Youth Commission

About the Des Plaines Youth Commission

The City of Des Plaines Youth Commission (DPYC) is dedicated to addressing the needs of our city's youth. We aim to promote leadership and community involvement through a variety of events and programs that enhance the quality of life for both present and future generations. Additionally, the Commission actively advocates for positive opportunities that support the health and well-being of our young residents.

DPYC actively engages our youth through participation and development of city-wide programs and events, which include:

• Youth Training and Volunteer Opportunities: Empowering young individuals with the skills and experiences they need to make a difference in our community.
• Team-Building Activities: Encouraging camaraderie and sportsmanship through programs like the summer co-rec softball league for high school students along with the Des Plaines Park District, as well as sports competitions and outings for middle school students.
• Intergenerational Connections: Building bridges between generations by partnering with the Frisbie Senior Center for activities such as trivia nights, charity blanket-making, and a gingerbread house decorating contest.
• Promoting Kindness: Inspiring meaningful community involvement by sponsoring the 'Pay It Forward' initiative with local schools to encourage acts of kindness.
• Community Participation: Joining forces with youth volunteers in city-wide activities, including the Taste of Des Plaines, National Night Out, and the Holiday Tree Lighting. DPYC also hosts special events for children like the Holiday Hoopla at the Des Plaines Public Library.

With the Des Plaines Youth Commission, the future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. Together, we're creating a stronger, more connected community where every young voice is heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Join us in shaping a brighter tomorrow for Des Plaines!

Youth Commission Volunteer Information Form(PDF, 601KB)

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Events

Listed below is a full list of 2025 events, both past and upcoming, organized or supported by the Des Plaines Youth Commission. Events are grouped into three categories: Intergenerational, Youth/Teen, and Community programming.

Intergenerational

• February 13: Art Project
• March 17: St. Patrick's Day Trivia
• April 24: Puzzles & Pizza
• May 15: Indoor Picnic & Games
• July 12: Frisbie at Softball Barbeque
• September 25: Trivia Challenge
• October 7: Lunch & Blanket Making
• November 13: Dinner w/ Veteran's Roundtable
• December 4: Ugly Sweater & Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

Youth/Teen

• March 7: Bingo - Middle School
• April 25: Pay it Forward /District 62 schools/Promoting Kindness
• April 25: ELS Prom at Maine West
• June 7 - August 2: High School Softball-Saturdays/Rand Park
• September 25: ELS Homecoming Celebration
• September 25: District 62 Youth Training Event
• September 25: Bowling with Peers - Middle School/High School
• September 25: Brainstorming Ideas - Teens/DPYC meeting at PL

Community

• March 15: Fun Fair
• June 14: Taste of Des Plaines
• July 4: July 4th Parade
• August 5: National Night Out
• August 19: City Food Truck Roundup at Library Plaza
• September 20: Fire Department Open House
• October 18: City Harvest Hoot at Oakton College
• October 25: Trunk or Treat - Des Plaines Park District
• December 5: Holiday Tree Lighting at Metropolitan Square
• December 13: Holiday Hoopla at Des Plaines Library

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