The Abayomi Community Development Corporation is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides recreational and educational services, housing and economic development assistance, and health and safety programs for Detroit families.

At Abayomi, meaning "a pleasant meeting place," you'll find afterschool tutoring, computer training, book clubs, mentoring programs for teens, and job training.

The group also runs a youth basketball program, summer camps, and an annual youth retreat.

This program, run by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), offers community youth programs, including soccer training.

Summer programs include a six-week recreational program that includes arts and crafts, recreational sports, reading, and computer instruction; and a two-week "Reading Is Great!" program.

The Boy Scouts is an institution that has honed to the same mission for decades: To promote physical fitness, citizenship, and good old-fashioned character building.

Boys in first through fifth grade are eligible for Cub Scouts. From sixth through twelfth grade your son can become a Boy Scout. Many boys join a troop through either their school or church. But you can also call the Detroit Area Council to find out where there's a unit closest to you. You'll be given the name and number of the pack leader and can call to make arrangements for meeting.

Each pack meets as often as the parents want them to, and frequency can range from one to four times a month.

A youth development organization with 14 locations in southeastern Michigan. Check online for the location nearest you.

Serving both boys and girls ages five to 18, Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. The group's mission is to "build caring, confident youth and future leaders."

Youth Programs: The organization provides curriculum and support to parents, school, and church groups that are interested in implementing youth programs designed by CampFire USA. In addition, summer day camps are offered in July for students in grades K-6.

Serving both boys and girls ages five to 18, Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. The group's mission is to "build caring, confident youth and future leaders."

Youth Programs: The organization provides curriculum and support to parents, school, and church groups that are interested in implementing youth programs designed by CampFire USA. In addition, summer day camps are offered in July for students in grades K-6.

The Clark Park Recreation Center offers youth recreation, tutoring, and group counseling. There is an after-school program and summer day camp.

Sports programs include basketball, baseball, golf, hockey, soccer, softball, and tennis. The center also offers computer training, indoor games, and arts and crafts workshops.

In the winter, there is intramural ice hockey and an ice skating program.

The Delray Neighborhood House offers afterschool recreation programs such as basketball and volleyball, weight training, and free play in its play yard.

There is a game room with foosball, board games, and a piano. Every Friday, the Detroit Public Library brings a bookmobile to the center.

Detroit Impact is a youth center that provides academic support, computer training, and classes in photography, video production, creative writing, and the spoken word.

The organization has afterschool and mentorship character building programs, and it partners with other groups for organized sports activities.

The Detroit Impact's Saturday Adventure Kids' Club is all about fun and games for children ages six to 12.

The Farmington Family YMCA offers a variety of services to members of the community. There is a pool, fitness center, and gymnasium. This branch of the Y also has a child care and preschool program. Day camps are available for those age three and older.

Classes are offered in such areas as aerobics, aquatics, basketball, gymnastics, indoor soccer, and yoga. There are also basketball and racquetball leagues.

YMCA Adventure Guides Program: Formally Indian Guides, this program is for boys and girls in kindergarten-3rd grade. Parents and their children participate in group activities that include camping trips and other fun outings.

Winter vacation camps are available for kids from kindergarten-5th grade during winter and spring breaks.

The Girl Scouts' credo is "Where girls grow strong," and selling Girl Scout cookies is only a small part of building girl power. On field trips and through mentorships with local employers, the girls learn about science, business, arts, and themselves.

The organization also hosts spring and summer camps.

Many schools have troops already in formation, so you might check there first before calling the council. If all else fails, consider starting your own troop - the council will set you on your way with training courses.

Each troop meets as often as the parents want them to, and frequency can range from one to four times a month. Girls in first through fifth grade are eligible for Brownies; from sixth through twelfth grade, they join the Girl Scouts.

Located in the south side of Hamtramck, the Mayson Center has an indoor gym/basketball court (completed in 2002); a large common room with pool tables, foosball, and air hockey; and classrooms that are used for arts and crafts and other educational programs.

