Westford

Mental Health Services

The town of Westford is home to many support services for families seeking mental health resources. Select a topic below for resources and organizations relevant to the topic in the Westford area.

Youth Services

Westford's schools, parks, and recreation department, and many nonprofit agencies work together to help families learn and grow. In addition to resources on specific topics below, visit the Westford Recreation Center to access information regarding various activities for children and youth in Westford. In addition the Roudenbush Community Center provides youth programs that may be of interest to families in Westford.

 

Recreational Activities

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The Paul Center is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in developing their maximum potential and independence. We accomplish this goal by providing services to the individual as well as to the family. The Board of Directors and staff of The Paul Center believe that through consistent quality programming we can and do provide an optimal educational and recreational experience needed by our students.We stress with our staff the importance of establishing and maintaining a "spirit of extended family" with our students. This spirit transcends all aspects of our programs and continues to be a significant factor in our success with our students.

Day camp programs for ages 4-15 from 9:00-1:00pm or 9:00- 3:30, extended day available. Overnight and adventure camp for older kids. Counselor in training program as well.

A multi-faceted regional art center, which includes art camp, ice skating lessons, concerts, art shows, and children and adult art and craft classes and a regional youth theater company/theater. Our vision today is to provide children and adults with opportunities to explore, experience, enjoy and fall in love with the Arts! We provide quality art experiences through dedicated staff and community members who contribute their knowledge and time to the education of the Arts. Provides a theater program for children.

Lawrence Academy is dedicated to providing children, adults, and international students recreational and educational summer programs. The 100-acre Lawrence Academy campus provides the setting for over 30 camp offerings for children entering grades K–12. Summer Programs offered: Traditional Day Camp, Sports Camps, Specialty Day Camps, International Student Programs.

The program gives American Students, entering grades 7th-12th, a chance to study Italian or Mandarin Chinese for 2, 3, or 4 weeks while living on campus alongside students from Italy, China, and around the world. The program is divided into classroom instruction, off-campus cultural activities, on-campus sports/arts/specialty instruction, evening enrichment activities, and weekend excursions. Past programs included students from Italy, China, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Hong Kong, England, Australian, Poland, Dominican Republic,South Korea, and Taiwan. The program begins Wednesday, July 18, 2012 and ends Wednesday, August 15, 21012.

Located in Groton and offers a variety of dance classes for ages 3yr and up including Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts provide girls with the opportunity to discover their world, connect with and build an understanding for others and take action to make the world a better place.

Therapeutic horseback riding combines occupational, physical, and/or speech therapy with the fun of riding a horse. Riding does not replace other traditional therapies, but is provided as a part of the child's total therapy program. The benefits from therapeutic horseback riding, especially for children with special needs, are derived from using the movement of the horse to work the muscles of the rider to achieve therapeutic goals. Our students include children and young adults who have a variety of special needs. Lovelane always needs qualified volunteers in the riding arena, in the barn, and in the office.

We are a Community Theater Troupe based in Boston's MetroWest. The Present Players is dedicated to providing quality theater to our community, and we always donate 100% of our proceeds to local causes. We are able to produce 1-2 shows a year, and we donate 100% of our shows' proceeds to community programs. If you are located in Boston's Metro West and have a need for fundraising, consider community theater. If you have an interest in any aspect of Community Theater, we'd love to have you join us. A good production needs Costumes, Lighting, Sets, and Props not to mention Publicity and help with Tickets. We understand that everyone involved in the company makes the show successful, not just the actors. Come see how rewarding it is be involved with live theater.

The Youth Conservation Stewards Program provides an opportunity for youths to build their skills in community service and conservation. Youths learn new skills while contributing to the improvement and maintenance of our reservations or providing environmental education to the public. Past projects have included environmental education, designing and posting signage, controlling exotic-invasive plant species, trail improvements and bridgework. Youths are encouraged to visit our properties and suggest projects of their own.

Classes at developmental levels for children in grades K-6. Held at the Rodenbush Community Center. Course description, information and registration available online or call for more information.

