Backpack Program

Students enrolled in the Backpack Program receive a backpack full of food each Friday (or the last day of school for the week) during the school year. Learn more or enroll a child by clicking on one of the documents below. For more information, contact Mel Curtis at [email protected]

Backpack Parent Letter

Backpack Registration form

Serving These School Districts 

• Bald Eagle
• Philipsburg-Osceola
• Clearfield Area
• Bellefonte Area
• West Branch
• Cen Clear
• Penns Valley Area
• State College Area
• Moshannon Valley
• Soaring Heights School
• Young Scholars School
• Liberty Curtin Elementary

Mobile Feeding Programs

Travelin’ Table

We partnered with CenClear Child Services, The Central PA Food Bank, AmeriHealth Caritas, and Penn State Health to create the Travelin’ Table, a mobile feeding bus that will meet the needs of children in our community that do not have access to nutritious meals and other important resources they need to sustain healthy physical and mental growth.

The bus travels through the communities we serve to bring food and other resources directly to those who need them. No questions asked. It is equipped with a full kitchen to support distribution of healthy meals, healthcare education and screenings, and educational supplies and sports equipment to combat summer learning loss and encourage exercise. 

Hometown Heroes Firetruck 

The “Hometown Heroes” firetruck is a mobile feeding unit named after all the volunteers that have worked with the YMCA Anti-Hunger Program. Their dedication to this program, the long hours they have put in, and their passion for helping others has helped us increase our efforts tremendously. 

Similar to the Travelin’ Table, this vehicle transports food across Centre County. It has made appearances at several food distributions, special food-related events, and educational events to help spread awareness about food insecurity in our communities.

The Farm

“The Farm” is a project that has been made possible through a partnership with CenClear Child Services, who owns the property. This educational project is designed to teach children and families the importance of growing fruits and vegetables to support healthy eating habits. To start, the food that we harvest during our inaugural year will be distributed to families that we are currently serving at regularly scheduled food distributions. Long term, our goal is to have a learning kitchen to demonstrate how to prepare the foods we grow on the farm and continue to expand from there. We look forward to sharing more about this project with you!

Read more about “The Farm”: 

• The Progress News
• WTAJ
• ABC23
• We Are Central PA

Summer Lunch Program

Information for Summer 2025 will be available soon.

Donate Today!

We’re committed to ensuring people in our community do not go hungry. If you are too, consider making a financial contribution to this program. Donations can be made in the following ways:

• By Mail: to YMCA of Centre County, Development Office, 677 W Whitehall Road, State College, PA 16801
• Online:  click here to donate online

Donations to the YMCA of Centre County are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. (Tax ID# 24-0802437) Together, we are building a stronger community, providing support for families, and promoting overall positive change. Thank you again for your support.

The official registration and financial information of YMCA of Centre County may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. 

Volunteer Information

If you would like to volunteer at any of our sites or warehouse, please email: [email protected]. In your message, please include the following information: Name, phone #, email address, the school district/community area that you are willing to volunteer in, and what type of volunteer work you are willing to do (transport food to sites, volunteer at sites, volunteer for packing, or volunteer to pick-up donation). 

For More Information:

Mel Curtis – 814-342-0889 or email [email protected]

All eligible children (those under the age of 18), have equal access to the benefits of these programs regardless of family income, race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. No child is turned away. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410. By fax: (202) 690-7442; or by email: [email protected]. The YMCA of Centre County is an equal opportunity provider.

Grades K – 5

Excitement! Choices! New Friends! New Experiences!

This and more can be found in our school age programs. We serve children at all four of the Bellefonte School District Elementary Schools from kindergarten through fifth grade. We provide a safe and stimulating place for children to experience supervised hands on activities. Daily activities are designed to motivate learning and creativity in a child centered environment. Children are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that include art, games, sports, blocks, creative dramatics, music, dance, cooking and free play. Homework assistance is provided by the staff and each child receives a nutritious snack. All day care is provided on all emergency closing, in-service days, and school holidays. Care is also provided at Bellefonte Elementary only for delay opening and at all four schools for early dismissals.

