FAQs • Ithaca, NY • CivicEngage

What programs do you have for teens?: A variety of opportunities are offered for teens. Check out the Recreation Department, Recreation Support Services, Youth Employment Services, Ithaca Youth Council, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Outing Program, and College Discovery Program

▼
Ithaca Youth Bureau / Cass Park

1. How do I register my child into a Youth Bureau program?: ONLINE REGISTRATION COMES TO IYB and CASS PARK RINK and POOL
Go To: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/index.cfm to set-up your account today.
Follow the on-line directions to set up your account. Include all family members (adults and children).
Get your account validated. Fax, email, mail or walk in proof of your residence to the Ithaca Youth Bureau or Cass Park. A driver license, utility bill, tax bill, lease agreement – a document with your name and address on it.
Your account is now open to register for lessons, programs, sports, passes, etc.
Have questions? Need help? Call us at 607-273-8364

2. When do you publish your recreation program brochure?: We publish three seasonal brochures during the calendar year. The spring brochure at the beginning of February, the summer / fall brochure at the end of April and the fall / winter brochure by mid-October. We distribute our brochures to district schools on a county-wide basis, so look for your child to bring it home. You can also pick up a brochure here at the Youth Bureau or find it online.

3. Can you pencil me in for a pavilion reservation?: Pavilion reservations are made on a first come first serve basis and we require a completed reservation form and payment (cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or Discover) to hold the reservation.

4. How does a program wait list work?: You can place your child on a waiting list for a program. If anything opens up you would be called in the order that you appear on the waiting list.

5. Can I get a refund?: The Youth Bureau has a no refund, no credit policy. In the event that we cancel a program due to low enrollment, then you can opt to receive either a refund or a credit. Otherwise you cannot receive a refund or credit after a registration has been processed. If there are extenuating circumstances, (such as a medical reason) you can request a refund by contacting the Ithaca Youth Bureau at 607-273-8364. These requests are considered on a case by case basis and if approved, a processing fee is charged.

6. How flexible are the age requirements for programs?: If a child does not meet the age requirement then it's at the program instructor's discretion to make any allowances. Please note that there are some programs with strict age requirement policies and some programs that are more flexible.

7. Do you have scholarships available?: Yes, need based scholarships are available. Please complete a scholarship application (PDF) and submit with your income verification. You may also apply for the ECHO scholarship (PDF) (Every Child Has Opportunities) if you need additional help after an IYB scholarship has been awarded. You can also apply to the ECHO Fund for non-Youth Bureau programs.

8. Whom do I contact to find out more about a specific program?: To find out more about a specific program, please call the Youth Bureau during business hours at (607) 273-8364, or email iyb@cityofithaca.org

9. How much do Youth Development Division programs cost?: All services provided by youth development program are free to participants. Program participants are often expected to do fundraising to cover expenses such as trips and special events.

10. What mentoring programs does the Youth Bureau offer?: The Youth Bureau has three mentoring programs that serve over 350 young people every year: One-to-One Big Brothers Big Sisters, College Discovery Program and the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program.

11. What are the volunteering opportunities at the Youth Bureau?: Hundreds of people volunteer at the Youth Bureau every year. We could not do what we do without volunteers, so whether you like sports, tutoring, marketing, planning events or fundraising, we have opportunities for you to make a difference in the community. See more info about volunteering.

12. What is Recreation Support Services (RSS)?: Recreation Support Services (RSS) is a department of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. RSS strives to help Tompkins County residents of all ages, primarily those with disabilities, achieve their goals for happiness and well-being. RSS does this by creating leisure opportunities for active participation, making friends, and fostering independence.

13. What programs do you have for teens?: A variety of opportunities are offered for teens. Check out the Recreation Department, Recreation Support Services, Youth Employment Services, Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Outing Program, and College Discovery Program

14. How do I find out about employment opportunities at the Youth Bureau?: The Ithaca Youth Bureau is a department of the City of Ithaca. For permanent civil service positions with benefits, please visit the City of Ithaca Human Resources Department. For temporary or seasonal jobs click on the seasonal employment link on our homepage. If you are a teen looking for a job, visit our Youth Employment Services.

15. How do I hire a teen to help around the house?: Call 607-273-8364 and ask to speak with someone in Youth Employment Services. We will ask you for key details about the job and will refer teens who are interested in working, have been pre-screened, and have developed an employment record with us.

16. How do I register my child into a Youth Bureau program?: ONLINE REGISTRATION COMES TO IYB and CASS PARK RINK and POOL Go To: https://register.communitypass.net/IthacaYouthBureau to set-up your account today. Follow the on-line directions to set up your account. Include all family members (adults and children). Get your account validated. Fax, email, mail or walk in proof of your residence to the Ithaca Youth Bureau or Cass Park. A driver license, utility bill, tax bill, lease agreement – a document with your name and address on it. Your account is now open to register for lessons, programs, sports, passes, etc. Have questions? Need help? Call us at 607-273-8364

17. When do you publish your recreation program brochure?: We publish four seasonal brochures during the calendar year - The Spring brochure in mid-February, the Summer brochure mid-March, the Fall in mid-June and Winter brochure by mid-November. We distribute our brochures to district schools on a county-wide basis, so look for your child to bring it home. You can also pick up a brochure here at the Youth Bureau or find it online.

18. How do I find out if a program has been cancelled?: Decisions regarding program cancellations are rendered as close to the start of a program as possible due to variable weather by the Program Coordinator and appropriate other staff. Recreation program cancellations are posted on our Facebook page (You do NOT need an account to see the posts; only to interact with them). You can also call the Youth Bureau between 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 607-273-8364.

19. How does a program wait list work?: You can place your child on a waiting list for a program. If anything opens up you would be contacted in the order that you appear on the waiting list. Please, double check that all of your contact information is correct, both email & phone.

20. What programs do you have for teens?: A variety of opportunities are offered for teens. Check out the Recreation Department, Recreation Support Services, Youth Employment Services, Ithaca Youth Council, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Outing Program, and College Discovery Program