Hudson Youth Department

The City of Hudson Youth Department is a trusted community resource that offers free out-of-school-time programs.

The Youth Department is an essential underpinning for Hudson’s large under-resourced population providing critical childcare, recreational opportunities, and academic, emotional, nutritional, and social support.

For Hudson’s young people it offers a familiar space where they feel safe, welcome, and respected in our rapidly changing city. A place where they are free to have fun and be themselves.

“I started coming here to play basketball, but what kept me coming were the connections I made with the people here.” – Jayshawn Williams, former student and current staff member, age 19

The Youth Department operates an after-school program for elementary and middle-school kids, regular evening hours for teens, a summer day camp at Oakdale Park, and two seasonal recreational sports leagues. The Youth Department also operates and maintains Oakdale Park and Beach for year-round public recreation.

All these services are free for Hudson residents.

After School Programs

The after-school program operates at two locations, five days a week, September through June. School buses drop off students from grade 3 to 8 at the Hudson Youth Center, and younger children just up the street at Christ Church Episcopal.

Age-appropriate recreational and athletic activities are offered at both locations, and the kids also get homework help, computer access, and a daily hot meal. Innovative programs in art, music, dance, circus arts, cooking, and nature studies are a large part of the after-school schedule. These programs strive to be uplifting, educational and joyful experiences that expand young people's opportunities, build their confidence, and encourage them to develop new skill sets.

“The Youth Department gives structure to my kid’s after school time, and they look forward to incredible program opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.” – Teanna Hedgepeth, parent

Many of the programs are supported by Friends of Hudson Youth, and we also provided start-up funds for the second location at Christ Church Episcopal. Having separate and adequate spaces for the two age groups has improved the experience for all the kids, and allowed the Youth Department to increase enrollment.

In the evenings, the Youth Center is open for teens, where they can get a meal, and use the computers, the gym, and other facilities. Friends of Hudson Youth also supports programs in video and music production for teens.

Oakdale Park and Summer Camp

Oakdale Park, Hudson’s largest park, is maintained by the Youth Department and is open to the public year-round for boating, fishing, walking, basketball and other activities, and for swimming in the summer.

“I’m here because it’s a chill spot.” – Malachi Shivers, student, age 15

The Youth Department operates Oakdale Camp every weekday for six weeks each summer. It is the largest summer recreation site in the county, with over 100 kids participating every day. The camp schedule includes swimming, canoeing, athletics, fishing, music, art, environmental studies, and a bike co-op where kids can earn a bike of their own by working in the shop.

Sports Leagues

The Youth Department also operates two recreational sports leagues, Soccer in the Fall and Basketball in the Winter.

These programs for kids aged 5 through 12 are the only free organized sports programs offered to families in Hudson for this age group and they fill a critical need as feeder programs for travel leagues, varsity sports teams, and as weekend recreation for families in Hudson.

A Deep Commitment

The Youth Department staff is deeply committed to offering a safe and caring environment for children and serves hundreds of kids in myriad ways over the course of a calendar year. Friends of Hudson Youth is proud to be their partner and support their exceptional work!

“The Youth Department is an anchor institution in Hudson that has supported three generations of my family! My mother and aunt attended as children when it was the Boys and Girls Club, and my uncle was an Oakdale lifeguard. You could always find me there as a kid and then I worked there as well. So of course, all my children were Oakdale campers and my oldest is now on staff and loves working there! We’ve all benefited so much from the way the Youth Department takes care of this community!”
– Revonda Smith, parent

For more information on the Youth Department, click here.