Category: youth development

YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station Announce the June Membership Swap

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Toledo, OH –  June is the month for double the fun and double the benefits for YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station Members. Again this year, the two organizations are partnering to hold their Membership Swap for the entire month of June. This partnership allows members of either organization to experience the benefits and programs of the other at no additional cost. 

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Imagination Station for our annual Membership Swap,” said Shonna Moon, Executive Director of Membership of YMCA of Greater Toledo. “This initiative not only provides added value to our members but also fosters a sense of community by connecting families with new experiences.”

“Imagination Station is excited to welcome YMCA members into the science center to discover, learn and make memories,” said Aubry Hall, Membership and Volunteer Manager at Imagination Station. “Summer is the perfect time for families to explore our community. This partnership encourages healthy, active lifestyles while inspiring a love for STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.”

What: Annual Membership Swap between YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station

When: June 1 – June 30, 2024

Details: Throughout the month of June, YMCA members will have free access to Imagination Station, Toledo’s hands-on science center, while Imagination Station members can enjoy full access to all YMCA of Greater Toledo facilities. This unique opportunity encourages families to explore new activities, promote physical wellness, and inspire scientific curiosity.

YMCA Members at Imagination Station:

  • Free science center admission for YMCA of Greater Toledo members

Imagination Station Members at YMCA:

  • Free access to YMCA of Greater Toledo branches

  • Participation in fitness classes, enjoy our outdoor swimming pools (Eastern Community YMCA & Sylvania YMCA / JCC), gym facilities and Family Fun Zones 

How to Participate:

Members must present their valid membership card and a photo ID at the respective facility’s front desk to enjoy reciprocal benefits.

For more information about the Membership Swap, visit https://www.ymcatoledo.org/imagination-station-membership-swap/ 

 

 

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About YMCA of Greater Toledo: The YMCA of Greater Toledo is dedicated to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. With 10 area branch locations offering a wide range of programs, the YMCA is committed to strengthening the community.


About Imagination Station: Imagination Station provides a critical layer of science enrichment by serving as an educational partner for teachers, schools and parents. It’s with a thoughtful blend of exhibits, experiences, education and excitement that Imagination Station inspires visitors to pursue STEM careers in Northwest Ohio.

 

Dive into the Sun: 4 Reasons to Sign Up for Outdoor Swim Lessons

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

With the sun shining bright, now is the perfect time to consider taking you or your child’s swim lessons to the great outdoors. Whether someone is just starting out or aiming to refine their skills, outdoor swim lessons offer a refreshing experience like no other. Let’s explore four reasons why diving into outdoor swim lessons can make a splash in your summer routine!

Natural Vitamin D Boost

Embrace the warmth of the sun and soak up its natural goodness during outdoor swim lessons. While indoor pools offer controlled conditions, nothing beats the feeling of sunlight on skin as you swim through the water. Basking in the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D, significant for bone health and overall well-being. So, while perfecting those swim strokes, you and your child can also absorb nature’s vitamin D factory.

Enhanced Spatial Awareness

Outdoor swimming introduces dynamic elements such as shifting sunlight and natural surroundings, enhancing spatial awareness. Navigating these conditions challenges swimmers to adapt and become more attuned to their environment, improving water safety and confidence. Whether adjusting strokes or gauging distances, outdoor swim lessons deepen the connection between body and surroundings.

Connection with Nature

Anyone can find tranquility in nature while practicing swimming skills outdoors. Surrounded by blue skies, fresh air, and the gentle rustle of trees, each session leaves people feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Outdoor swim lessons offer a welcome escape from the daily hustle, allowing youth and adults to focus fully on swim skills.

Community Connection

Forge bonds with fellow swimmers and instructors in the inviting atmosphere of outdoor swim lessons. Whether sharing tips, cheering each other on, or enjoying post-swim snacks, outdoor sessions foster camaraderie and belonging. Building relationships within the swimming community enhances motivation and overall enjoyment of the learning journey.

Experience the joys of outdoor swim lessons and unlock a world of benefits beyond the poolside. From vitamin D boosts to community connections, outdoor swimming offers a refreshing and rewarding experience for swimmers of all ages and levels. Don’t wait any longer—embrace the sun, dive into outdoor swim lessons, and make a splash in your summer routine.

