The 11th and Pike Recreation Center stands as a vital community resource in Reading, Pennsylvania, dedicated exclusively to serving young people in grades 1-6 with comprehensive programming that extends far beyond traditional recreation. This specialized youth facility operates as a true “home away from home,” creating a nurturing environment where children receive daily support, enrichment opportunities, and safe spaces to grow academically and socially.
During the school year, the center welcomes students daily, providing structured programming that bridges the gap between school dismissal and family time. Summer programming transforms the facility into a full-day youth development hub, ensuring consistent support and engagement throughout the year. The center’s commitment to holistic child development shines through its combination of academic support, recreational activities, and essential services including daily meals and qualified staff mentoring.
The facility’s programming diversity reflects its understanding of youth needs, offering everything from homework assistance and tutoring to arts and crafts, board games, and sports activities. Popular specialized programs include Art and Dance Clubs that foster creative expression, while career development workshops introduce young people to future possibilities. Special events like the Martin Luther King Chess Tournament and annual Easter Celebration create memorable community experiences that celebrate both achievement and tradition.
Beyond programming, the center provides essential infrastructure with an elementary-size gymnasium perfect for youth sports, a dedicated game room for recreational activities, a homework room that supports academic success, and a cafeteria that ensures proper nutrition. Evening and weekend availability extends the facility’s impact through sports leagues including basketball and volleyball, demonstrating the center’s commitment to comprehensive youth development throughout Reading.
The 11th and Pike Recreation Center stands as a vital community resource in Reading, Pennsylvania, dedicated exclusively to serving young people in grades 1-6 with comprehensive programming that extends far beyond traditional recreation. This specialized youth facility operates as a true “home away from home,” creating a nurturing environment where children receive daily support, enrichment opportunities, and safe spaces to grow academically and socially.
During the school year, the center welcomes students daily, providing structured programming that bridges the gap between school dismissal and family time. Summer programming transforms the facility into a full-day youth development hub, ensuring consistent support and engagement throughout the year. The center’s commitment to holistic child development shines through its combination of academic support, recreational activities, and essential services including daily meals and qualified staff mentoring.
The facility’s programming diversity reflects its understanding of youth needs, offering everything from homework assistance and tutoring to arts and crafts, board games, and sports activities. Popular specialized programs include Art and Dance Clubs that foster creative expression, while career development workshops introduce young people to future possibilities. Special events like the Martin Luther King Chess Tournament and annual Easter Celebration create memorable community experiences that celebrate both achievement and tradition.
Beyond programming, the center provides essential infrastructure with an elementary-size gymnasium perfect for youth sports, a dedicated game room for recreational activities, a homework room that supports academic success, and a cafeteria that ensures proper nutrition. Evening and weekend availability extends the facility’s impact through sports leagues including basketball and volleyball, demonstrating the center’s commitment to comprehensive youth development throughout Reading.
The center features an elementary-size gymnasium designed specifically for youth programming, providing appropriate scale and safety for grades 1-6 participants. The gymnasium supports both recreational activities and organized sports leagues.
A dedicated homework room creates a focused environment for academic work and tutoring sessions, equipped to support students across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
The game room provides space for recreational activities, board games, and informal social interaction, creating opportunities for peer connections and leisure activities.
A cafeteria supports the center’s commitment to providing daily meals for participants, ensuring proper nutrition as part of comprehensive youth development programming.
Evening and weekend availability allows for expanded programming including sports leagues and community events, maximizing facility utilization for youth development.
Comprehensive after school services run Monday through Friday during the school year, providing structured activities, homework support, and mentoring from qualified staff members.
Extended summer programming operates during vacation periods, offering full-day engagement and ensuring consistent youth development opportunities year-round.
Homework assistance and tutoring services support academic achievement across all grade levels, with qualified staff providing individualized attention to help students succeed in school.
Arts and crafts activities foster creative expression and skill development, while the popular Art Club provides specialized instruction and project-based learning opportunities.
Sports activities include both recreational play and organized leagues featuring basketball and volleyball, promoting physical fitness and teamwork skills among participants.
The Dance Club offers structured movement and performance opportunities, allowing students to explore artistic expression through choreography and dance instruction.
Career development workshops introduce young people to various professional possibilities and begin building awareness of future educational and employment pathways.
Annual events including the Martin Luther King Chess Tournament and Easter Celebration create memorable community experiences while celebrating achievement and cultural traditions.
The center functions as a “home away from home” providing not just recreational activities but essential support services including daily meals and qualified staff mentoring for holistic youth development.
Online registration and payment options provide convenient enrollment processes for families seeking to access the center’s comprehensive youth development programming.
Evening and weekend availability for sports leagues and special events extends the facility’s community impact beyond traditional after school hours.
Programming specifically designed for grades 1-6 ensures age-appropriate activities, safety considerations, and developmental alignment across all center offerings.
The center’s location and programming create strong connections between families, schools, and community organizations, fostering a supportive network for youth development in Reading.
