The YMCA children's theater program is great! It's building a community for kids in Oroville who…read moredon't want to participate in sports, but still want to be part of something. The kids are being taught music, dance, performance and team work. Yes, they do require you to sell tickets (to see your kids) and ask that you contact anyone in the community to sell ads. But they aren't creating a "pyramid scheme". In fact, they provide suggestions on business who are eager to help kids and give alternative options to selling. There are fundraiser, in-kind options and volunteer hours that can be banked. The fact is, most parents are happy to help donate time for things like costumes, set building, parent supervision...and all of this helps to build that community we all love and respect. This non-profit still has to pay for the theater, the costumes, the sets, etc. What we all get in return is a great experience, good memories, a beautiful show and a stronger community.

Sad! We got a flyer at my sons school advertising a play put on by YMCA - Free for kids to…read moreparticipate in! We practiced songs all week. My kids were SO EXCITED! We went to the auditions and filled out the paperwork and even helped set up as we had arrived early. My kids auditioned. We came back the following Monday to find... They SAY it's free but then make you sign a paper promising to sell 10 tickets and 2 advertisements per child (valued at $150) and volunteer 10 hours. THEY DIDN'T MENTION THIS IN THE FLIER OR IN THE PAPERWORK FOR THE AUDITIONS OR AT ANY TIME DURING THE AUDITION OR AFTER - until the parents meeting. I have 2 children. We just moved here 1.5 years ago. We cannot sell 20 tickets and 4 business ads. Or pay $300. NOR do I want my children used in some kind of pyramid money making scheme for YMCA. If they wanted money they should have just said so up front. We left with both of my children in tears. You can scam adults. That just makes you bad people. But to HURT KIDS?!? How do you sleep?