Sign Up Today!

Walk/Bike to School Day Activities Encourages Safer Routes for Biking and Walking in School Neighborhoods

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum
YMCA of Greater Toledo Partners raising awareness for safe routes 
 
The Toledo Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, of Live Well Greater Toledo and the YMCA along with their partners including the Toledo Public School District (TPS), the City of Toledo Transportation Dept., Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and numerous other participating organizations will join students and families from Garfield Elementary, 1103 N. Ravine Pkwy., Toledo, OH   43605 on May 08, 2024 to raise the awareness of the need for safer routes for bicycling and walking to school.
 
Walk to School Day activities can better the health of students through physical activity, increase student attendance, better academic achievement, create community connectedness, and enhance the air quality around schools. Through a partnership between the Toledo Safe Routes to School program and the City of Toledo, routes most frequently used by students are being improved through infrastructure projects, such as; sidewalk installation, curb bump outs, pedestrian refuge islands, and countdown crosswalks.
 
On May 8, 2024, families with students from Garfield Elementary were encouraged to utilize a remote drop off location at a nearby park (see attached map). Parents of students who typically are bussed or driven to school can utilize the remote drop off as an alternative on this day. Adult volunteers from multiple organizations and the school district will walk the students to school along a route located on N. Ravine Pkwy. This event is supported by the ODOT Safe Routes to School program that provides funding for school districts to encourage students to walk or bike to school. These programs also allow students to practice pedestrian safety, get physical activity before school, reduce traffic congestion around schools, and create healthy habits to last a lifetime. Multiple schools throughout the district will be celebrating National Walk and Bike to School Day on May 8th .  
 
This program is being organized by the Toledo SRTS program, and made possible by funding provided through the ODOT Safe Routes to School Grant. The YMCA was awarded a two year rolling grant for $114,280.00 to continue SRTS education and encouragement programs in the TPS District and to update the current district School Travel Plan (STP) that will identify the infrastructure and non-infrastructure barriers students encounter daily that make it difficult to walk or bicycle to and from school safely and comfortably. The STP update will study the neighborhoods of all 41 K-8 elementary buildings and the high school buildings. The YMCA has been providing non-infrastructure programs such as walk and roll to school days, bicycle fix-it and safety days, walking school buses, and much more in the TPS district since 2014.   
 
 Available for interviews the day of the event: 
Jenny Hansen, YMCA of Greater Toledo, SRTS Coordinator 
Stephanie Bartlett, City of Toledo Transportation Dept.   

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The YMCA of Greater Toledo is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Four Ways to Get the Most out of Summer Camp

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

fOUR WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF SUMMER CAMP

As spring turns into summer, the YMCA of Greater Toledo wants to share four ways that summer camp can help give your child the experience of a lifetime.

Find Your Adventure

Summer is a time for kids to explore and expand the limits of their imagination. At the Y summer child care, every day is a new adventure!

YMCA (School-Age) Summer Adventure participants will enjoy a weekly visit to the Sylvania Outdoor Adventure program and spend all day outside on the campus of the Sylvania YMCA/JCC.

This includes activities like:

• Outdoor Swimming
• Archery
• Fishing
• Canoeing
• Hiking
• Outdoor skills and more

Find Your Spark

In YMCA summer specialty camps, kids discover hidden talents and passions they never knew they had.

Our sports and specialty camps have fun covered from basketball to soccer, legos, and ninjas. Specialty Camps focus on youth development through fun and engaging preschool, school-age, and teenagers curriculums.

Each camp specializes in a unique theme of activities, projects, and more. Some of the camps include:

  • All About Animals Camp
  • Baseball Camp
  • Fit Kids Camp
  • Science Discoverers

Find Your Circle

YMCA Storer Camps is an experience like none other. Kids come away with new skills, confidence and friendships that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their character. a wide variety of skill set tracks and activities, including:

  • Sailing
  • Horseback riding
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • High ropes course
  • Climbing tower
  • Arts and crafts
  • Disc golf

Campers also enjoy nature hikes, campfires, and making new friends, all while learning to succeed in a community environment and of course, having fun!

