This isn't your kid's old YDC. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Sarah Fishel, Executive Director of the YDC, to talk about how the organization is rethinking what a youth center can be — and how a year in their new building at 302 South Loudoun has opened up the possibilities.

The conversation digs into Summerfest, the YDC's 10-week summer program kicking off June 1st with flexible scheduling, guest speakers, literacy and art alongside the physical activity, and scholarships so no kid gets left out. Plus: why their e-sports program is teaching leadership in unexpected ways, how community donations (and Target dollar-section finds) keep the doors open, and a preview of the All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July.

WHO'S ON THIS EPISODE

Sarah Fishel — Executive Director, the YDC

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) A year in the new building at 302 South Loudoun — and gearing up for Summerfest

(00:30) What Summerfest is — 10 weeks of activities, literacy, art, and guest speakers

(01:00) Flexible scheduling — full summer, weekly, or single-day options

(02:00) Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) and why staff diversity matters

(03:30) Different rooms for different activities and age-appropriate programming

(04:00) Guest speakers including Shenandoah University e-sports and women's basketball

(05:00) Why e-sports is teaching leadership to kids who don't want to play basketball

(06:00) Logistics — 7:30 AM drop-off, snacks/lunch from home, sunscreen recommended

(07:00) The massive parking lot, outdoor space, and scholarship deadline

(08:00) Donor relationships and the role of community giving

(09:30) Saturday art class moving to Wednesdays during Summer Fest

(10:30) First Friday drop-off program for parents on the way

(11:00) Two art rooms, two reading rooms, classroom, game room, gyms, new sensory room

(13:30) The Apple Blossom float and community-driven ideas

(14:30) Volunteer opportunities — and why "advocate" is the most overlooked one

(15:30) The All-American Pig & Pour bourbon fundraiser coming in July

(16:30) Donation needs — books, board games, art supplies, school supplies

(18:00) Where to find everything online

EVENT DETAILS

Summerfest June 1 – August 2026 (10 weeks)

The YDC, 302 South Loudoun Street, Winchester

Ages 6–12 (with flexibility) • Drop-off from 7:30 AM Full-summer, weekly, or single-day rates available

Limited to 40 kids per week • Scholarships available (deadline May 22, 2026)

Bring: lunch, snacks, sunscreen, change of clothes recommended

All-American Pig & Pour (signature fundraiser)

July 2026 • At the YDC Roasted pig, live band, bourbon — Heaven Hill sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities available

LINKS & RESOURCES

The YDC website (registration, donations, newsletter, Amazon wishlist): myydc.org
The YDC on Facebook
The YDC on Instagram
Donation needs: books, board games, art supplies, school supplies
Volunteer signups available through the Point app — info on the website

THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.

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