After school care plays a crucial role in supporting both the emotional and developmental needs of children. The hours immediately after school can be a vulnerable time for kids, as they are often left unsupervised while parents or guardians may still be at work. This window of time, typically between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., can lead to increased risk of engaging in unsafe or undesirable activities.
Providing structured and positive after-school programs, the CRA offers a vital support to our community. These programs are designed not only to provide supervision but to give our youth opportunities for personal growth, learning, and social development. Offering after-school care can also be a critical support for working families, helping parents balance their professional responsibilities with their desire to be present in their children’s lives.
Our After School Care programs aim to give kids positive alternatives to idle time, helping them stay engaged, active, and socially connected. Some of our most popular after school care programs are:
We’re proud to share a short video from the dedication ceremony, created so our entire community can be part of this meaningful moment.
For 33 years, Dan devoted his time, energy, and compassion to the DYC. From gym classes and basketball to Leaders Club and everyday conversations, he ensured every child felt welcomed and valued. His legacy lives on in generations of local families.
Thank you, Dan. And thank you to the many partners and supporters who helped bring this project to life.
The Dalton Youth Center (DYC), built in 1908, has always been the place for youth and teens to come together to socialize in Central Berkshire County. Today, the building offers a wide variety of programs, from tutoring, camps, basketball, indoor leagues, Drop-In, Friday Nights, Saturday Social, and more.
The DYC is also proud to announce the opening of the newly remodeled Dan McMahon Court. Following a dedication ceremony on November 14th the updated gym is now open for basketball leagues and drop-in. This renovation honors Dan McMahon’s legacy and provides a fresh, welcoming space for the community to enjoy.
The Drop-In Program held at the Dalton Youth Center (DYC) provides a safe, unstructured space for children in grades 3-8 to hang out after school. Children can enjoy pool tables, board games, and the gymnasium, as well as plenty of comfortable areas to relax. Supervision is provided to ensure safety, and a variety of snacks are available for purchase.
Monday – Friday, 2:30 – 5:30 pm
A CRA General Junior Membership is required.
No school? No Problem! The CRA offers Mini Camps during school vacations, in-service days, and snow days at the DYC, providing a fun and engaging way for kids to stay active during breaks. Learn more about our Youth Camps.
The CRA provides free one-on-one tutoring at the DYC for students as young as 3rd grade. Students are paired with an adult or high school student who excels in the area of difficulty and, if possible, shares similar interests. Each student and tutor sets up a time to meet regularly at the DYC. If interested in participating in the tutoring program, contact the CRA today!
Homework Help gives students in grades 3–12 a quiet, structured space to complete assignments, ask questions, and build confidence across all subjects. Our staff provide guidance, explanation, and encouragement—whether your child needs a little clarification or ongoing academic support. It’s a supportive way to stay on track, reduce stress, and develop strong study habits in a positive, welcoming environment. This is a drop in program for a more structured tutoring experience please refer to our free tutoring program.
Join us for Fun Fridays—one of our popular community events! Held twice a month at the CRA, Fun Fridays bring families and youth together for an evening of games, activities, and all-around good times. It’s the perfect way to end the week, connect with friends, and enjoy safe, screen-free fun for all ages. Check our events calendar for our next Fun Friday event!
This twice-a-month night out brings together teens and young adults of all abilities in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The event encourages creativity, fosters meaningful connections, and promotes understanding among diverse individuals, giving everyone a chance to express themselves and build lasting friendships.
Our seasonal Weightlifting Program takes place at the Youth Center and offers students an opportunity to build strength, confidence, and fitness in a supportive environment. Held 2–3 days a week after school, the program is led by dedicated volunteer coaches who guide participants through structured workouts focused on safe technique and personal progress. Open to youth of all experience levels.
A CRA General Junior Membership is required.
The CRA is committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial constraints. With this in mind, we offer scholarships to individuals, couples, and families who may otherwise find it difficult to afford the cost of our programs and/or memberships.
Kids Club is specifically designed for children in grades K-5 who attend one of the three elementary schools within the Central Berkshire Regional School District. As the program runs at each school, we follow the CBRSD school calendar and are not open during school vacation, snow days, early dismissal, etc.
Kids Club After School childcare program offers support, care, and fun for children when the school day ends. Located inside Craneville, Kittredge, and Becket Washington Elementary schools, students (grades K-5) have the opportunity to socialize and interact with others, participate in activities, have a snack, and burn off excess energy right after school.
Monday – Friday, 2:55 – 5:30 pm
Kids Club Before School childcare program offers support, care, and fun for children at the start of the school day. This program is ONLY available at Craneville Elementary School. Students can enter the school early and have time to get settled, socialize, interact with each other, and participate in activities.
Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 8:25 am
Kids Club Sites Craneville Elementary School
71 Park Ave, Dalton, MA:
Get Directions
Drop-off & Pickup
Kittredge Elementary School
80 Maple St, Hinsdale, MA:
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Kids Club After Care pick up in the library.
Becket Washington School
12 Maple St, Becket, MA:
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Kids Club After Care pick up in the community room.
All students must have an active General Junior membership before they can register for Kids Club. To get started, follow the link to our membership catalog and create your account. Once purchased, the Kids Club Catalog will become available to you.
Contact support@daltoncra.org with questions.
For students returning to the program, log in to your account to renew your membership and register for the upcoming school year!
Your child will regularly come to Kids Club every week on the same days. We ask for a minimum of three days per week.
By signing up, your child is GUARANTEED a slot in the program for the same days all school year! Because this slot is guaranteed, you are responsible to pay for that slot whether your child attends or not.
No. Kids Club is NOT open for snow days, school vacation, early dismissal, etc. These breaks and closures are factored into our monthly payment plans. If you have questions regarding fees or payment process, contact us today.
Registration opens in May. Please note that space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
When a delay is called by CBRSD, Kids Club Before Care at Craneville Elementary School will also be delayed and will open one hour before school begins.
When CBRSD closes, Kids Club Before and After Care at all Elementary Schools will also be closed.
When CBRSD is closed due to snow, school vacation weeks, or in-service days, the CRA offers Mini Camps at the Youth Center (DYC), providing a fun and engaging way for kids to stay active during breaks.
In the case of no after school activities, the Kids Club will remain open unless there is a State of Emergency or the elementary school is not available. In these cases, the CRA staff will contact each family through email, text, and voice calls to inform you of a closure.
Kids Club After Care at Craneville and Kittredge is a monthly fee based on the number of days a week a child attends.
With the help of the Becket Athenaeum the Becket Washington After School Program receives grant funding to help subsidize the cost of the program to families. The monthly fee is based on the number of days a week a child attends.
Kids Club Before Care at Craneville is a monthly fee based on the number of days a week a child attends.
As a member of the CRA, you will quickly become part of our community (but only if you want to!) and gain access to an incredible range of benefits, including exercise classes, fitness center, pool and discounts on specialty classes.
Join us today and become part of a supportive, active community focused on achieving your fitness goals and creating a healthier future for all.
Memberships vary in length and cost based on the amenities included. Some specialty classes and programs will require an additional cost.
