Y Mention It: Thank You to Swimmers, Badminton & Basketball, KidFit, and More!
A Thank You to Our Swimming Community
The local weather over the last several weeks has caused some inconvenience to our swim lesson families and daily lap swimmers. We apologize for this, and want to assure you that we're not making these decisions lightly!
Just to make sure we are serving our community safely, we rechecked Department of Health recommendations, and confirmed:
"The National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) recommends closing both indoor and outdoor bathing facilities during a thunderstorm. The NLSI recommends that bathing facilities monitor storm activities, suspend swimming activities when lightning is within 6-8 miles and wait until 30 minutes after lightning has been observed before resuming water activities."
We will continue to follow these guidelines, and are preparing our communications to better inform our members of the possibility of a pool closure on a given day. Thank you for your patience.
You've been asking for more ways to have fun, meet other members, and have fun at the Y. In response, we're adding or reestablishing some new programs for our community this fall. Read more below! 🍂
Pickleball
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Two to four players use a wooden or plastic paddle and hit a ball similar to a wiffle ball over a net.
Badminton
Saturdays
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Equipment will be available, but feel free to bring your own — and a friend!
Table Tennis
Saturdays
1:45 to 3:45 pm
A volunteer coach will be present for anyone who wants advice.
No signup needed, just stop by. Play for these will be in the north end of the gym, outside the strength training center.
Youth Basketball Skills+Basics Training
Is your child interested in the basics of basketball? Have they started practicing, but want to work on developing their skills? We're introducing a 9-week session that will focus on the fundamental elements of the game in a cooperative and encouraging environment.
We're offering a chance to meet the Youth Sports Leader and see how the program will run on Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 to 10:30 am.
First Session Oct 15 - Dec 17 (no November 26)
Ages 5-7 — 9:00-9:45 am
Ages 8-11 — 10:00-10:45 am
KidFit: Get moving and have fun!
This series will take place 4:30-5:15 pm every Monday, November 7-28, in the YMCA Yoga Studio.
Featuring kid-friendly classes in:
- Cardio Dance
- BootCamp
- Cardio Drumming
- Yoga
KidFit is a 4 week group exercise program for ages 8-12 years old, designed to get kids exercising with their peers. Participants burn energy and develop their coordination in fun and unique classes!
Cost: $20 for family members; $45 for youth members; $75 for non-members. Space is limited; register online today.
Early Morning Pool Hours
We appreciate those whose morning routines include a stop at the Y for a swim! In order to accommodate a quick workout, we are happy to open the front doors 5 minutes before our official opening, at 5:55 am on weekdays and 7:55 am on Saturdays.
However, the pool itself will not be available for use before our facility is open at 6:00/8:00 am.
New date: November 11. Spend the day off school learning new skills!
This popular course for ages 11-15 will prepare participants to be better babysitters. Topics covered include:
- Providing care for infants and children
- Staying safe
- What to do in an emergency
- How to pick age appropriate activities
- How to manage a variety of behaviors
- Basic First Aid
Registration is $75, and children should bring a packed lunch the day of the course. Register at ithacaymca.com or stop by our Welcome Center to reserve your spot!
Full Day Child Care during School Breaks — Coming up October 10 & 21
Your kids need something to do when schools take a break. Bring them to the Y, and we'll keep them busy!
Arts and crafts, group games, reading time, healthy snacks, STEM activities, even sometimes swimming — each day is packed from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm with a variety of fun similar to our summer day camp. They can participate for whatever amount of time they like (or you need!).
For ages 5 (and in Kindergarten) through 12; Y membership is not required. Sign up online for the first days of this school year, October 10 & 21.
The cost is $35 a day for those already registered in our School Age Child Care Program, $40 a day for YMCA members, and $80 a day for Y Guests (non-members).
Pool Reminders
Please do not wear cotton garments in the pool, as fibers from these can clog our filters and affect water quality.
Our lifeguards have whistles in order to communicate important safety issues and information. If you hear a whistle, stop swimming, look up, and look out!
Youth Game Night — Mark Your Calendar!
Thursday, November 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, we'll hold a youth game night featuring a variety of creative tabletop games. Y staff will be on hand to teach and supervise.
These will include both competitive and cooperative games — some easy to learn, others that require more time and strategy!
While this is aimed towards our younger members, parents and caregivers are welcome to stick around and learn these games along with their children.
YMCA Open Interview Day
We are holding an open interview day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12. Anyone who is interested in our open positions is encouraged to come to the Y for a drop-in interview time!
This will be especially important for those who might like to be a:
- School Age Child Care Counselor
- Child Watch Staff
- Lifeguard
- Swimming Instructor
- Group Exercise Instructor or Substitute
If you share our mission of promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, make a plan to come to the Y on the 12th to speak with current staff. Please share this opportunity with your network!
Emergency Call Buttons in the Y
As you move through the building, you'll notice new paging buttons indicating that they are to be used in the case of medical emergencies. Our staff are trained how to respond to various cases, from a sprain to a more life-threatening event.
If you are in a space where this is needed and no YMCA staff are present, please press and hold the closest button for 3 seconds, and our Welcome Desk will ensure that help is on the way.
Pool Schedule
With the current swim lesson session ending August 12 and the next session beginning September 12, we have posted an interim pool schedule effective Monday, August 15 — find it at ithacaymca.com/aquatics.
If you or someone you know might be interested in teaching swim lessons or becoming a lifeguard, tell them we could use them on the Y team!
Coming up:
We're beginning to plan for some of our favorite events of the year!
Open Interview Day
10:00 am-7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 12 @ the YMCA
We run a variety of programs for all ages, and this fall we are getting ready to grow our team to meet the needs of the local community.
YMCA Open House
1:00-3:00 pm, Saturday, October 22 @ the YMCA
This free event will feature tours of the Y, Group Exercise Demos, info about our programs and financial assistance, family activities, and other fun opportunities.
Trunk or Treat
3:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, October 22 @ the YMCA
Join us for spooky fun! We’ll have activities, goodies from local organizations, and more. We'll also hold an Open House from 1:00-3:00 pm on the same day — all are welcome.
YMCA Santa Run 5k and Family Elf Mile
9:00-11:00 am, Saturday, December 3 @ Stewart Park
This family event features cookies, cocoa, music, a costume contest, and an appearance by Santa himself!
YMCA Holiday Party
Saturday, December 10 @ the YMCA
We are still finalizing details, but the plan is to have a family-friendly roller skating party!