The general curriculum includes:

• Art
• Creative dramatics
• Construction
• Science and discovery
• Cooking
• Music
• Recreational and cooperative games
• Outdoor games and activities
• Enrichment activities
• Homework assistance
• Free play
• Experiential learning
• Youth membership included

School Age Fees

FAMILY POLICY

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% fee reduction on the oldest child enrolled.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

All contracted days in the agreement must be paid whether or not the child attends. This is necessary in order to maintain a high quality program at the lowest possible cost. Fees and Payment policy are as follows.

• Payments must be made by the Friday prior to care. Payments are to be made at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at one of the off site programs. MasterCard and Visa is accepted at the YMCA only.
• Delinquent payments of more than 2 weeks may result in the termination of care.
• A $2.00 per day late fee will be charged for late payments.
• A $5.00 fee will be charged when a school age child is sent without a lunch.
• A $1.00 per minute fee will be charged if a child is picked up after 6:00pm.

ENROLLMENT

The YMCA of Centre County, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights Laws and regulatory requirements, provide equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, or disability. Enrollment policies are as follows.

• Preference is given to children requiring full time care.
• All necessary paperwork and parent orientation must be completed before starting care.
• A two-week probation period is given to all parents. During this time the agreement may be broken if there are any problems that can’t be resolved.

Locations & Hours

Bellefonte Elementary School, Grades K-5
Monday – Friday

• 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Benner Elementary School, Grades K-5
Monday – Friday

• 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Marion Walker Elementary School, Grade K-5
Monday – Friday

• 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Pleasant Gap Elementary School, Grades K-5
Monday – Friday

• 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% discount on the oldest child enrolled.

All four sites have been awarded Star 4 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Keystone Stars Program.

Patty Gonder
[email protected]
814-355-5551

Star 4 Early Care & Education Program

The School Age Program Serves Kindergarten Through 5th Grade

Excitement! Choices! New Friends! New Experiences! This and more can be found in our Afterschool programs. We serve children at all four of the Bellefonte School District Elementary Schools from kindergarten through fifth grade. We provide a safe and stimulating place for children to experience supervised, hands-on activities. Daily activities are designed to motivate learning and creativity in a child-centered environment. Children are given the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that include art, games, sports, blocks, creative dramatics, music, dance, cooking, and free play. Homework assistance is provided by the staff and each child receives a nutritious snack. All day care is provided at either Bellefonte Elementary or the YMCA on all emergency closings, school in service days, and school holidays.

The general curriculum includes:

School Age Program Fees:

Effective 8/27/24:

FAMILY POLICY

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% fee reduction on the oldest child enrolled.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

All contracted days in the agreement must be paid whether or not the child attends. This is necessary in order to maintain a high quality program at the lowest possible cost. Fees and Payment policy are as follows.

• • Payments must be made by the Friday prior to care. Payments are to be made at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at one of the off site programs. MasterCard and Visa is accepted at the YMCA only.
  • Delinquent payments of more than 2 weeks may result in the termination of care.
  • A $15.00 late fee will be charged on the Monday of care if payment is not made. 
  • A $1.00 per minute fee will be charged if a child is picked up after 6:00pm.

ENROLLMENT

The YMCA of Centre County, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights Laws and regulatory requirements, provide equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, or disability. Enrollment policies are as follows.

• • Preference is given to children requiring full time care.
  • All necessary paperwork and parent orientation must be completed before starting care.
  • A two-week probation period is given to all parents. During this time the agreement may be broken if there are any problems that can’t be resolved.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP

Youth Memberships are now included in your child care fees for all children 3 years old and above. If you wish to purchase a family membership, please see the YMCA Membership Service Desk.

Bellefonte, Benner, Marion Walker, and Pleasant Gap school age programs have been awarded STAR 4.

Locations

Bellefonte Elementary School

Grades K-5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Benner Elementary School

Grades K–5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Marion-Walker Elementary School

Grades K-5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

Pleasant Gap Elementary School

Grades K–5
Monday–Friday

2:30–6:00 PM

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Early Care and Education Program is to encourage the maximum development of each child in spirit, mind, and body by providing positive experiences that foster self-esteem and enhance social, emotional, cognitive, physical and moral development.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The YMCA cooperates with the Early Learning Resource Center #8 to help make child care affordable for all families. Please contact Patty Gonder, Child Care Director, at 814-355-5551 for more information.