The Boy Scouts of America combines educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Westford is home to several Boy Scout Troops and is part of the West Wind District of the Yankee Clipper Council. Visit the web site to learn more and find a troop near you.

For ages 9-12. In this fun and educational class, students will prepare classic dishes of these countries/regions and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring their creations at the end of class each day. Classes take place at the Tie Your Apron kitchen, 10 Longmeadow Way, Acton. Instructor: Rebecca Scheier. Register at Rodenbush Community Center.

Scouting for boys younger than Boy Scout age. Designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade. A year-round, home-centered program used by chartered organizations, Cub Scouting emphasizes involvement between boys and their parents, adult leaders, and friends. To learn more about scouting and Packs located in your area contact the Yankee Clipper Council.

There are several 4H clubs in Westford. For information on specific clubs contact the F4H Middlesex Advisory Council of the 4H community of Middlesex County, at the website above, and or contact the Regional Extension Educator, Wendy Marcks.

New rowers learn fundamental rowing skills. Experienced rowers improve their technique. Everyone develops a stronger aerobic and anaerobic base. It’s a good workout that helps middle school and high school student athletes prepare for the upcoming spring sprint racing season. After school. Each time slot is limited to 6 participants.

You will learn different techniques to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. We will hammer, coil, and wrap wire to create necklaces, pendants and earrings. A new project will be completed in each class. No experience necessary, just your desire to express yourself in the art of jewelry making. For teens-adults. Held at Roudenbush Community Center. Additional information and registration available on line.

The Rovers USSA Program at Nashoba Valley is our premier racing program and is available to experienced racers ages 8-18. Our goals are to teach and reinforce skiing fundamentals, racing tactics, instill self esteem and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. The Rovers train at an advanced level and are encouraged to develop their skills to the fullest. Most Rovers have previous experiece with competitive ski racing. J3, 4 and 5's compete with in the Tri-State organiziation which consists of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. J1's and 2's compete in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. You can expect more advanced racing skills to be introduced and the level of gate training to be increased with age. For more info, visit www.roversracers.org.

The Nashoba Youth Orchestra based in Westford, NYO functions under the not-for-profit umbrella of Westford’s Parish Center for the Arts. The NYO strives to offer young, dedicated musicians the opportunity to develop advanced ensemble and performance skills that will enable them to reach their fullest artistic potential through the study and performance of the world’s finest musical literature. The Nashoba Youth Orchestra holds rehearsals and auditions at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 75 Cold Spring Rd, Westford, 01886.

S.T.R.E.A.M.S is a 19 day summer enrichment program for children having completed Kindergarten through Grade 5 in the Westford Public Schools to benefit from enrichment opportunities in grade level content. Program objective is to enhance the development of student proficiency in reading, writing, and Math by expanding student intrigue, exposure, and self-belief in literacy and mathematical thinking.

The Westford Youth Wrestling Program is open to all kids in grades 3-8. No experience is required. Instruction throughout the program will emphasize basic wrestling techniques and skills. Wrestling is a “building block†sport. Developing strong basic skills is crucial in order to master more advanced techniques. Practices will be held twice a week beginning in November.

Teen Centers and are sponsored by the Westford Middle School Teen Center Committee and are chaperoned by parent volunteers. Teen centers are held at the Blanchard Middle School cafe, gym for students in 6-8th grade. Parents are invited to volunteer for Teen Centers of any grade level. If you would like to be added to the Teen Center email list to receive Teen Center updates, or would like to volunteer please contact Debbie Carter. Volunteers must have a current WPS CORI on file. Teen Center dates this year are:
September 24, 2010 – 8th grade
October 15, 2010 - 6th grade
November 5, 2010 - 7th grade
January 14, 2011 - 6th grade
February 4, 2011 - 7th grade
March 11, 2011 – 6th grade

The Westford Teen Arts Council (WTAC) was organized to support local teen art, drama, music, dance & culture. The council strives to promote and sponsor programs and events to raise the profile of and provide opportunities for young adults in the Westford area who are interested in or involved in the performing and fine arts.The WTAC is non-profit and is a sponsored organization by the Parish Center for the Arts. The events and projects are totally conceived of and executed by the teens themselves. An adult advisory group assists peripherally. The real work, from setting up to cleaning up, is accomplished by the teens. Since the council was organized they have produced major events including a Dinner Theatre, coffee house evenings, shows, Summer Concerts in the Park. WTAC can be found performing at the Apple Blossom Festival, Strawberry Festival, and the County State Fair. They have produced their own CD's, "Works of Art" and "Freedom", compilations of artists who regularly perform at the Parish Center for the Arts during Westford Teen Arts Council events.

