Youth/Teen
At Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS), we are very proud to be recognized by the National Youth Sports Strategy as a NYSS Champion.
The National Youth Sports Strategy aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.
The Strategy is based on research and best practices from the scientific community and successful youth sports programs across the United States. It offers actionable ideas for parents, coaches, organizations, communities, and policymakers to support youth sports participation for all.
Girls Middle School Volleyball League
Get ready for the 2026 season! This Middle School Volleyball Program will compete in
a Girls Volleyball League on Monday nights at Spooky Nook (Sept 7-Oct 19). Fee includes practice, uniform, mid-season tournament and playoffs. Teams for girls in grades 5-6 & 7-8.
- Mon, Tue & Thu Aug 3-Oct 19
- 6-8 pm
- Bear Creek Gym
- $260 ($270 NR)
Youth Soccer Program
Does your child want to learn soccer? Check out this instructional and low competitive soccer program. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of soccer in a fun environment. Participants will play fun skill development games. Led by the E-town Girls Soccer Club. Fee includes a shirt. Grades 1-3
- Sat Sept 5-Oct 10
- 9-10:30 am
- HS Field 3
- $65 ($75 NR)
After School Basketball Skills Clinic
6 weeks of basketball skill work. Each day incorporates a variety of basketball-specific skill stations, fun games and game play in 3v3 and 5v5 environments. Ball handling, shooting fundamentals, dribble moves, moving without the ball and offensive footwork will all be stressed. Boys and girls grades 3-5.
- Tue Sept 8-Oct 13
- 3:45-4:45 pm
- Bear Creek Gym
- $95 ($105 NR)
Home School/Cyber School Gym Class Heroes
This is a daytime class geared towards school age children and teens currently participating in home or cyber school. Each class will focus on a new sport and include other classic gym class games like kickball & dodgeball. This sessions sports will include: basketball, soccer, pickleball, floor hockey, lacrosse, obstacle courses and classic gym class games. Ages 6-17
- Fri Sept 11-Oct 30 (No Class Oct 2)
- 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
- GEARS CC Gym
- $75 ($85 NR)
Girls Lacrosse Clinic
This clinic will help strengthen fundamentals through skill based drills. Whether you're brand new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, this program offers the perfect blend of fun and fundamentals. All skill levels are welcome! Equipment is available to borrow. Clinic is led by E-town Girls Youth Lacrosse coaches. Girls in grades 2-8.
- Wed Sept 16-Oct 21
5:15-6:30 PM
EAHS Field 3
$30 ($40 NR)
Beginner Tennis Group Lessons
Children of beginner skill level will learn the fundamentals of tennis using the ORANGE practice balls. Through the use of fun games and drills, players will learn proper technique of forehands, backhands, serve and volleys. Taught by Brenda McBride, Etown HS head tennis coach.
Ages 7-14
- Tue & Thu Oct 6, 8, 13, 15 (Raindates Oct 20, 22)
- 6-7pm
- Etown HS Tennis Courts
- $65 ($75 NR)
Intermediate Tennis Group Lessons
This intermediate class is for players that have completed two or more sessions of beginner tennis lessons. Instruction will focus on continuing to develop tennis skills, footwork, and prepare for match play. Taught by Brenda McBride, Etown HS head tennis coach.
Ages 10-16
- Tue & Thu Oct 6, 8, 13, 15 (Raindates Oct 20, 22)
- 7pm-8pm
- Etown HS Tennis Courts
- $65 ($75 NR)
5th-6th Grade Travel Basketball Leagues
Boys and girls teams will play in a local travel basketball league.
- Tryout Dates:
- GIRLS Oct 19 from 6-7 pm & Oct 21 from 6-7 pm
- BOYS Oct 19 from 7:15-8:15 pm & Oct 21 from 7:15-8:15 pm
- Bear Creek Gym
- Player fee (if selected): $250.00
Register at link below for tryout. There is no fee to tryout.
Boys Rookie Lacrosse
Participants will be introduced to the basics of the game of Lacrosse. Beginner skills of catching, passing, and shooting will be emphasized along with some small area games to highlight skills learned. This clinic is geared towards participants that have one year of experience or less. Led by RAA Etown Youth Larosse Club. Boys Grades K-5th.
