The YMCA of Greater Montgomery Newsletter

MAY 2021

Gary Cobbs, President & CEO

Letter From the President

Dear Y Friends,

With summer just around the corner, so are hotter temperatures. With hotter temperatures, we know there comes a desire to cool off in the water and we encourage all of you to spend time as a family in one of our many pools at our YMCA centers, but with safety as the utmost importance.

Nationally, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children, and we know water safety skills are critical for all. As the leader in aquatics in our community with teaching over 10,000 swimming lessons per year, we invite you and your family to join us in swimming lessons or our Safety Around Water program as we work hard to ensure ALL in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, are able to participate and learn how to swim.

We spend a lot of time training our staff on water safety and getting our pools ready for all of you. In fact, we can’t WAIT to kick off summer with you at our 7th Annual Splash Bash happening at many of our centers on Saturday, May 15 from 1 to 3 PM. Be sure to make plans to join us for summer fun, games, and Y giveaways.

Please peruse our newsletter to see all of the wonderful things we have to offer this summer.

We look forward to sharing the BEST. SUMMER. EVER at our YMCA with you!

All my best,
Gary A. Cobbs

MISSION MOMENTS

YMCA Trainers helped managed Bell Road Member Parkinson's Disease

I was a loyal Y member at Somerset. I was down to 140lbs. So I started training with April and went down from 310lbs to 145lbs. This made me stick with the Y.

I quit the Y during the pandemic and started gaining back the weight so I joined back. Between my training at Somerset and training at the Bell Road YMCA, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

If it were not for the trainers I have used at the YMCA, I would not be able to walk or get up without falling, I probably wouldn’t be able to drive and I would be home in bed gaining weight.

Featured Event: SPLASH BASH 2021

Splash Bash is the Y’s Annual Member Appreciation/ Kick-off to summer party!
No Join fee will be offered online and in-house for new and returning Y Families.
Also, there will be no registration fee for Childcare.
Let’s kick off summer with a splash!
Make plans to attend Splash Bash at one of our participating centers!

Bell Road YMCA
Cleveland Avenue YMCA
East Family YMCA
Grandview YMCA
Wetumpka YMCA
Wilson YMCA

Open to all YMCA members and the community!

The New Grandview Family YMCA

From a refinished Basketball floor, Child watch area, family inspired restrooms to the incoming install of a new state of the art gym equipment from eGym, The Grandview YMCA is going through a major facelift.

Click to see updated photos of progress made so far.

SUMMER CAMP 2021:
AN AMAZING SUMMER

Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. But few environments are as special as the YMCA camps, 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. Check out our amazing summer camps for 2021.

Summer Goodtimes
Summer Camp

Camp Chandler Day
Summer Camp

Camp Chandler
Resident Summer Camp

Camp Grandview
Summer Camp

Upcoming Sports Programs,
Special Events & Activities

Healthy Kids Summer Camp BELL ROAD YMCA

Activities include Zumba kids, yoga kids, cooking classes, playground time, arts & crafts, swimming, sports for all sorts, devotional time and much more!

Each camper gets free swim lessons, Snack & Juice, Bookbag & T-shirt included.

Days: Monday-Thursday
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Registration fee: $25
Cost: $40 – Members; $80 – Non Members
Weekly Themes:
- June 7-10 Sunshine & Swim Week
- June 14-17 Ocean Week
- June 21-23 Animal Planet Week
- June 28-July 1 4th of July week
- No camp the week of July 5-9
- July 12-15 Fun & Fitness week
- July 19-22 Christmas in July
- July 26-29 Olympics Week

Questions? Contact Marcie at [email protected]

Swimming Events & Activities

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

Lifeguards protect their community by preventing, recognizing, and responding to water-related emergencies. In order to get a job at most facilities, you need to become certified, and most employers look for American Red Cross Certification. Obtain your 2-year certification by taking a Lifeguarding course from the American Red Cross through the YMCA of Greater Montgomery.

General Information

Cost for Members: $200.00
Cost for Non-Members: $250.00
Age Range: 15 and up
Participants must be 16-years old to be considered for employment at the YMCA
Choose the session most convenient for your schedule at these Y Facilities for Lifeguard Certification Programs

We are hiring lifeguards at the Y!

Lifeguard Certification Program

Lifeguard Job Application

Master Swim Class

US Masters Team – A division of Montgomery YMCA Barracudas

Age Range: 18 – 99
Registration Cost: $35 per month
Locations for Master Swim Class: Cleveland Avenue YMCA and East Family YMCA

Summer Swim League

The summer swim league provides a developmental opportunity for young people, ages 5 to 18, to “get their feet wet” and make a significant improvement in proper swim technique during the course of the summer.

