Nashville offers more than music and southern charm — it’s also home to incredible programs that help children and teens grow into thoughtful, capable, and confident young leaders. From CPR and babysitting certifications to Scouts, creative writing, and Model UN, the city is full of opportunities to build character and life skills.
To create this guide, we interviewed parents, conducted online research and gathered insights from reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Reddit posts, and in some cases from parent interviews through our reporting. This list showcases classes recommended by parents based on their personal experiences. Each program’s offerings, location, and schedule were carefully verified to provide families with accurate, reliable information to support their decision-making.
We’ve gathered the top programs that teach responsibility, communication, community service, and leadership — all recommended by local parents, educators, and organizations.
1. Tennessee YMCA Center for Civic Engagement – Model United Nations
The YMCA’s Model UN program immerses middle and high schoolers in the world of diplomacy and policy-making through real-world simulations.
Things to Know:
- Students represent actual countries in UN-style conferences, researching global issues and debating solutions with peers from across the state.
- Develops confidence in public speaking, leadership, and problem-solving — essential skills for both school and career.
- Students can earn recognition for their performance and even be elected to leadership roles like Secretary General or Committee Chair.
- Conferences take place in downtown Nashville and require pre-conference preparation through school or Y-sponsored groups.
What families are saying:
A Facebook reviews from a CCE participant shared:
The Tennessee YMCA Center for Civic Engagement made me who I am today. Without them, I would not be as civically informed and educated.
Location Details:
- Website: https://wp.tennesseecce.org/
- Address: 1000 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 259-9622
- Ages: Middle and High School Students
2. Trail Life USA
Trail Life USA is a Christ-centered outdoor adventure program for boys that emphasizes integrity, service, and leadership.
Things to Know:
- Activities include hiking, camping, service projects, and badge work in areas like citizenship and outdoor skills.
- Troop leaders mentor boys through hands-on leadership roles during outings and team challenges.
- Regular weekly meetings plus seasonal campouts and service days help boys grow in faith and responsibility.
- Parents are welcomed to participate and often form a close-knit troop community.
What families are saying:
A Facebook parent of Trail Life participants shared:
Our boys have been apart of Trail life for 4 years now and we love it!
Location Details:
- Website: https://www.traillifeusa.com/
- Address: 8221 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027 (other locations available)
- Phone: (615) 373-4353
- Ages: Boys ages 5–17
3. American Heritage Girls
AHG is a faith-based leadership and character development program for girls, grounded in service and community involvement.
Things to Know:
- Girls earn badges through activities in leadership, citizenship, life skills, and outdoor fun.
- Offers opportunities for service projects, troop trips, and faith-based mentorship.
- Troop TN0516 is affiliated with St. Philip Catholic Church but welcomes girls of many denominations.
- Girls are divided into age levels for tailored learning, and the troop often participates in city-wide AHG events.
What parents are saying:
A mom of a AHG participant shared,
AHG has completely changed my life! Our family has four daughters in the program, and this is our fifth year coming up! We homeschool, so finding a place to socialize regularly and form lasting friendships was a challenge. This program helps keep us balanced in life’s chaos and striving forward in our relationship with Christ and fellowship with each other! I can’t recommend AHG enough!
Location Details:
- Website: https://americanheritagegirls.org/
- Address: St. Philip Catholic Church, Franklin, TN (other locations available)
- Email: ahgtn516_general@trooptrack.com
- Ages: Girls ages 5–18
4. American Red Cross – Babysitting & CPR Certification
The Red Cross equips tweens and teens with critical caregiving and emergency response skills through nationally recognized certifications.
Things to Know:
- Courses teach child care basics, safety, leadership, and how to respond in emergencies with CPR and First Aid.
- Certification helps teens launch their first babysitting business or care for younger siblings confidently.
- Both online and in-person classes available to fit different schedules and learning styles.
- Classes often fill up, so early registration is recommended—especially in summer and school breaks.
What families are saying:
One youth participant shared their feedback with The Red Cross,
I am 11 yrs old and this course was my first introduction to babysitting, and I loved how simple and their ability to make me understand it.
Location Details:
- Website: Red Cross Babysitting in Nashville
- Address: 2201 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: Sign-up online
- Ages: 11–15
5. Empower Tennessee – Youth Leadership Academy
A unique leadership program designed specifically for youth with disabilities who want to build independence and advocate for themselves.
Things to Know:
- The program focuses on real-world leadership, including self-advocacy, public speaking, and community involvement.
- Past workshops have included guest speakers, mock interviews, and civic engagement simulations.
- It’s completely free and includes meals and supplies.
- Offers ongoing mentorship opportunities after the summer session ends.
What families are saying:
One family shared on Facebook,
First of all I want to say a GREAT BIG-THANK YOU TO EVERYONE at CIL. And another GREAT BIG-THANK YOU to Sarah Muellar !!!! You all have made a family very happy.
Location Details:
- Website: empowertennessee.org/youth
- Address: 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN, United States, Tennessee
- Ages: 16–24 (youth with disabilities)
6. Oasis Center – Youth Engagement Programs
Oasis Center is one of Nashville’s most comprehensive youth organizations, offering empowerment programs for teens across the city.
Things to Know:
- Programs include the Mayor’s Youth Council, bike workshops, leadership groups for LGBTQ+ youth, and creative arts for activism.
- Youth can lead real city initiatives or launch their own advocacy projects with mentorship from adult allies.
- Programs are offered year-round and are typically free or low-cost.
- They prioritize creating inclusive and affirming spaces for all identities.
What families are saying:
One Yelp reviewer shared,
This organization is aimed at improving the lives of youth. There are crisis and residential services where they offer counseling, emergency shelter, street outreach, a drop-in center, and Harwell Lofts. They also offer leadership opportunities and activities for high school and middle school students. And they try to help with access to college and workforce preparation. Its a great program. I know a bunch of Vanderbilt people who’ve gotten involved and all say how great the program is.
Location Details:
- Website: oasiscenter.org
- Address: 1704 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 327-4455
- Ages: Middle and high school
