Zach Wenman cares deeply about the youth in Burien, and it shows up in how he manages the City of Burien’s youth programs. Wenman was hired in 2021, during the pandemic, after spending more than a decade working for other youth organizations. He had to think creatively about how to bring back youth-serving programs after public health restrictions had forced them to close.
The City’s youth recreation programs include summer camp programs, sports in schools, afterschool programs, martial arts, dance, and a late-night program for teens. The City also partners with arts organizations like Arts Corps to offer art classes for elementary-age students.
Programs help kids reconnect after pandemic isolation
The City offers many youth programs, helping kids reconnect to others after a long two years of isolation at home.
“We want to have safe places for kids to be okay. We want it to be okay for them to just be a kid and have fun with kids just like them,” said Wenman. “After two years of a pandemic, kids need to learn how to interact with each other again.”
Bringing back programs for youth after the pandemic hasn’t been the easiest job to do. But now as restrictions designed to protect public health have gone away, the City can be back inside schools and offer programs both during the school day and after school.
Programs at the Burien Community Center and Moshier Art Center are also coming back. Taekwondo, dance classes, and teen pottery wheel classes are some of the types of programs the City offers at its community centers. Thanks to a grant program, the City offers free swim classes at Evergreen Pool in White Center.
The Teen Late Night program is held at Glacier and Sylvester Middle School, giving kids a safe place to go. The staff leading the program are young adults and care about the kids who attend the program. It’s a great way for kids who just want to hang out and have some fun on a Friday night.
Partners are crucial to expanding youth programs in Burien
The Recreation Division has sought out partners to offer high-quality experiences for Burien’s youth. One of those partners Skyhawks Sports Academy, which offers affordable sports programs. In 2021, the Boys and Girls Club partnered with the City to offer an affordable summer camp experience. In 2022, they offered the Outdoor Explorers program, a free environmental program for youth.
“When we are able to get grants for these programs, more kids can have these memories and experiences and a safe place to learn and grow with friends,” said Wenman.
“You can tell what his true passion is when you just talk to him about the programs,” said Casey Stanley, Recreation Manager for the City of Burien. “Despite the challenges of running programs during a pandemic, and being new to the city, he jumped right in and built a great program.”
Programs offer employment opportunities for young adults
It’s important to Wenman that these programs can be accessed by all kids. The no-cost Glacier Middle School afterschool program offers free transportation. Scholarships are available for many of the other programs.
Wenman is thinking about the future. He wants to see more young adults get involved with middle and high school-age kids. Younger staff are able to better connect with the kids, who see them as positive role models and someone they can go to.
“I’ve seen middle schoolers who used to make problems now help out in these programs,” said Wenman “These programs are a part of bringing people back to normal life.”
The City of Burien works with Highline Public Schools and other partners to offer many programs for youth. New classes and programs are being added all the time. Check out the latest Recreation Guide for the most up-to-date list!
School year programs:
- Glacier Middle School Lunch Program (free)
- Glacier Middle Afterschool Program (free)
- Sylvester Middle Afterschool Program (free)
- Highline High Afterschool Program (free)
- Hazel Valley Elementary Afterschool Enrichment Program (Free)
- B.E.A.R. Club afterschool program at Cedarhurst Elementary
- Sports in Schools After School Program at Seahurst Elementary, Hazel Valley Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, and Cedarhurst Elementary (free)
- Skyhawks Sports Clinics at Chelsea Park (Tuesday and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m.)
- Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet dance classes at the Burien Community Center with Momentum Dance Academy (Mondays and Tuesdays from 4–6 p.m.)
- Tae Kwon Do with Dustin Dacuan at the Burien Community Center (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6–7 p.m.)
- Tiny Trees Preschool at the Burien Community Center (Monday–Friday)
Summer programs:
- Outdoor Explorers Camp at Seahurst Park
- Skyhawks Elementary Day Camp at the Burien Community Center
- Skyhawks Middle School Day Camp at the Burien Community Center
- Skyhawks Sports Camps at the Annex and Chelsea Park
- Free Seattle Sounders Rave Foundation Soccer Camp at Chelsea Park
- Free Swim Lessons at the Evergreen Aquatic Center
- Free Glacier After Summer School Program
- Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet dance classes at the Burien Community Center with Momentum Dance Academy (Mondays and Tuesdays from 4–6 p.m.)
- Tae Kwon Do with Dustin Dacuan at the Burien Community Center (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6–7 p.m.)
