Youth Development: Empowering young people to reach their full potential. The Y’s Early Learning and Educare programs are staffed with teachers who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of children, the support parents and families need and the importance of maintaining a safe, clean environment for children to learn and thrive. At the Y, infants develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and get help with their schoolwork. Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Camping teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of archery, talent shows and meaningful relationships. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper. The Y is the starting point for many kids to learn about becoming and staying active and to develop healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning a new activity or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out. All kids have great potential. At the Y, we work every day to help them set and achieve personal and educational goals. Millions of children and teens build skills and confidence as they explore new interests and passions through the Y’s leadership and academic enrichment programs, like Youth & Government. Healthy Living: Improving community and individual well-being. Because we know that healthy lifestyles are achieved through nurturing mind, body and spirit, well-being and fitness at the Y goes beyond just working out. In addition to fitness facilities, we provide educational programs to promote healthier decisions, and offer a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual and spiritual strength for all ages. Keeping older adults active and engaged with others has proven to increase mental health, social engagement and improved cognitive function. In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. Over past 15 years, the Y has driven innovation in prevention and control of chronic disease to save lives and reduce healthcare spending. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Y delivers tangible results in evidence-based chronic disease prevention and control. Social Responsibility: Giving back and inspiring action in our communities YMCAs are here to serve people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. We believe that our programs and services should be available to everyone. Our scholarships and Membership for All provide a sliding fee scale that is designed to fit each individuals/families financial situation so they can participate in programs and enjoy the benefits of membership. The YMCA was built upon volunteers, which is why we invite our community and members to assist us with a variety of activities and fundraising. From special events to reading with a child, we have an opportunity for everyone to give back and support the YMCA mission of building a healthy mind, body and spirit for all. 1. Early Learning – Our current center in downtown York is licensed by the Department of Human Services and is a Keystone STAR 4. Our program serves infants through preschoolers and provides care Monday – Friday from 5:45am-6:00pm. Through CACFP (Child and Adult Food Care) we provide a nutritious breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Our center also accepts third party payments from the ELRC (Early Learning Resource Center), more commonly known as Child Care Works funds. Through the STARS quality program and using the PA Early learning Standards, we provide early education and socialization to develop a well-rounded child. YMCA members receive a discount on the weekly fee. 2. Educare – We currently provide before and after school care in 14 elementary schools with an additional site in our downtown branch. These programs provide care to children ages 5-12 during the critical before (6:30am-start of school) and after (end of school – 6:00pm) school hours. Our branches are also licensed to provide care during school holidays and virtual learning days from 6:30am – 6:00pm. Educare is licensed by DHS with site STAR ratings from 2 to 4. Like our Early Learning Center, we utilize CACFP funds and accept ELRC payments. Our curriculum incorporates the PA Early Learning Standards to enhance the education of our students in addition to providing opportunities for physical activities. YMCA members receive a discount on the weekly fee. 3. Summer Camp – Our camps operate for 11 weeks from 6:30am6:00pm, serving over 350 youth ages 5-12. The curriculum incorporates educational, STEAM, physical activities, swimming, outdoor education, archery, team building and field trips to build achievement, relationships and a sense of belonging among all participants. YMCA members receive discounted rates. Our camp program would continue to enhance what SGRPRC has offered. 4. Youth Sports – Seasonal youth sports programs include basketball, baseball/T-ball, soccer, volleyball and TaeKwonDo. Additionally, we would offer recreational programs like Nerf tag, dodgeball, floor hockey and indoor games. YMCA members receive a discounted rates. 5. Youth & Government – The purpose of the program is to bring the workings of state government alive to students. It creates a hands-on opportunity for students to discuss current state issues with state administrators, elected officials, and nearly 700 students throughout the state. Club members are extensively trained over a school-year program cycle to fulfill the following roles at the Model Legislature Conference: Officers and Administration are given responsibility for the planning, implementation, and leadership of the conference and must learn parliamentary procedure and the duties of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Clerk, Sgt. at Arms, and Secretary. Legislators must stay up to date on current affairs, learn parliamentary procedure, and bill-writing skills in order to author bills, vote on bills, speak their minds on current events, run for office, and vote for officers. Supreme Court Justices learn case law and Judicial Processes in order to hear oral arguments from teams of Attorneys and rule on the merits. Lobbyists are trained in the process of influencing legislation for the purpose of representing their assigned constituents. Print Media keep a careful eye on the proceedings by publishing student newspapers and web articles about the Y&G process. 6. Kids Night Out – Are offered monthly to provide kids ages 5-12 an evening out with their peers (and parents an opportunity to share time alone together or a night out). Activities include crafts, games, movies and dinner. Seasonal themes/activities are incorporated throughout the year and have included visits with Santa, pumpkin decorating and more. 7. Family Fun Nights – These events provide an opportunity for families to engage with other families while participating in crafts, physical activities and making a healthy snack. Community organizations are also on hand to provide information on local resources including behavioral health, immunizations, social services and more. 8. Wellness Center – Our wellness centers offer a variety of hand weights, free weights, circuits and cardio equipment to give our members the opportunity to enhance their wellness. Wellness orientations provide members with an overview of proper equipment usage. Personal training packages are available to those looking for individual or small group training. 9. Group Exercise Classes – Get active and connect with your Y family in one of our many exercise classes. With over 40 classes including yoga, HIIT, step, Zumba® and POUND, there’s unlimited potential for members to get active. Our certified instructors provide instruction and encouragement for you to modify moves or take it to the next level. 10.Active Older Adults – Connecting with others is as important as exercise. Our Silver Sneakers® and Enhance® Fitness classes provide stretching, cardio and muscle strengthening to increase mobility. A variety of classes are offered for all ability levels, including Silver Sneakers® Classic, BOOM™ and Gentle Yoga. 11.Chronic Disease Prevention - Our Chronic Disease Prevention Programs, like LIVESTRONG, a free evidence-based program for cancer survivors to assist them with reclaiming their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. This program provides a free Y membership for the survivor and their family. The Y’s Weight Loss is designed to help people seeking a healthier weight y making small changes to daily behaviors and forming sustainable, healthy habits. This small group, non-prescriptive weight loss program focuses on modifying food intake, routine self-weighing, routine tracking and regular consistent activity to assist participants in achieving their goals. Our Healthy Weight and Your Child program creates a safe, fun and active environment for children and families to explore proven methods of living a healthier lifestyle.
