We’re so glad you’re here. This guide explains what CYA offers and what we expect from teens and families.

Important: The membership form must be filled out and turned in before you can join.

Our Purpose

At CYA, we want every teen to feel safe, supported, and included. Our programs are designed to help you grow, learn, and have fun while you:

• Do well in school
• Build leadership skills
• Make friends and connect socially
• Volunteer and give back to the community
• Explore career and job skills
• Enjoy fun activities and recreation

Through clubs, tutoring, leadership groups, and service projects, CYA gives you the chance to try new things, discover your strengths, and be part of a community where you belong.

Show Up, Step Up

We follow the rule: “If you sign up, show up.”

Most of our classes are taught by volunteers who give their time. Skipping class is hard on your teachers and classmates. Many sessions build on what you learned the week before, so missing makes it harder for you and others.

We understand emergencies happen — just keep absences rare.

Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Closed on holidays (special hours announced as needed)

Stay updated through:

• Website: CYAidaho.org
• Facebook: Community Youth in Action

Need help? Call us:

• Front Desk: 208-926-6633
• Cell: 208-521-6896

How to Join

To become a member, you and a parent/guardian must:

1. Fill out the Code of Conduct and Waiver.
2. Provide contact info, address, age, and school.
3. Share medical info, allergies, and emergency contacts.
4. Sign the Release of Liability form.
5. Provide a working email for both parent/guardian and teen.

• Don’t block our emails — this is how we send updates.

Free Programs, Shared Responsibility

All CYA programs and activities are offered free of charge to every youth. In return, we ask all members to give back by completing a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service to their community during the school year.

• Teens will track their volunteer hours in a binder kept at the front desk.
• Volunteer opportunities may include CYA events, community projects, school service, or other approved activities.
• CYA has service opportunities available weekly

By serving your community, you not only keep CYA free for all teens — you also build leadership, responsibility, and pride in making a difference.

Your Rights at CYA

You have the right to:

• Join all CYA activities in a safe, supportive place.
• Help keep the center free for all teens by doing your part with daily clean-up.
  • Every teen helps with clean-up from 6:30–6:45 p.m.
  • Parents: plan for pick-up after clean-up.
• Use the front desk phone with staff permission.
  • CYA Center number: 208-926-6633
• Use the Homework Loft with these rules:
  • No social media (Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) on CYA computers.
  • No food or drinks near computers.
  • You may bring your own laptop for homework (Wi-Fi provided by staff).
  • Anyone using devices for pornography or unsafe content loses Wi-Fi privileges permanently.
  • CYA Wi-Fi is for schoolwork only and may not be used on phones.

Your Responsibilities at CYA

When you’re part of CYA, you agree to follow these rules so everyone stays safe, respected, and has fun.

• SIGN AND FOLLOW THE CODE OF CONDUCT.
• Be respectful to staff, AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and other teens.
• Respect property — both CYA’s and other people’s.
• Listen to staff instructions. Ignoring or talking back may result in a parent/guardian call and possible suspension.
• Sign in and out every time you come or go using your legal first and last name.
  • Once you leave or sign out, staff are not responsible for you.
• No in-and-out all day. You can’t check in/out multiple times unless your parent/guardian comes with you.
• Speak up. Tell staff if you see or know about anything unsafe or illegal (weapons, drugs, alcohol, fireworks, fighting, theft, etc.).

Facility Rules

• Bikes & Boards: No riding bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, “heelies,” or mopeds inside. Bikes must stay in the outside rack.
• Dress Code: Wear clean, safe, youth-friendly clothes. No clothing that promotes drugs or alcohol. If needed, staff will apply the school district dress code. Staff have final say.
• No Weapons: No knives, guns, fireworks, lighters, or anything dangerous.
• PDA: Keep it appropriate — no hugging/kissing/touching that makes others uncomfortable or distracts.
• Language: No swearing or vulgar words. First, you’ll get a reminder; stronger consequences may follow.
• Threats: No threats or talk of hurting others. This is taken seriously and acted on immediately.
• Nicotine & Tobacco: No vaping, e-cigs, cigarettes, lighters, matches, nicotine gum/patches/lozenges.
• Important: CYA is funded by the Drug-Free Community Grant. Any violations involving nicotine, drugs, or alcohol can put our funding at risk.

Rules That Are Also Laws

Breaking these may result in police being called:

• Assault or battery (hitting or hurting someone)
• Sexual assault
• Gambling
• Harassment or hate crimes
• Hazing (forcing someone to do harmful/degrading acts)
• Illegal drugs or alcohol
• Intentional injury (except self-defense)
• Theft (CYA is not responsible for lost/stolen items)
• Vandalism (teens/parents may have to pay for damages)
• Possessing weapons (firearms, knives, explosives, etc.)

Safety First

For everyone’s protection, the Teen Center has video cameras to help keep the environment safe and to make sure rules are followed.

