Connecting Youth to Our Community Through Meaningful Programs
“It takes a village to raise a child”
You’re working hard to raise your kids and give them as many opportunities as you can. Let TCA help you give your kids the unique opportunities they deserve.
The Community Academy connects kids with our community through long-term community projects in collaboration with their peers, mentors, and community leaders so that kids grow up happy and healthy because they become an integral part of our community.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW
INCLUDING SUMMER EXPERIENCE 2023!
Kids that are…
HAPPY
ENGAGED
LEARNING
It is hard being a parent
You want your kids to grow up with all the experiences that can mold them into successful adults, but too many kids are struggling to find meaning in their lives with all of the adversities they face each day.
- Bullying
- Depression and Anxiety
- Disengagement from school and family
- Turning to more risk-taking behavior
- Choosing to end their life.
Sign up for a TCA program and start connecting your child to our community today!
Our Programs
TCA offers several types of unique programming in order to provide more nature, more authentic and more community experiences to youth in preschool through 12th grade.
We strive to make all programs accessible to all kids, so that all kids know they belong in our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about specific programs and the needs of your children.
Community projects are the overarching focus of TCA’s programming in the long run. These adaptive projects connect youth to each other and their community through meaningful work that they are partners in directing.
Community-based Projects
Weekly Sessions
These projects take place over the course of at least one year, but are often multiple years, or ongoing in nature. The outcomes and objectives for each project are NOT developed ahead of time by staff, but are determined through adaptive work with community stakeholders and youth over the course of the project.
Experience Sessions
Weekly or Single Session
These sessions focus on giving students unique experiences with phenomena, places, and events. The Ames Explorers visit local businesses and organizations for behind the scenes tours. We also offer camping, canoeing, indigenous culture experiences, etc.
Skill Building Sessions
Weekly or Single Sessions
These sessions focus on students developing their skills in areas they are curious about. Art, woodworking, electronics, etc.
