Teenagers have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and world issues in a YMCA-sponsored program called Model United Nations. Model United Nations is part of the national YMCA Youth & Government program. Participants represent countries and take part in two, multi-day conferences with other YMCAs from across the state. More than 600 ambassadors participate from California.

Kids in grades sixth through eighth in Agoura, Westlake Village and Oak Park meet two Thursdays a month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sumac Elementary School facility at 6050 N. Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills. For more information, contact Veronica Rodarte at 818-707-9622 or e-mail vrodarte@triunfoymca.org. Check other local YMCAs to see if they have Model U.N. programs. Most do.

Child care openings

YMCAs across the country have long been known for their premiere before- and after-school child care programs. Unlike other child care services, local YMCA programs are licensed by the California State Department of Social Services and must meet the department's strict guidelines. Student-to-counselor ratios are below state-mandated requirements.

Morning care focuses on quiet play, last-minute homework and getting children ready for their school day. Afternoon programs include an hour for homework, with time for small-group activities, including arts and crafts and sports. Fees are low, and the Y sets aside funds for families in need of financial assistance.

Openings are still available for YMCA before- and after-school child care at Moorpark, Simi Valley, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills elementary schools. Care is also provided on pupil-free days and minimum days. Weeklong camp programs are held during school breaks. For more information and fee schedules, go to http://www.sevymca.org or call your local YMCA branch (listed below).

The 11th Leadership Awards

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA will honor the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Association for its longtime community generosity and leadership at the 11th Annual YMCA Leadership Award Banquet at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Moorpark Country Club.

Proceeds raised from the event will be used to provide financial assistance to those in need so they can participate in YMCA programs. More than 23,000 individuals are served each year through the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches.

The evening will include dinner, music, dancing and a live and silent auction.

Steve Lapin, owner of Infiniti of Thousand Oaks, and his band, "The Lapdogs," will provide the music. The group recently played at the Canyon Club to a crowd of 500. All band members work for Infiniti.

The Auto Mall has long been a major source of support for the community and has donated more than $1,000,000 to local Title One elementary schools. The Auto Mall regularly donates funds to dozens of charitable causes, including MANNA, Many Mansions, Senior Concerns, Alliance for the Arts, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Conejo Valley, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary Clubs and others.

The cost per person to the event is $175. For more information, contact Lori Kent at 497-3081, ext. 103, or e-mail lkent@sevymca.org.

Southeast Ventura County branches can be reached at:

- Triunfo YMCA (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park), 818-707-9622.

- Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks and Moorpark), 523-7613.

- Simi Valley Family YMCA, 583-5338.

- Miller Family YMCA (serving Newbury Park), 480-0309.