To Enroll: Contact Patty Gonder at [email protected]

Department of Human Services Child Care Regulations can be found here:

55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270. Child Care Centers (pacodeandbulletin.gov)

The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch in accordance with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and regulatory requirements, provides equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, disability or LEP The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. All infant through preschool children will receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Children enrolled in the afterschool programs will receive an afternoon snack. All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or the use of the facility.

Star 4 Early Care & Education Program

Pre-School

★ Standards ★ Training/Professional Development ★ Assistance ★ Resources ★ Support

Our Early Care & Education Program was awarded a Star 4! The highest rating in the Keystone Stars Program. We are proud to partner with Head Start!

The Bellefonte Family YMCA offers a licensed program Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The philosophy of the YMCA Early Care & Education Program recognizes that the early years are for learning and discovery through play. The YMCA’s creative curriculum assists your child in developing language, perception, problem-solving, memory, fine motor skills, and large motor skills. The character development values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are shared and encouraged daily. Centers include literacy/writing, science, construction, dramatic play, sensory, manipulatives, art, and indoor/outdoor play.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Our Pre-k classroom includes 11 Pre-K Counts Spots. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, established by the Department of Education, is bringing quality full-day pre-kindergarten programs to nearly 19,000 3 and 4 year olds in Pennsylvania. This is a program that could significantly help with current child care costs and help prepare your child for kindergarten. The portion of the day that is funded through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is free to families that qualify. Our program charges for additional portions of the day (wrap around child care).  Our program is certified by the department of public welfare and has a STAR 4 rating (the highest rating available) with the Keystone Stars Program.

Bellefonte Family YMCA
Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Effective 8/27/24:

One-time summer field trip fee: $50.00

CREDIT DAYS

As a service to our parents, we offer 5 credit days per school year. Credit days may be used when children are absent from the program. Families receiving financial assistance, sibling discounts or employee benefits will not be eligible for credit days. Infant through Preschool families receiving CCIS funding will receive 5 credit days per family not per child. All credit days must be used in one year.

FAMILY POLICY

Families with more than one child enrolled will receive a 10% fee reduction on the oldest child enrolled.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

All contracted days in the agreement must be paid whether or not the child attends. This is necessary in order to maintain a high quality program at the lowest possible cost. Fees and Payment policy are as follows.

• Payments must be made by the Friday prior to care. Payments are to be made at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at one of the off site programs. MasterCard and Visa are accepted at the YMCA only.
• Delinquent payments of more than 2 weeks may result in the termination of care.
• A $15.00 late fee will be charged on the Monday of care if payment is not made. 
• A $1.00 per minute fee will be charged if a child is picked up after 6:00pm.

ENROLLMENT

The YMCA of Centre County, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights Laws and regulatory requirements, provide equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, or disability. Enrollment policies are as follows.

• Preference is given to children requiring full time care.
• All necessary paperwork and parent orientation must be completed before starting care.
• A two-week probation period is given to all parents. During this time the agreement may be broken if there are any problems that can’t be resolved.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP

Youth Memberships are now included in your child care fees for all children 3 years old and above. If you wish to purchase a family membership, please see the YMCA Membership Service Desk.

A 10% discount is offered for the second child to families that have one child enrolled full – time.

In the Older Preschool Classroom….

The TeachSmart® Learning System is an interactive whiteboard, hands on technology tool which supports early childhood education with playful and purposeful activities that tie to state and national standards. Through the use of the system’s Navigational Tool, children can independently access more than 1000 activities with a simple touch. Activities are designed to strengthen development in key skill areas that include Mathematics, Phonological Awareness, Alphabet Knowledge, Writing and Language Development.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Early Care and Education Program is to encourage the maximum development of each child in spirit, mind, and body by providing positive experiences that foster self-esteem and enhance social, emotional, cognitive, physical and moral development.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The YMCA cooperates with the Early Learning Resource Center #8 to help make child care affordable for all families. Please contact Patty Gonder, Child Care Director, at 355-5551 for more information.
To Enroll

Contact Patty Gonder at [email protected] or (814) 355-5551.

Department of Human Services Child Care Regulations can be found here:

55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270. Child Care Centers (pacodeandbulletin.gov)

The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch in accordance with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and regulatory requirements, provides equal opportunity for program services to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, creed, disability or LEP The YMCA of Centre County, Bellefonte Branch is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. All infant through preschool children will receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Children enrolled in the afterschool programs will receive an afternoon snack. All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal service, or the use of the facility.