Find Your Friends

At any of our YMCA camps,  kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day! 

Find your adventure. Find your spark. Find your circle. Find your Friends. Find your Y. Visit  www.ymcatoledo.org/ymca-summer/  to learn more about what the YMCA can offer your child this summer!

And in 2024, national partner Peanuts, along with outdoor-loving Beagle Scout Snoopy, are helping us increase summer camp access across the globe so more kids can experience the adventure. Learn more here.

YMCA Storer Camps

Campers ages 7 through 17 gain self-esteem and confidence by challenging themselves with a wide variety activities, including: sailing, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, high ropes course, climbing tower, arts and crafts, disc golf, target or team sports and much more. Campers also enjoy nature hikes, campfires, and making new friends, all while learning to succeed in a community environment and of course, having fun.

Learn More

Specialty Camps

Every year as a break from school approaches, parents are looking for fun activities to keep their children active and engaged. Our camps are the perfect solution! Basketball to soccer, legos and ninjas, our sports and specialty camps have fun covered. Specialty Camps focus on youth development through fun and engaging curriculums for preschool, school age, and teenagers. Each camp specializes directly with a unique theme of activities, projects and more.
Learn More

Summer Child Care

Children enrolled in the Y Summer Adventure Program will have opportunities to experience our unique program, which includes weekly hands-on field trips, an outdoor education day at the Sylvania YMCA/JCC, swimming several days each week, and STEM based programming at our highly rated facilities across the Toledo area. Summer Adventure is about learning skills, developing character, making friends, and most importantly having fun!
Learn More

The Impact of Volunteer Coaches: Empowering Youth Through Sports at YMCA

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

The Impact of Volunteer Coaches:
Empowering Youth Through Sports at YMCA

Did you know that every year, the YMCA of Greater Toledo’s Youth Sports program introduces over 4,5000 children to the world of sports and teamwork? It’s an incredible opportunity to shape young lives and foster a love for physical activity that lasts a lifetime. But to continue making this impact, we need your help.

Volunteer coaches play a crucial role in our program, providing more than just instruction on the field. They create a safe and supportive environment where children can learn and grow, instilling values like teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance along the way. By dedicating just a few hours each week, volunteer coaches have the power to make a significant difference in a child’s life.

Learn More
Find Volunteer Opportunities

Becoming a coach at the YMCA means becoming part of a larger family—a community united by a shared mission to empower youth and strengthen communities. While prior coaching experience is helpful, what truly matters is a willingness to serve as a mentor and role model for young athletes.

Our volunteer coaches receive training, equipment, and resources to ensure they feel confident and prepared to lead their teams. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who simply wants to give back, there’s a place for you in our Youth Sports program.

If you’re interested in making a positive impact in your community and empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders, consider becoming a volunteer coach at the YMCA. Visit the Member Service Desk at your local branch or contact the Sports Coordinator to learn more about how you can get involved.

Together, we can make a difference—one child at a time. Join us in building a healthier, stronger community through the power of sports and mentorship.

Press Release: YMCA of Greater Toledo COMMITTED TO SAFETY, ACHIEVES PRAESIDIUM ACCREDITATION

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Toledo,OH – The YMCA of Greater Toledo, has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

To achieve Accreditation, the YMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the YMCA’s successful implementation of these standards. The YMCA will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.

Praesidium Accreditation® provides solid proof of sound risk management practices and the honor distinguishes the YMCA from others in their industry. “We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care—for any reason,” said Brad Toft, YMCA of Greater Toledo, President/CEO. “As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from abuse.”

The YMCA embodies inclusivity, uniting individuals of all genders and ages through a collective dedication to empowering children, advocating for wellness, and cultivating a community-minded ethos. For further information, please visit ymcatoledo.org. 

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About the YMCA of Greater Toledo

The YMCA of Greater Toledo embodies inclusivity, uniting individuals of all genders and ages through a collective dedication to empowering children, advocating for wellness, and cultivating a community-minded ethos.  For further information, please visit ymcatoledo.org. 