Academic tutoring and adult education is provided.

The newly revitalized Maheras-Gentry Park, situated on the Detroit River on the city's far east side, offers loads of opportunities for area families.

The 52-acre-park features baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a fishing pond. Children ages 5 to 19 play organized sports at the park via Think Detroit, a nonprofit organization that offers youth leagues in baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball.

Those in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods are lucky to have the wonderful programs of the Neighborhood Club to keep them active. Activities are conducted in its community center and other area buildings and playfields.

Nursery program: The club runs a state-licensed nursery school and offers half-day care three to five days/week for children ages three to five.

Kids' programs: Sign the little ones up for playgroups, kiddie gym, and mom & tot classes. Older kids can participate in bowling, fencing, gymnastics, and tennis. The Neighborhood Club has numerous organized youth athletic leagues, including those in basketball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, t-ball, and volleyball.

Day camps are available during the summer.

Adult programs include aerobics, computer training, fencing, and yoga classes; softball and vollyball leagues; a barbershop quartet; and knitting club.

All programs are subsidized by the Neighborhood Club Thrift Shop.

The Neutral Zone is a teen center that promotes personal growth through artistic expression, community leadership, and the exchange of ideas.

Those in high school are welcome to just hang out at the center - there is a pool table, air hockey, foosball, TV, and a snack bar - or take advantage of ongoing programs offered every weekday afternoon, many weekday evenings, and every Saturday night.

Teens may choose from a variety of programs in the areas of education, community leadership, literary arts, music performance and technology, and the visual arts.

This community center, run by Northville Parks and Recreation, houses an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, multipurpose classrooms, and fitness rooms. Offers classes in volleyball, badminton, basketball, and softball.

Organized youth athletics include baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and softball. The department also runs a good aquatic program, providing lessons and times for open swim.

Also check out the city's ski and snowboard club, open to middle and high school students, and the junior ski and snowboard club, for fourth and fifth graders.

The award-winning nonprofit organization Think Detroit runs youth athletic leagues in baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball in the city of Detroit.

The organization's successful Leaders for Life Camp is a week-long summer program that aims to enhance the academic skills and personal development of children ages five to 19.

Think Detroit spearheaded the major renovation of Maheras-Gentry Park, making it one of the best outdoor venues for family fun and recreation on the far east side.

Call or check the website to sign up for programs.

Warren residents who have not yet checked out the community center, get over there! It's amazing. There's a large fitness area, gymnasium, and indoor pool with a huge aquatic play structure and winding slide.

The center has kids' karate lessons, soccer and basketball clinics, and youth baseball leagues.

There are limited hours for the pool and water slide; check the website or call for specifics. And know that at first glance, you might think the pool fee is excessive - but it's worth every penny. Nonresidents are welcome as well for a little higher fee.

Have your next party at the Warren Community Center. Party packages run $10/person ($5 for a nonswimming adult) with a $25 surcharge for nonresidents. The price includes a party room for one hour; unlimited swimming; and pop, chips, and table service. Gold pass members get a free 30-slice party tray when booking. Food packages are available at an additional cost. There is a 10-person minimum, not including adults.

Through its programs and services for women and children, the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit works to eliminate racism and empower women. The organization addresses a variety of basic, immediate needs for safety, shelter, food, and clothing, as well as longer term needs for affordable housing, quality child care, and preschool.

This branch of the YWCA offers outreach programs, including afterschool care, for young people throughout Detroit, and works directly with the Cornerstone Schools and the Detroit Academy of the Arts and Sciences. Day camps are offered during summer and other school breaks.

Parties: A large banquet room and garden area are available to rent for parties or other gatherings.

Membership: Family Membership is $75/year and includes one or both parents and children. Adult Membership is $40/year, Student Membership (for ages 18-21 and in school) is $30, and Youth Membership is $20/year.