Youth Code of Conduct

When I’m at the Teen Center or any CYA activity, I agree to:

1. Respect everyone — staff, volunteers, and other teens. No bullying, intimidation, threats, fighting, or put-downs.
2. Use appropriate language — no swearing, insults, or offensive talk.
3. Follow staff directions and all Teen Center rules.
4. Sign in and out with my full legal name every time. Once I sign out, staff are not responsible for me. No in-and-out all day unless with a parent/guardian.
5. Respect CYA property and the property of others. No stealing, damaging, or borrowing without permission.
6. Stay drug, alcohol, and nicotine free. No vaping, smoking, or being under the influence. If staff suspect I am under the influence, I may be drug tested and legal action may follow.
7. Leave bikes, boards, scooters, and mopeds in designated areas (not inside).
8. Not bring weapons, fireworks, matches, lighters, or flammable items. (If I have a tool or pocketknife, I must check it in with staff.)
9. Follow the “hands-off” rule — no PDA (hugging, kissing, or touching that makes others uncomfortable).
10. Dress appropriately — safe, clean, and youth-friendly. No drug/alcohol logos. Staff have final say.
11. Keep noise levels reasonable inside the center and around the property.
12. Be honest, trustworthy, and helpful — clean up after myself and help when asked.
13. Respect and follow the Teen & Parent Policy Guide. Report any problems to staff.
14. Accept the consequences for my actions.

Consequences may include:

• Removal from the Teen Center for the day
• Loss of transportation privileges
• Parents/guardians contacted
• Suspension for multiple days
• Police involvement if laws are broken
• Permanent removal from the Teen Center and all CYA programs

Permission to Provide Support

Our main goal at the CYA after-school program is to provide a safe and supportive environment for teens to learn and grow. While we do not offer clinical-level counseling, our staff comprises caring adult mentors trained to listen and support young people. Our mentors may ask your teen how their day has been, and if they express that it has been challenging in any way, our staff is equipped to provide non-medical guidance and life skills coaching. However, as a precaution to comply with Idaho legislation, we ask for your permission to support your teen in this way. We respect your role as your child's legal guardian and want to ensure you authorize all mentoring practices.

Basic Needs & Care

In Idaho, new legislation has been passed that requires parental approval to provide essential medical support to teenagers. Under this law, professionals must obtain consent from parents or guardians before providing basic medical care to teens. In light of this, we request your approval to provide your teen with necessities such as band-aids, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter medical or hygiene products.

Van Rules

The driver is in full charge of the van and riders. We will not tolerate behaviors that prevent our drivers from carrying out their responsibilities safely, intimidate others, or prevent fellow passengers from having a safe and comfortable ride from school or back home. Riders must obey the driver's requests promptly and willingly.

Rules:

1. Follow the driver’s requests promptly.
2. Go directly to an available seat and remain seated, facing forward.
3. Keep all body parts inside the van while the vehicle is en route.
4. Keep your hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself.
5. Wear your seatbelt properly the entire time the van is in motion.
6. Absolutely no displays of affection will be tolerated, including, but not limited to, holding hands, kissing, and sitting on laps.
7. Food is not allowed in vans or buses except inside a student's backpack.
8. No profane or inappropriate language or gestures.
9. No harassment of any kind.
10. No destruction of any property.
11. No weapons of any kind will be allowed in the van.
12. Carry-on items will be limited to those items that can be held on a rider's lap.
13. No yelling, screaming, or loud talking in the van.
14. Do not have the van take you to a different location than the one on file as your address without permission from your guardian. An alternate address that is not listed on this form requires an in-person request at the center. Please understand that this rule is for the safety of your teen.

Transportation Waiver and Release

The undersigned gives my consent for the person identified below to be transported by the CYA Teen Center. I will assume all liability for their participation in any activity or event and any injury that may result during the transport or at the event or activity.

By signing below:

1. I will not hold CYA, its agents, employees, or anyone acting on its behalf responsible or liable for injury occurring to the named person during travel.
2. I accept financial responsibility for personal items lost by the identified herein.
3. I authorize CYA to transport and obtain any emergency care that may become reasonably necessary for the person during travel and agree to accept the cost of transportation and/or treatment by medical personnel or facility.
4. I accept full responsibility and grant permission for my minor child to travel with CYA.

I permit the person identified below to ride in the CYA van driven by an approved and licensed driver. Furthermore, both the minor and I understand the rules of traveling with CYA and agree to follow them. Please comply with these rules to avoid losing your van-riding privileges.

Waiver of Liability and Statement of Understanding

We (parent/ guardian) and (youth) hereby state that we have read, understand, and agree to the rules and stipulations accompanying this waiver as set out by Community Youth in Action. I further hereby release and discharge the CYA Teen Center, the Community Youth in Action, and all host sponsors of Teen Center programming of and from all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, and liability whatsoever which may arise or grow out of my youth's participation in Teen Center programs.

***Please note: This is a living document; all behavior infractions and the corresponding consequences are subject to change at the discretion of Teen Center Staff, as necessary. Youth and parent/guardian input regarding the progressive discipline policy and procedures are highly encouraged.

Consent for Release of School Information

This section of the form is repative because it is sent directly to the schools. Thank you for your patience.

As the parent/guardian of the above-named Student, I authorize my School District to release and receive information regarding my child's academic performance, behavior, and achievements to Community Youth in Action (CYA). I hereby give permission to the School District to share my child's EDUID number for tracking after-school activities and collaborating with the State Department of Education and Community Youth in Action for data related to supporting my child's success. This document is valid until graduation or until a written request to remove Community Youth in Action from student access is received.

In addition, I authorize Community Youth in Action to release identifying student information to EVALUATORS OR FUNDERS WHO USE PROGRAM DATA to support program accountability and quality improvement activities.

I understand that the records will be released and received for grants and quality improvement activities.

By this consent, Community Youth in Action and its employees, officers, and staff are released from liability for the release of information.

CYA is grand-funded to assist with homework and school.