The goal of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery Summer Swim League is to provide a fun, positive swim team experience that will help each participant set goals, build self-esteem and improve social skills while learning teamwork, good sportsmanship and aquatic safety.

Check out our SUMMER SWIM LEAGUE PAGE for locations and pricing

Safety Around Water
BELL ROAD YMCA

Safety Around Water is a National YMCA Program designed to teach water safety and survival skills to all children. This program will teach fun and relevant ways to stay safe in and around any body of water. Swimming is a fun activity, with these necessary skills, that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of the ability to swim. This is a fun and FREE way for children to learn these necessary skills.

Session Dates

Session 1-May 17-21 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Session 2-May 24-28 (Monday Wednesday, Friday)
Session 3-June 1-3 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Session Times

Preschool– 9:00 am-9:30 am or 5:00 pm-5:30 pm
Youth-9:00 am-9:45 am or 5:00 pm-5:45 pm

Registration Start May 1st, 2021

This is a FREE program, but space is limited, so participants must register either in house or online to participate in this class.

For more information please contact Morgan Burch at 334-271-434 or at [email protected]

Year-Round Swim Lessons

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery makes water safety a priority for our community. Participants begin with a swim test to determine their current swimming level. Participants will develop new skills at each level through progressive formatted lessons.

Locations:

Bell Road YMCA,
East Family YMCA
Cleveland Avenue YMCA

For more information and to get registered for an upcoming session, click the button below

Britton YMCA

Y Achievers
Power teens summer camp

It’s a free middle and high school summer enrichment that is being offered by the Kershaw YMCA from June 7 – July 1.

The program provides on-site academic support in both math and reading as well as fun enrichment opportunities in art, STEM, dance, and swimming.

The Power Teens summer program will engage students in leadership and cultural opportunities to help bridge the achievement gap during the summer.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

Reading
Math
College Readiness
Swimming
STEM
Career Exploration
Art

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM DETAILS
Time: Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm

Location: Kershaw YMCA
2229 West Fairview Ave
Montgomery, AL 36108

Contact: Natasha Foster [email protected] 334-219-4586

YMCA Sports

Bell Road YMCA Summer 4 on 4 Basketball

YMCA Basketball leagues teach children the basics of the sport while they make new friends, stay active, and learn new skills. We are committed to coaching with a focus on fair play, healthy competition, and parent participation. Passing, shooting, and defensive skills are strengthened while the importance of physical fitness.

Registration: April 12 – May 29, 2021 (IN-HOUSE ONLY)
Cost: $50 Members || $100 Non-members
Age Range: 8 to 15
Program Dates: June 7 – July 2, 2021

For more information please contact James Garvin at [email protected] or call (334)271-4343

Emory Folmar Soccer Complex Capital City Streaks is ALABAMA FC SOUTH

YMCA of Greater Montgomery Vice President and Capital City Streaks Director, Manny Sanchez was quoted, “We are thrilled to announce that we are bringing the “proven pathway” to the next level to Montgomery.

Alabama FC South will be replacing the Capital City Streaks Club moving forward.

We are definitely taking it to another level becoming part of the Alabama FC Family. This strategic partnership will allow our players to have unique opportunities to continue to develop and play at the most competitive levels in our country.

We share many common values and philosophies that without a doubt will help us better serve our players and families. We can continue not only to develop our players by creating different training and competitive environments but also by growing the game in Alabama. This is definitely an exciting day for the River Region, our club, players and coaches”.

See More Alabama FC South Programs

Midtown YMCA Montgomery Basketball League

The MBL is a competitive Men’s Basketball League that focuses on increasing the skill level of young athletes while cultivating the essential skills of personal responsibility, discipline and teamwork. The MBL will provoke change within the community and provide resources to all that participate.

Registration: April 18 – May 23, 2021 (IN-HOUSE ONLY)
Cost: $40
Age Range: 14 to 19
Practices begin: May 24 – May 28, 2021
Game Dates: June 12 – July 24, 2021

For more information contact Jess Dailey at 334.262.6411 or [email protected]

WILSON YMCA 2021 SUMMER SPORTS LINE UP

Bucket Club
Ages 3 – 5 years old girls will play 5:30pm – 6:00pm
Ages 6 – 8 years old girls will play 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages 9-12 years old girls will play 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Registration starts: May 3 – June 6, 2021
Registration fee: Members $50; $100 Non-members
Program dates: Tuesdays, June 7-August 6, 2021

REGISTER HERE

Volleyball Camp with Penny White
Ages: 6 – 13 years
Registration Date: May 3 – June 6
Camp Dates: June 17-19
Time: 8:00am -12:00pm, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Lunch will be provided from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Capacity: 70 people
Cost: $55 members; $110 non-members

