The YMCA strives to nurture the potential of youth in our community. Over the past three years, student use has increased by approximately 150%. The need is great, and the Y has an essential role in serving our youth. Yet, the number of students has created challenges during the peak after-school hours of 3 to 6 p.m.

Beginning Monday, September 11 the Y will facilitate a new series of board-approved programs and policies for youth ages 10-17. These will go under the umbrella of Teen Afterschool Programs (TAP). Our goal during these programs is to ensure all youth are engaged in physical activity, practice healthy habits, and have a positive environment to grow and learn.

We want youth to feel empowered, supported by peers and adults, and engaged in enrichment opportunities. After School Programming for ages 10-17 will offer three supervised programming options. Students will be required to participate in one of these programs during the afterschool (3-6 p.m.) timeframe. They will include:

  1. Y Club, a monthly fee-based program for 10 – 14-year-olds staffed by Y mentors. Housed in the e-sports room, it will feature a variety of activities such as arts, crafts, games, esports, and fitness. Snacks and homework help will also be provided daily. Pre-registration is required per month.

  2. The Healthy Living Program, located in the Wellness Center will include supervision, and guidance from experienced Y staff.  All participants will be required to complete an orientation to review safety, etiquette, and behavioral expectations. Youth who are serious about developing a wellness routine are encouraged to join.

  3. Beginning September 25th, the gym will have a structured schedule with a supervisor facilitating daily activities.  On Tuesdays, beginning October 17th, there will be an optional Co-Ed Volleyball League.  Thursdays we will host a weekly 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament starting on October 19th. Registration is open for both programs and the small fee will provide awards and prizes.   Our expectation and policy are that students choosing the gym option will participate in the structured activities.

Youth patrons will be required to participate in a structured and supervised activity. The lobby will no longer be accessible as a hangout space. An area will be provided in the lobby for students to consume a snack. Vending machines are available at the Y. At 6pm, the facility will return to normal operations and programming.

 

In late September, a new camera system will provide coverage of the entire facility. This system will allow for actionable enforcement of negative behaviors and improve safety and security for all. Cameras will be monitored at the Welcome Center and by administrative staff.

 

OTHER POLICY UPDATES:

 

Age Restriction

The age requirement for children to be alone at the Y will transition from 9 to 10 years old on September 11th. School-age children aged 9 and under are welcome at the Y but must be enrolled in the existing Afterschool Program or be with a responsible adult.

 

Locker Rooms

  • The Family Locker Room will change in name only to Private Changing Rooms. We want to better communicate that these rooms are for everyone, especially those wanting additional privacy. Youth participants will utilize the private changing rooms. The locker room hallway will be under video surveillance.

  • Men’s & Women’s Locker Rooms will be Adult Only (18+) or under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. We ask that parents with opposite gender children use the private changing rooms.

 

New Kid Zone

The blue playground mats have moved to a racquetball court and this area is now called the Kid Zone. It will be scheduled with time slots for member and Y program use, including, Child Watch, Afterschool Program, Nerf Battles, Gymnastics, and more. For the safety of all, adults are required to supervise their child(ren) in the Kid Zone.

 

Thank you for supporting these updates. Please contact Tom Bolin if you have questions or concerns.