The Alief Community Center/YMCA features an indoor gym for basketball and other activities, as well as a swimming pool, playground, lighted tennis courts, and lighted sports fields.

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 boys can become Boy Scouts. Many boys join a troop through either their school or church. But you can also call the Houston Council to find out where there's a unit closest to you.

Established in 1979, the Chinese Community Center offers its programs to the community at large. The Center has a child development center for infants and up, as well as afterschool enrichment programs for children in kindergarten through high school. The afterschool program features tutoring, sports and group activities, TAKS prep, and more, while also assisting new immigrant youth in their transition into the community with English enrichment and acculturation workshops.

The Center's Chinese School offers youth language classes, as well as enrichment classes in kung fu, chess, art, and more, for children ages three and up. The Center also hosts the Chinese Youth Society, which is open to children of all nationalities, meeting at the school once a month for a variety of activities, including community outreach and basketball.

The summer program and camp offer academic enrichment with TAKS prep and intensive language sessions, as well as splash days and other activities.

The Downtown YMCA holds a state-of-the-art fitness center, including the Ladies Zone, a women-only workout area.

After-school programs provide children with a safe place to go after school. Adult role models lead structured activities in a caring environment for children to learn and grow. Interest centers are set up each day to give children the opportunity to make choices about how they spend their leisure time. Homework assistance is also offered daily. Currently, after-school care is offered at Brock Elementary and Gregory Lincoln Education Center, Mon-Fri.

"G.I.R.L.S." is a self-esteem enrichment program for girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Call Chevonne Potter at 713.758.9236 for additional information.

Swimming lessons, lifeguard courses, basketball, soccer, softball, and other sports opportunities are also available.

For an alternative to day care, the Downtown YMCA will be holding Drop-in Camp on days when HISD is closed, for ages five to 12.

Y Day Camp gives children the opportunity to play games, create arts and crafts, explore science and technology, swim, participate in field trips, appreciate nature, and discover many cultures. Sleepover camps are for children ages six to 16.

For membership, registration, and other fees, see the website [ymcahouston.org] or call [713.659.8501].

The EA Smith Family YMCA serves the residents of Clear Lake, Webster, Friendswood, Seabrook, and the surrounding communities.

Before and after-school care is offered for 11 area schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District. Before-school care is provided onsite at the YMCA Mon-Fri beginning at 6:30am. After-school care is provided at various locations Mon-Fri from the time students are released from school until 6:30pm. Transportation is provided to and from school by certified drivers for your convenience.

Swimming lessons, lifeguard courses, and several youth sports programs are available for all ages.

Y Day Camp gives children the opportunity to play games, create arts and crafts, explore science and technology, swim, participate in field trips, and appreciate nature. Sleepover camps are available for children ages six to 16.

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 can help 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.

Summertime day camps and twilight camps are also offered at various parks in the area, for girls ages five and up.

The park at the Lansdale Community Center and YMCA features an outdoor basketball pavilion, a swimming pool, hike-and-bike trail, and a playground.

The website for the YMCA of Greater Houston has information on all of the area's locations and programs, including child care, day camp, classes, swim lessons, and various afterschool activities.