Our Summer Programs are capped at 110 participants and all others programs vary based on facility space. Capping our programs ensures a safe and comfortable environment because having too many participants can be overwhelming for our peer staff and also for your child. To ensure a spot, we recommend registering at least two months prior to your desired Summer Program and one month prior for all others. We require a $75 non-refundable deposit per child per Summer Program. The balance must then be paid by May 1st. For all other enrollments, the fee must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Summer: Due to facility restrictions, all participants will be responsible for bringing their own lunches (microwaves and refrigerators are not available). Dinner will be provided Monday - Thursday (except during "Great Transitions" due to the shorter days) by local businesses that support our community and believe in our organization. A listing of dinners and which nights will be provided to the parents at the Sunday orientation. There will be a vegetarian option.

Afternoon: For all Afternoon Programs, pizza is served as a snack along with a drink. If your child has any allergies, please alert the staff at the time of registration. As always, participants are welcome to bring their own snack if they so choose.

Yes! Many times having family or friends in the same program will help motivate your child to attend and participate. However, since part of our purpose is to create an environment where adolescents can make new friendships, we will separate those individuals that have a close relationship. The large group of participants is divided into smaller groups of up to seven participants and is facilitated by two Peer Leaders. Siblings, family members, and friends will be in different groups but will have time to interact with each other during the breaks.

We normally have a good balance of male and female participants in all of our Programs. You can receive more detailed information by calling the WYF office at 480-882-6011 one week prior to the program.

Each program has a specific focus; however, the major topics covered in most programs include: healthy vs. unhealthy friendships, problem solving, goal setting, building social skills, peer pressure, negative/destructive behaviors, healthy vs. unhealthy lifestyles, etc. The intensity of each topic is gauged by the age and maturity of the program’s participants. Each program is loosely grouped by age, with the intention to ensure the relevance and appropriateness of the curriculum for your child’s developmental stage. For more information on a specific program, please see the [[LINK1]] or call the WYF office at (480) 882-6011.

Simply said, we focus on keeping good kids good. More than 30 years ago, Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger, the founder and Program Director, felt the need to equip every-day adolescents with tools to help them navigate the normal changes and conflicts of growing up. Today our program remains true to this principle foundation, and pre-teens & teens from around the country have realized the importance of skill-building opportunities. We do not discriminate against those children who seek our assistance, but if we feel that your child’s circumstances are too mature for their designated program, we will direct you to another program or professional that can deal with your child’s issues more effectively. To further discuss your situation in detail and gain assistance in placing them in the proper Summer Program, please call the WYF office at (480) 882-6011.

Our staff is required to attend ongoing training courses throughout the year which exposes them to various techniques in order to ensure a meaningful experience for children/teens with special needs. In the past, WYF has accommodated staff and participants with moderate learning, attention, and physical difficulties. Please keep in mind that our program is heavily dependent on communication, maturity, and movement. Accommodations can be made for those with moderate limitations but our staff is not properly equipped to assist adolescents with severe disabilities. If your child has special needs please inform our staff when registering and we can help you decide whether this program will be valuable to them. As the start of program approaches, specific accommodations will be arranged as necessary.

Yes, carpooling is available. Programs are held on the beautiful campus of the Homestead Community Center by DC Ranch, which is located at 9797 E. Union Hills Drive, Scottsdale, 85255. This is right off the 101 freeway and Pima Rd/Princess Drive Exit in North Scottsdale.

Every year, parents who realize the importance of this program arrange carpools so that the stress of the long commute is partially relieved. Carpools are usually arranged independently on the Sunday start of each Program. The WYF staff will try its best to accommodate and arrange carpooling with other parents. It is worth the drive! For more information on carpooling, please contact the office at (480) 882-6011.

This is perhaps our most popular question. Due to the fact that WYF offers such unique programs, often times parents find it hard for their kids to get excited about going. In fact, many will refuse to go. Some motivation techniques we offer to parents of resistant children are registering with a friend, requesting that they try it for a few days, or just plain old putting your foot down. Our staff is trained to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere which can be very comforting for new participants but you have to get them in the door first. Most of our staff will admit that they were forced to attend program and will also confess it was one of the most life changing experiences of their lives. If you get them to a program, we will help you deal with the resistance.

No, WYF does not provide counselor referrals. We do, however, recommend that you obtain a list of mental health professionals covered through your health insurance to begin a search for one that fits your specific needs.

No. Our founder and Program Director, Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger is a retired certified Marriage and Family therapist, but our programs are not designed to replace counseling. Many counselors have referred their clients to WYF as they see the personal benefits we can provide to their clients as well as how it can complement the work they may do in private sessions.

The Parenting Classes, presented by “Parenting With Leadership”, are designed for the parents of pre-teens and teens and are not meant to teach basic parenting skills for toddlers or young children. Parenting through the latency years (8 years old – 10 years old) and adolescence comes with a new set of challenges and changes with your child and the curriculum of our Parenting Programs will help you understand your child and give you the tools to effectively and compassionately parent them through these years. For more information on parenting workshops, location and pricing, please email parentingwithleadership@cox.net or call 480-236-1432.

Click here to download the flyer and registration form for Summer 2009.

All requests must be made in writing via mail, e-mail, or fax. Refunds will be given on requests postmarked no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the program, less the $75 non-refundable deposit (for summer programs) or less the $15 processing fee (for all other programs). Credit towards an upcoming program will be given on requests received in the office up to the Friday before the Workshop, less the $75 non-refundable deposit/$15 processing fee. Credits are valid for exactly one (1) year from the date of cancellation. All requests must be received by our offices in writing Monday-Friday by 5pm. There are no exceptions.

For any questions regarding our cancellation policy, please contact us at info@orho.org or call (480) 882-6011.