Youth Registration



Contact

Gwen Papania
Director of Youth Services
(716) 357-6290
gpapania@ciweb.org

Chautauqua Institution
P.O. Box 28
1 Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, NY 14722

Youth /
Additional Activities



In addition to the plethora of activities young people will find within the framework of the Boys' & Girls' Club, Children's School and Group One, there are a variety of other activities for them to enjoy—from tennis and golf to swimming and sailing and more.


CLSC Young Readers

The CLSC Young Readers Program encourages the enjoyment of good reading. The books have been chosen for their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers. A special program is offered each Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. Book selections and program information are fully described in the Young Readers brochure available at the CLSC Veranda.

Young Readers Book List (PDF)


Youth Tennis (PDF)

Located directly behind the Turner Community Center, the Chautauqua Tennis Center provides an outstanding junior development program offering group instruction for ages 4–18 and all skill levels. Details and schedules are available at the tennis pro shop. Racquets may be borrowed at no charge during the junior programs. Private lessons and junior memberships are also available.


Swimming

There are four public swimming beaches within the grounds. The Children's Beach, located near the Miller Bell Tower, provides a shallow swimming area and beach for youth and their families to play and picnic. Pier Beach, adjacent to Children's Beach, is an adult, deep-water swimming area. Heinz Beach, located on South Lake Drive, offers bathhouse facilities, as does University Beach on North Lake Drive. Lifeguards are on duty daily at Chautauqua's beaches during posted swimming hours. The pool at the Turner Community Center will also be open daily throughout the summer for lap swimming, open family swims and classes or special events.


Babysitting

The Youth Services Office coordinates a babysitting list that provides information to help families with young children connect with available babysitters in Chautauqua and the local area. The list is intended as a public service and does not rate or recommend any individual. During the season the list is updated weekly and is available in many locations on the grounds. Anyone interested in placing their name on the list should contact the office, 716.357.6290.


Family Entertainment

The Family Entertainment Series features free performances each Tuesday evening (during the Chautauqua season) at 5 and 7 p.m. in Smith-Wilkes Hall unless otherwise noted. This series appeals to family members of all ages providing fun, interactive entertainment ranging from music to mime, puppetry, dance and much more.


Youth Sailing

The Chautauqua Sailing Department presents a summer-long curriculum of sailing courses for youth ages 8 and up, including Beginner Optimist Sailing, 420 Sailing, Intermediate Sailing, and Saturday morning races. Registration is through the Special Studies program. Early registration is strongly recommended. Private lessons may also be arranged. All Sailing Department programs are conducted from the John R. Turney Sailing Center.