Y Mention It: Trunk or Treat & Open House, KidFit, Swim Lessons & Teams, and More!
Trunk or Treat and Open House are almost here!
Our two favorite fall events are just around the corner — we'll see you there!
Spooky Fun for Everyone
3-5 pm, Saturday, October 22
Outside the YMCA, Trunk or Treaters of all ages will find a variety of fun activities and goodies from over 20 local community organizations. Bring a bag for treats and your best costume — you could be the winner of our costume contest. Last year's Trunk or Treat welcomed hundreds of participants — this year, we're expecting even more! Learn more on our Facebook event.
This event is free and open to all. You can support the Y by donating a bag or two of healthy snacks that we'll hand out during the event. Drop off fruit snacks/leathers, pretzels, popcorn, or other small treats anytime in the next week at our Welcome Desk.
YMCA Open House
1-3 pm, Saturday, October 22
Early Saturday afternoon, EVERYONE is welcome to try out the Y. Spend some time with us learning more about the community and our offerings in aquatics, childcare, fitness, and recreation.
During the Open House, YMCA staff will offer face painting and family-friendly arts and crafts along with our bounce house, and group exercise instructors will hold a showcase of their classes:
Yoga Studio
- 1-1:45 Pilates with Jamie
- 1:45-2:15 Yoga Flow with Jamie
Dance Studio
- 1-1:45 Body Toning with Fae
- 1:45-2:15 RUMBLE with Cheryl
Gym
- 1:30-2pm Boot Camp with Mark
- 2:15-3 Zumba Sampler (Toning, Gold, Strong Nation, more) with Mark and Carol
While the pool will be unavailable, visitors can also try out racquetball, pickleball, table tennis, billiards, cardio and strength training equipment, and more. Tell a friend — or better, bring them yourself!
Congrats to Best of Ithaca Winner Mark Kenjerska!
We were so excited to open the Ithaca Times' Best of Ithaca edition and see a very familiar face. Mark Kenjerska, who teaches Combo Boot Camp (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Aqua Zumba (Wednesdays) here at the Y was voted Best Fitness Instructor for 2022!
Mark was named Employee of the Month here at the Y in September, recognizing his energy, enthusiasm, and innovative approach.
From the Times:
"Consistency is key," Kenjerska said. "Encouraging people, letting them know they can do it, and pushing them a bit outside their comfort zone is all it takes."
Read more and check out the other categories — you're sure to find something new to try here in Tompkins County.
KidFit: Fun Group Classes for Age 8-12
Try out a sampler of group exercise classes tailored for kids — from 4:30 to 5:15 pm every Monday in November, we'll hold unique, energetic classes in our Yoga Studio.
Over the four weeks, instructor Laurie will teach:
- Cardio Dance
- BootCamp
- Cardio Drumming
- Yoga
Registration for all four classes is $20 for family members, $45 for youth members, or $75 for non-members. Space is limited; register online today.
Sign up for Swim Lessons
Upcoming swim lesson registration for those with family memberships opened on Tuesday, and youth/family memberships opened today!
There are still spots available in group swim lessons and on our swim teams. Sign up online at ithacaymca.com/register or call our Welcome Desk at 607-257-0101 to ask about availability.
Learn Practical Skills in Our Red Cross Babysitting Class
Red Cross Coordinator & Swim Instructor Emily is offering another babysitter's training during the school break on Friday, November 11. Sign up today to save your child's spot!
This popular course for ages 11-15 covers:
- 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!
Youth Basketball Skills+Basics Training
After a fun demonstration of our new youth basketball skills program last weekend, we're looking forward to getting it started tomorrow!
This series is perfect for kids who are looking to start learning the basics of basketball — dribbling, passing, defense, shooting, and teamwork. Over 9 weeks, instructor Devin will teach the fundamentals of the game in a cooperative and encouraging environment.
First Session Oct 15 - Dec 17 (no November 26 session)
Ages 5-7 — 9:00-9:45 am
Ages 8-11 — 10:00-10:45 am
Full Day Child Care during School Breaks — Coming up October 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 next days October 21 & November 11.
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).
Program Scholarships Now Available
We're expanding our Membership Assistance Program to cover the cost of registration for certain classes. Those who qualify:
- Only pay 50% for a group swim class, with a limit of one class per session per child/family member (no subsidy for private swim classes, Masters Swim Team, or Barracudas Swim Team)
- Only pay 50% of the amount of one Youth Sport per session
- Can request a subsidy for School Age Child Care (only if you do not qualify for DSS subsidies)
Ask at our Welcome Desk or visit ithacaymca.com/MAP for more information.
Swim Fast as a Barracuda
Young swimmers who are looking to develop their skills should sign up for the YMCA's Barracudas Swim Team!
This non-competitive youth swim program meets twice a week to hone their skills, with focused instruction from YMCA aquatics staff. The program will prepare those who join to participate on a school swim team or establish a lifelong exercise plan.
Swim, learn, work hard, and have fun in Barracudas! Register online.
Pool Schedule
With a new swim lesson schedule starting soon, we will see some changes in pool availability. Remember to check the schedule online as you plan your exercise for the week.
Scroll below the current schedule to find the one beginning October 24.
Coming up:
We're beginning to plan for some of our favorite events of the year!
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
Date TBA @ the YMCA
We are still finalizing details, but the plan is to have a family-friendly roller skating party!
