
TEEN NIGHT(s)- incorporates all aspects of youth development in one night at our community centers offering food, gaming truck, basketball tournaments, dunk contest, live DJ, pool party and more.
COMMUNITY KICKBALL-fun opportunity for youth and adults to come out and represent their neighborhood in a friendly game kickball. We welcome schools, mentors, and community partners alike. This program begins in November.
COMMUNITY BASKETBALL-fun opportunity for youth ages 13-18 to come out and represent their neighborhood in a friendly game of basketball. We build community through sport on Sunday Funday’s. Starts in November and runs through December
SAIYL-Spartanburg Achieving and Innovating Youth Leaders Program; Learning the aspect of government, leadership, community service and engagement programs
LIFEGUARD TRAINING- ages 15+, free certification, CPR training and includes a Job!
SPARK GIRLS-mentoring program for girls ages 10-18 designed to equip our girls to be their best.
PAID INTERNSHIPS- for youth ages 14-17
SEED-(Skills, Enhancement and Employee Development Program) Ages 18-24
RECREATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS- one at beginning of warm season and one at the end; location specific events
COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAMS
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My Brother’s Keeper
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Black Girls Read
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Broken but Healed
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Bloom Upstate
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Birth Matters
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Boys to Men
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NESSA in the Neighborhood
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Urban League of the Upstate
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SC Works Transitional Job Training