We are a fastpitch softball program planning to play a tournament schedule at the 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U level for the upcoming 2011 season. All teams will play 7 or 8 tourneys in the spring/summer of 2011. The four older Waves teams will also be playing indoor ball this winter at Strike One in Danvers. With off-season practices and games, the Waves have officially become a 12-month/year program. Our Mission is to develop a strong Team and strong Team Players through positive attitude and training in the fundamentals of softball. We will provide the foundation, training and opportunities necessary for our girls to play at a higher level and ultimately build confidence and positive attitudes. We are confident that every player coming out of the Waves program will have had an opportunity to craft their softball as well as their life skills - pride, effort, self-confidence, respect for oneself and others - and will have established a lifetime of memories.

Westford Youth Baseball and Softball League is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting all the positive aspects of amateur baseball and softball to the children of Westford, MA.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of good, sound baseball and softball skills without sacrificing the enjoyment and fun of playing the game. Our goal is to ensure that baseball/softball is used as a tool to:Teach the children the fundamentals of baseball and softball; Help the players build confidence and self-esteem; Foster social interaction in a team setting; Teach the responsibilities of being a good team player.

The Westford Youth Basketball Association is an organization composed of volunteers who are committed to teaching the skills of basketball to children while ensuring a safe and fun atmosphere and helping every player achieve their individual levels of success.

Westford Youth Football & Cheer (WYFC) is an organized youth football and cheering program. The program teaches the basic skills and concepts of both football and cheerleading while promoting and encouraging academic excellence, sportsmanship, discipline, responsibility, and respect. WYFC is supported by the Westford Jr. Ghosts program and Westford Academy. Westford Youth Football and Cheer is a member of the Merrimack Valley League in the Eastern Mass. Pop Warner Youth Football & Cheer Conference. The program is open to boys and girls between the ages of 5 - 15 yrs.

Westford Youth Lacrosse has 3 groups of teams for both boys and girls: "u11" or Under 11 (3rd and 4th grade), "u13" or Under 13 (5th and 6th grade), and "u15" or Under 15 (7th and 8th grade). A child who may be 14 but is in high school cannot play in the league. We also offered a u9 program in which the focus of the clinic is to teach the fundamental skill sets involved in lacrosse. It will be conducted in a safe, fun environment where the kids can learn the key skills of lacrosse to prepare them for future playing in the U11 league.

Are you interested in Robotics? Computers? Computer Programming? Science? Engineering? If so, have we got a club for you!! The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program is an excellent way for young people to experience the excitement of technical creativity and gain insights in the possibility of a a technical careers. In FIRST LEGO League 9- to 14-year-old youngsters learn to design and build autonomous robots using special LEGO kits. The program includes a 10- to 12-week period in which youngsters form teams, develop robots that can respond to individual tasks as part of an overall Challenge, then compete at one of the many tournaments we hold in Oregon and SW Washington. Through this process, youngsters experience the fun and excitement of solving problems in a positive and supportive team environment. Meetings take place first and third Friday of each month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

Westford Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) is an independent, volunteer community service organization dedicated to promoting the sport of soccer for the boys and girls of Westford while fostering the ideals of good sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork and good health.

Select a different Youth Services category below.

Community Websites

• Westford Public Schools
• Elementary PTO
• Middle School PTO
• Parent Connection
• Special Education Parent Advisory Council
• Westford Coalition for Non-Violence
• Westford Health Department
• Westford Park and Recreation Department

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