By KAY S. PEDROTTI
Staff Writer

In a world with hundreds of chances for children to go wrong, one mainstay ministry to youth continues its good work for true character development.

For more than a century, the Young Men's Christian Association has served a role in society which has expanded to include everyone, changed constantly to meet the needs of the times, and contributed to the formation of literally millions of "solid citizens."

Now generally known just as "the Y," YMCA programs run the gamut from one aerobics class to years of progressively difficult swimming lessons. In Fayette County, the Y is what is known as a "program YMCA," says executive director Pam Young. That means there isn't a multi-purpose building yet but lots and lots of activity.

Just winding down another successful summer is the Camp Deer Point program, held on the Y property on Huiet Road between Fayettevilee and Peachtree City. The organization has a 29-acre site which will become "a complex of buildings," Young says.

Around 1,500 kids took advantage of Camp Deer Point this year. Each age group from 5 to 15 has its own tailor-made activities. One of the notable characteristics of Y ministry is the fact that youth who participate never fail to have the chance to find out what dozens of different activities can be like.

Older youth may learn how to race canoes, but younger children may just have short floats to teach them boat etiquette and safety. Younger children may only pet the "petting zoo" animals, but older ones may actually learn how to take care of them and where the animals fit into nature's scheme of things. Sixth-graders could be designing elaborate wreaths for their moms, but kindergarteners might stick to plaster-of-paris handprints.

"Whatever we do," Young says, "no matter what program they're in, we emphasize our four character development values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility."

The Fayette Y has an extensive program of swimming classes at the Huiet Pool, where Deer Point campers get lessons and fun time, and at the Wyndham Conference Center facilty. Little "Pikes," usually 3-year-olds, start off by blowing bubbles in the water and learning how to kick for swimming. Up to age 14, the different categories add learning experiences until the "Fish" can use at least two methods for swimming the length of the pool and perform basic rescue skills. Swimming and water safety are perhaps the Y's strong points, or at least those programs best known in the general population.

A school-year program called "Indian Guides" fosters communications and relationship-building between kids and parents, Young says. Based on the structure of some Native American tribes and societies, the program pairs father-son, father-daughter, mother-son and mother-daughter for special activites.

"This world is so busy, with both parents working, that sometimes the children don't get that one-on-one time with each parent that is so important," Young says. "The Indian Guides program gives families that opportunity. All the participants also come together as a 'Nation,' learning history and traditions of the native peoples. Throughout all of it, there are those core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility."

Young says she has learned that whatever good works are done will overcome all kinds of adversity. Two of the Y's camp staffers were arrested recently and charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors after a late-night beer party on Y property. None of the minors involved were Y campers, Young said, and "no one in authority knew anything about it."

Tracy Lee Wendt, 25, and Pernilla Maria Johansson, 23, both of Fayetteville, were released on bond and have been placed on probabtion with the Y. Both are swim instructors. Any further inappropriate behavior will result in immediate termination, Young said.

She cites the YMCA mission statement as the best summary for the ministry:

"Your YMCA, reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage, is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind and body."

The organization also provides financial assistance and is pledged to "seek out" those in need for involvement in Y Programs, Young said.

"These are programs which serve everybody, regardless of status or cultural background or inability to pay," Young added. "We think that kind of policy and attitude reflects the best of Christian teaching, and will always be the basis for what we do."

For information about Y programs and registrations, call 770-487-2850.