Planning your child’s after school schedule just got easier. Noozhawk’s ParentNooz After School Activities Guide is your curated roadmap to the wide range of programs available to local families — from academic enrichment to sports, arts, and beyond.
To give parents a deeper look at what’s out there, we connected directly with leaders from Santa Barbara’s most dynamic after school programs. These interview style features offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the activities, philosophies, and benefits of each organization.
In this spotlight, we chatted with Stefan Korfas, Marketing Coordinator of Page Youth Center, to learn how they’re helping kids grow strong, smart, and bold through this year’s lineup of offerings.
Page Youth Center
Question: What variety of afterschool activities do you offer to students?
Answer: Right now, our main afterschool program is the Ferris Winter Basketball League. It’s more than just basketball — it’s a space where kids can build confidence, make friends, and develop through the game. We focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and having fun, all in a supportive environment.
Q: Which age groups can participate in your afterschool programs?
A: We welcome students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, with divisions structured to provide the best experience for each age group:
- Kindergarten (Coed).
- Boys 1st–8th Grade (separate divisions by grade).
- Girls 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, and 7th/8th (combined divisions).
- Whether your child is just starting out or already loves the game, there’s a place for them to play, grow, and have fun.
Q: In what ways do your activities support children’s developmental growth?
A: Through practices and games, kids learn how to work with others, stay committed, bounce back from challenges, and handle wins and losses with grace. These lessons stay with them far beyond the basketball court and the Page Youth Center
Q: What sets your afterschool programs apart from others in the community?
A: Our league is one of the most competitive and respected youth programs in the area — we see approximately 1,000 participants each year. But what really sets us apart is our community, we’re always improving, always listening to feedback, and we truly care about each kid’s experience. We want them to grow not just as players, but as people.
Q: Could you share a few success stories or parent/student testimonials about your programs?
A: One of our biggest success stories is simply seeing players return year after year. When a child enjoys the experience so much that they come back season after season — that tells us we’re doing something right. Parents have shared that their kids gain confidence, make lasting friendships, and count down the days until the next season starts. The growth we witness on and off the court is what makes this program so special.
Q: What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of children during program hours?
A: Safety is our #1 priority. Every volunteer coach goes through a background check, completes concussion training, and attends a coaching seminar. On top of that, our staff is CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, and we keep emergency contact info on hand at all times. If something ever comes up, we act fast and keep parents informed right away.
Q: What training and qualifications do your staff members have to work with children?
A: All our coaches are volunteers from the community, and they go through a vetting and training process to make sure they’re ready to lead a team. Most are parents themselves or former players who want to give back.
Q: How do you integrate educational components into your afterschool activities?
A: While we’re not a classroom, we definitely teach. Things like showing up on time, being a team player, learning from mistakes, and respecting others — these are lessons that kids pick up just by being part of a team. We’re building character, not just athletes.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day or session in your program?
A: Players usually practice once or twice a week depending on the coach’s schedule. Practices are focused but fun — lots of skill drills, teamwork, and game-like situations. Then each team plays a game once a week at the Page Youth Center, which is where the real excitement kicks in.
Q: How do you help children who may feel shy or reluctant to join in?
A: We’ve seen it all — kids who hang back at first, nervous about playing or meeting new people. Our coaches do a great job making sure every child feels included. We celebrate small wins, give encouragement constantly, and never pressure kids beyond what they’re ready for. Most of the time, those shy kids end up loving it.
Q: How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress and experiences?
A: Communication is really important to us. Coaches often update parents about practices and games via email or team chats. Plus, parents attend the games and see their child perform firsthand. We’re always open to questions, feedback, or even a quick chat after practice.
Q: Are there any special events, showcases, or seasonal highlights kids can look forward to?
A: Definitely! The season kicks off with player evaluations in late October, followed by practices starting in November. Games begin in December, and then we finish strong with playoffs in February and March (except for our Kindergarten division). Playoffs bring a lot of excitement — it’s a great way to celebrate the progress the kids have made.
Q: What is your approach to managing behavioral challenges or conflicts during activities?
A: We focus on creating a positive, respectful environment. If conflicts come up — which is totally normal with kids — we talk it through, help them understand each other, and find a solution. We also involve parents when needed. The goal is always to help kids grow and learn from the experience.
Q: What enrollment options and pricing do you offer for your afterschool programs?
A: Early Registration (July 1 – Aug 31): $325
Late Registration (Sept 1 – Oct 23): $350
We also offer scholarships to families who need a little help with the cost. Our goal is to make sure no kid misses out because of finances. Scholarship applications are due by October 4.
Q: How do you gather and use feedback from families to improve your offerings?
A: We ask for feedback after each season and really take it to heart. Whether it’s scheduling suggestions, communication ideas, or things we can do better — we’re always listening. The program gets stronger every year because of the input we get from our families.
Click here to learn more about Page Youth Center!