Leaders School – Parent FAQ
Start with some of our Policies
Q: How does Leaders School ensure health and safety of its participants?
A: Like any YMCA program, we follow all Department of Health and CDC guidelines for overnight settings for both New York (state the Host YMCA is located in and where school is run).
Q: I’m having trouble with the online registration, how can I get help?
A: The registration guide is a great place to start! If you’re still having trouble with the registration process, please reach out to Ryan Wong (rwong@ymcacny.org) for more assistance.
Q: What is the housing situation at Leaders School?
A: At Springfield College, Leaders School occupies one large dorm-style building. Floors/wings of the dorm are divided by gender, and gender-neutral rooms are available as needed. NELS gives teens a taste of the college residence experience, though participants spend very little time in the dorms due to the busy nature of Leaders School.
Q: What experience or expertise do the staff/volunteers have?
A: Staff are vetted through an application process to ensure they have the skills and expertise to provide high quality, safe, and impactful programming. Staff and volunteers are given background checks by their local YMCA as well as receive 5 days of training prior to the school program. The Leaders School management team comprised of seasoned professionals who work year round to plan the program.
Q: What happens in a medical emergency or illness?
A: Safety, in all forms, is our utmost priority. Leaders School has staff trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED as well as common developmental and behavioral challenges with teens. Minor medical treatments are provided by trained staff. In the event of a serious medical emergency or illness the injured person is taken to the nearest hospital by staff or local Emergency Medical Services and you will be contacted immediately.
In the event of a minor illness most teens feel better with rest, hydration and a good meal. While we strive to have teens stay for the duration of Leaders School, parent pick may be required for serious illness or illness that is persistent, involves significant loss of fluid (i.e. vomiting and diarrhea) over a long period of time, or provides enough discomfort to the teen that they are unable to participate in activities.
Teens with serious or contagious illness who haven’t been on antibiotics for 3 days prior to Leaders School should remain home.
Q: What if my teen has dietary needs, medication, or allergies?
A: It is very important that our staff know if your teen regularly takes prescription medication, over the counter (OTC) medication, as well as any allergies. Please list them all on their registration form. We work very closely with our food service partner to ensure dietary needs, including allergies, are met.
All medication including (OTC medication) is turned into our staff upon arrival. It is kept secured and provided to your teen when they need it. Exceptions are made for life saving medication such as insulin/insulin pumps, inhalers, and epipens. It is vitally important that all medication, prescription and OTC, be brought in its original container. Teens may bring only the dosage needed while at Leaders School, but it still must be in its original container.
Q: How do teens get to NELS? Do they need money?
A: Transportation to and from Leaders School is coordinated by your local YMCA. Drop-off/pick-up by parent/guardians is also acceptable. There is no need for money while at Leaders School, as housing and meals are included; however your teen may need a little money for meals during travel to and from the program. Please consult with your teen’s YMCA or Leaders Club Advisor.
Q: Can my teen leave early or arrive late?
A: Typically, no. Teens arriving later in the week and/or leaving early can drastically change the group dynamic which is a vital part of our program. Exceptions are made for unforeseen or emergency circumstances, in which case we ask that you contact NELS leadership.
Q: Can my teen call/text me?
A: Part of the magic of Leaders School is the connections and relationships that teens will form with one another and with their Advisors. To this end, cell phone usage is limited to during free time and dorm time. If there is a serious need or emergency your teen will be allowed to call home. If you have a need to reach your teen we ask you call the School Director and you’ll be connected from there.
We know that cell phones are a constant part of life, and we encourage teens to stay focused on their experience. While each day of NELS is typically packed with activity, interaction, and connection, teens do have downtime periodically during which they can call or text home.
Any emergencies or incidents will be communicated by NELS Management Team staff.
Q: Can I send my teen mail while they’re at Leaders School?
A BIG tradition at Leaders School is receiving mail from home! Instead of calling to check-in on your teen, we encourage parents and YMCAs to instead send mail. A simple card or letter can mean a lot. Some even send care packages full of goodies!
It is recommended that you mail your package no later than Monday the week of the program to ensure it arrives on time.
Mail/packages can be sent to
Your Teens Name
YMCA Teen Leaders School
Springfield College
263 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109