Building Leaders for Tomorrow since 1945

We are building on 70 years of history!

Youth Incorporated was founded by the late Allen Dobson, a Nashville banker, businessman and philanthropist. Chartered on June 25, 1945, under the laws of the State of Tennessee, Youth Inc. has focused it's efforts primarily in the Middle Tennessee area.

In 1950, Allen Dobson inspired another innovative program called "Hands Across the Sea." Twenty-two European teenagers were brought to Nashville for an opportunity to experience an American lifestyle in an effort to promote international understanding and cooperation. Co-sponsored by a variety of Nashville business and professional leaders, this was one of the first Foreign Exchange programs ever.

In 1955, Camp Y.I. (Youth Inc.) was forced to move from its original location because of the expansion of the Nashville International Airport. In the late 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flooded the area to create a reservoir for the Nashville area. More than 400 acres of the farm land was submerged in water. However, instead of having a river front area for just swimming and canoeing, Youth Inc. owned a 175-acre property with a beautiful overlook of the new lake.

Other services provided by Youth Inc. were added in the years that followed many successful seasons of summer camp including Youth Basketball in the late 70's. Fall and Spring season Group Rentals at Camp Y.I  and the formation of an In-line Hockey League. To date, thousands of young people have been served by the mission of Youth Incorporated in Middle Tennessee, and the organization continues to effect positive change in today's youth.