At the Y, we believe youth have something special – a sense of cooperation – and youth should have a chance to learn acceptable ways to resolve conflict. Climbing Above Conflict is a cooperative partnership between the Y and St. Louis Public Schools. The program teaches fourth-grade students peaceful conflict resolution skills. Youth learn to work together as a team, support one another, and value their differences by challenging them to solve problems as a group. 

  • Make new friends
  • Peaceful Conflict Resolution
  • Learn to Solve Problems as a Team
  • Improved Classroom Behavior
  • Builds Self-Confidence
Want to learn more?

Laura Lytle
Senior Program Director
314-776-7102

Email Laura
Are you a school or organization interested in more information?

Please complete the following form so that we can better understand your needs and identify potential opportunities to collaborate. The form should be emailed to Laura Lytle when completed.

Interest Form

Our Climbing Above Conflict Program helps young students improve classroom behavior, increase attendance and classroom participation, and improve academic performance.

Ames

Dunbar

Gateway Science Academy: South

Hancock

Hodgen

Jefferson

Lexington

Mullanphy

Monroe

Registration forms are sent home with students at participating schools.

We offer approximately 4 classroom lessons at each school facilitated by the instructor. Lessons include self-confidence, the 5C’s of team building (confidence, consensus, commitment, collaboration, and communication), decision making & problem-solving, and internal vs. external conflict.  This includes an experiential learning field trip facilitated by YMCA Teamwork staff at the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex YMCA in November & December

Additional classroom visits focused on conflict resolution. This phase culminates in an experiential field trip at YMCA of the Ozarks Trout Lodge/Camp Lakewood. This is a two-day, overnight trip with activities facilitated by YMCA of the Ozarks staff in February- March

The program concludes with a week-long summer experience for students that have demonstrated the greatest growth in the 5C’s.

How does a school get involved?

Schools who would like to participate in the program must complete a Letter of Interest form and submit to Laura Lytle at laura.lytle@gwrymca.org. Letter of Interest forms are accepted between July and September. Completing the form does not guarantee participation in the program.  Qualifying school will be notified in September.

Is there a cost associated with this program?

There is no cost associated with this program.  However, partner schools must meet specific criteria to qualify.

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