REGISTER HERE

Volley Night
Ages: 6 – 10 years old will play 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 11 – 17 years old will play 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Registration dates: May 3 – June 6, 2021
Cost: $50 Members; $100 Non-members
Program start date: Fridays, June 7-August 6

REGISTER HERE

Adult Volleyball

Adult Volleyball is back at the Wilson YMCA. Come together have fun and create a community.
Registration May 3 – June 13, 2021
Cost: Members $80 • Non-Members $160
Age Range: 18 and over
Program starts: June 14 – August 6, 2021

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Contact Terel at [email protected]

Special Events

Summer Gump Sun Triathlon

Join us for Summer Gump Sun Triathlon at the Bell Road YMCA!!! Swim, Bike, Run/Walk

Important Information:

Date: June 12, 2021
Time: 8:00 am
Cost: $30.00
Registration deadline: June 1
With registration, you will receive a T-shirt and medal
Training will start on March 1
Register online or in house
Can run or walk the 2 miles; outside or on the treadmill
For the swim, how many laps; for bike, how many miles—in the allotted time
Meet at outdoor pool for Tri
Eligibility: Ages 12 – 99
Registration Fee: $30

Lunch and Learn with Carolyn Strickland Bell Road YMCA

Join Us for a Lunch and Learn with Carolyn Strickland, Food for Life Instructor.

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Time: 12:30 pm
Cost: Members $5.00; Non-members $10.00
Please bring water and wear a mask
Register online or at Member Services; limited spaces available

Exercise of the Month: Reverse Lunge

The lunge is a functional exercise that when done properly is beneficial for building lower body and core strength. Lunges also help flexibility and balance. It can be done with bodyweight, dumbbells or a bar.

Here’s how:

Start by taking a long step backwards, keeping feet hip width apart, feet facing forward, hips & shoulders square to the front of the room, brace the core, shoulders back & down, and torso upright.
Begin the exercise by dropping the back knee toward the floor, aiming for 90° at both knees with the front thigh parallel to the floor. It’s important to move up and down rather than leaning forward.
Keep all weight in the front heel when rising and lowering to activate the glutes.
Progress the lunge by tapping the back foot even with the front foot (level 2) or adding a little hop (level 3). In the hop be sure to land softly on the balls of the feet.

East Family YMCA

Childcare and Early Learning

Our Preschool is licensed through DHR, our age range of children are 6 weeks to 5 years. We teach a high reach and highly rich early learning Curriculum.

Watch Tori’s story about the amazing work we do at the East Family YMCA.

2020/2021 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Y provides a variety of activities for school-age youth when school is not in session. Children will meet new friends, have new experiences and most importantly … have fun! Our goal is to provide a program that is convenient for parents and provides them with peace of mind knowing that their child is well cared for.

Kids participating in After School Care learn valuable social and scholastic skills in a safe, fun, and supervised environment. The Y’s After School Care program offers a constructive balance of counselor-led activities and free time for child exploration.

Click the link below for latest after school locations.

Please note, Wares Ferry Elementary will not be taking pre-K kids for their afterschool program.

ROCKSTEADY FITNESS PROGRAM FOR PARKINSON'S
AT THE BELL ROAD YMCA

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a non-contact fitness program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. It’s is a program that is a non-contact boxing style class. We spend about ¼ of the class doing the actual hitting on the heavy bags and speed bags. The remainder of the class is spent doing a variety of things as follows:

Coordination- foot movements combined with arm movements
Walking and gait activities
Strength training with light weights, resistance tubing and body bars
Obstacles- stepping over objects forward and back as well as lateral movements
Balance training with weight shifting activities as well as static balance
Fine motor skills with games such as Operation, stringing beads, buttoning, etc.
Cognition- remembering sequences, games like Simon Says.
Flexibility- stretches and yoga type activities
Core work- seated or on the mat
Voice activation- reading tongue twisters, yelling favorite food, singing songs like Row Row your boat.

Questions? Contact the Bell Road YMCA at 334.271.4343

CourtSide Academy: Midtown YMCA

CourtSide Academy is a progressive basketball training program that is tailored to individual skill levels and is available to athletes of all ages. Coach Rodney Harrell and Coach Alec Pitts are responsible for cultivating many successful athletes through their organization CourtSide Academy. Their training resume includes numerous collegiate and professional basketball players. Our trainers assess the current skill levels of players and tailor training regiments that promote skill progression.

This training program focuses on in-depth skills, such as 1 on 1 advanced scoring techniques, scoring off screens, ball handling under pressure, and advanced defensive techniques.

If you are looking to elevate your game to the next level, please contact Jess Dailey at Midtown YMCA (334) 262-6411 or email [email protected]

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YMCA OF GREATER MONTGOMERY