- Mon & Wed Nov 2 & Nov 4 (Raindate Nov 5th)
- 5:30pm-6:45pm
- Mount Joy Twp Building Field #1
- $20 ($25 NR)
BEARS Youth Basketball Program
Organized practices and games for children in grades 3-6. Interested in coaching or officiating, please call the GEARS Office at 717-367-0355. Volunteer coaches are needed!
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Draft Dates:
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Nov 2, 6-7 pm BOYS Grades 3-4
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Nov 2, 7:15-8:15 pm BOYS Grade 5-6
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Nov 4, 6-7 pm GIRLS Grades 3-4
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Nov 4, 6-7 pm GIRLS Grades 5-6
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Bear Creek Gym
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$85 (grades 3-4) ($95 NR)
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$95 (grades 5-10) ($105 NR)
Youth Basketball Grades 7-10
BEARS 7-10 Grade Basketball Organized practices and games for children in grades 7-10. Teams will practice 2 days per week and play Saturday games. Interested in coaching or officiating, please call the GEARS Office at 717-367-0355. Volunteer coaches are needed.
- Draft Date: Tue Nov 24 6-7 pm Old High School Gym
- Practices : Old High School Gym
- Games on Saturday afternoon
- $95 ($105 NR)
BEARS 1st & 2nd Grade Basketball
Coed skills development program will work with your child on the fundamentals of basketball – dribbling, shooting and passing. Participants will play fun skill development games. Fee includes a t-shirt.
- Sat Dec 12-Jan 30 (No Class Dec 26)
- 10:30-11:30 am (A) 11:30 am-12:30 pm (B)
- East High Elem Gym
- $70 ($80 NR)
Night Sky Adventure
Discover the wonders of the night sky with NASA Solar System Ambassador, Ed Pinero, during this exciting one-day astronomy program! Begin indoors with fascinating images, videos, and interactive discussion as you learn about the stars, planets, and other amazing objects in our universe. Then head outside to put your new knowledge into action by identifying constellations with star charts and viewing celestial objects through telescopes (weather permitting). Ages 8-99
- Friday Nov 13
- 7pm-9pm
- $8/person ($10 NR)
Indoor portion will be held at the East Donegal Township Building, then walk outside to the open field at Fuhrman Park to view the night sky.
PJ Story Nights
Slip into your favorite pajamas and relax in our cozy cabins for an evening of seasonal stories, crafts, and delicious fall-themed snacks.
Ages 5-12
Friday, Sept 25
Friday, Nov 20
6:30-8 pm
$8 ($10 NR)
Winters Heritage House
Afternoon Kids Club
Enjoy an engaging after-school program that includes art, nature, inventions, and holiday traditions in a welcoming, hands-on environment where learning is always an adventure. Snacks are provided.
Wed Sept 16 – Dec 2 (NO Class Nov 11)
4:15 – 5:30 pm.
$60 ($70 NR)
Winters Heritage House
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
A fun holiday adventure awaits you at the Winters Heritage House Museum. Join Mrs. Claus as she celebrates the magic of the holiday season with heartwarming stories, holiday songs, festive crafts, and delicious treats.Ages 3-12
Sat, December 19
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
$8 ($10 NR)
Winters Heritage House
Winter Art Workshop
Join us for a cozy & creative winter art workshop! Students will enjoy making winter-themed projects while exploring their imagination and artistic skills, perfect for brightening up the chilly days after the holidays! All materials are included and everyone will leave with their handmade winter creations. Class taught by Madeline Pelna. Let your creativity shine this winter! Ages 6-12
- December 28 & 30
- 5:30-7:30 pm
- GEARS CC
- $65 ($75 NR)
Holiday Basketball Clinic
Develop new basketball skills over the holiday break! Clinic will be led by the EAHS Boys Basketball Coaches and Players. Shooting and 5-on-5 games will be played. Emphasis on dribbling, passing and footwork. Boys & girls in grades 3-6
- Mon Dec 28
- 10 am-12 noon
- Daubert Gym
- $20 ($25 NR)