Y Achievers is tailored for individuals aged 14-18. It emphasizes high school completion, career readiness, and preparing youth for post-high school life. The program includes homework help, leadership training, career exploration, college/trades preparation, community service projects, work readiness, and life skills development.

About Praesidium

Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally. 

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
5 DAYS OF ACTION

Press Release: West Toledo YMCA Teen Achievers to Host YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Teen Achievers during UT ‘Rockets Get Involved Tour’

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Toledo, OH – The West Toledo YMCA Teen Achievers will host an event on March 27th, welcoming the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Teen Achievers at The University of Toledo for a day of fun, learning, and mentorship.  

The YMCA Teen Achiever program aims to support teenagers in meeting higher academic and career goals, nurturing their minds, character, work ethic, and emphasizing the value of education.  

Currently, the YMCA of Greater Toledo has 40 teens participating in the Teen Achievers program.  In 2023, the program included 11 seniors, all of whom successfully graduated from high school.  

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has 15 teenagers currently participating in their YMCA Teen Achievers program.  Following their engagement in the Rockets Get Involved Tour, these teens will embark on additional college tours across Ohio.  

The Rockets Get Involved Tour is guided by members of the historically Black Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and other University of Toledo student organizations.  During the March 27th event, participants will discuss the various involvement opportunities available at the University of Toledo.  

The West Toledo YMCA will open its doors to these Teen Achiever participants at 2pm on March 27th.  Teens can engage in open swim and basketball.  They will then gather to officially launch the Rockets Get Involved Tour, followed by a social and networking session.  

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About the YMCA of Greater Toledo Teen Achievers 

Y Achievers is tailored for individuals aged 14-18. It emphasizes high school completion, career readiness, and preparing youth for post-high school life. The program includes homework help, leadership training, career exploration, college/trades preparation, community service projects, work readiness, and life skills development.

Contact:  Shonna Moon, [email protected], 419.205.0777

Find Your Joy, Find Your Y at Healthy Kids Day!

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

The YMCA of Greater Toledo is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® in April and May.

April 20 | 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | Wayman Palmer YMCA 

April 20 | 1 to 4:00 pm | YMCA Storer Camps 

April 30 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm | Eastern Community YMCA 

May 04 | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | West Toledo YMCA

These free, annual events will feature a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season.

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Kicking Summer Off Right

In celebration of this annual kick-off to summer, we are sharing a list of five activities that we encourage you to introduce to your kids. The goal is to have them try something new by promoting various opportunities to get involved in active play. Hopefully, this will inspire a lifetime love of physical and mental activity! Share these activities with your children and inspire them to “find their fun” by discovering an activity they love!

Find Your Curiosity with Summer Specialty Camps  The YMCA offers a variety of specialty camps that help inspire wonder about the world around us. Guiding children to find their CURIOSITY is key to helping them reach their full potential. Click here to learn more about YMCA Specialty Camps.

Find Your Adventure with Y Summer Camp Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At YMCA of Greater Toledo, every day is a new adventure! Whether experiencing the wonder of YMCA Storer Camps, or having a blast with new friends at summer day camp, many children and teens find their ADVENTURE with the Y. Learn more about all the Y has to offer this summer.

Find Your Voice with Y Teen Programs We believe young people have the power to change the world. Our Y Achievers teen program is designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to lead positive change in the greater Toledo area and beyond. Visit the Achievers webpage to learn more about Y teen programs.

Find Your Swimming Skills with Y Swim Lessons Each year the Y teaches hundreds of children to swim. This helps them find their CONFIDENCE, teaches a lifelong skill and introduces them to safety around water. Visit our swim lessons page to learn more about Y swim lessons.

Find your Passion with Y Sports Youth sports are just the start of something bigger– , aside from teaching fundamental skills, they also teach the value of teamwork, help fuel determination, and build character. At the YMCA of Greater Toledo we have more than 30 sports programs to choose from, including leagues, teams and clinics. The Y wants to help keep children active while igniting their PASSION for something greater. Explore youth sports today. https://www.ymcatoledo.org/sports-2/

For more information on Healthy Kids Day, follow us on Facebook!