Category: youth programs

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

Building Brighter Futures: The Rewards of Joining the YMCA Child Care Team

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

In the world of community service, the YMCA stands as a pillar of support, offering a wide range of programs and services that cater to the diverse needs of its members. At the heart of this mission are the dedicated individuals working tirelessly in child care, embodying the YMCA’s commitment to fostering holistic development in individuals of all ages. However, like many organizations, the YMCA is currently facing a critical challenge – a shortage of qualified staff. We want to discuss the importance of hiring staff in child care, the benefits of working for the YMCA, and the profound impact that staff can make on members and the community.

The Importance of Hiring in Child Care 

Child care is more than supervision; it’s an opportunity to instill a love of learning, provide quality care, and shape the future of our community. Without a dedicated and qualified staff, the YMCA cannot adequately serve its members, leaving a void in the community’s access to essential services.

Challenges in Hiring

 As a non-profit organization, the YMCA faces challenges in competing with the compensation offered by for-profit companies that provide similar services. The struggle to attract qualified staff, particularly in child care, poses a significant hurdle to the YMCA’s mission of community empowerment.

Benefits of working for the YMCA

 The YMCA remains an attractive employer for individuals seeking not just a job but a purpose-driven career. Employees at the YMCA become part of a community-focused organization that values personal and professional growth. Free YMCA membership, a flexible work environment, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to community well-being are just a few of the perks that make working for the YMCA a fulfilling experience.

The Impact of Staff on Members and the Community 

Qualified and dedicated staff in child care can have a profound impact on the members they serve and the community at large. While fostering a love of learning in children to promoting health, staff play a pivotal role in shaping positive experiences and building lasting connections within the community.

In the face of hiring challenges, and recognizing the crucial role they play in building a healthier and more connected community, the YMCA calls on passionate individuals to join its childcare team. The rewards of working for the YMCA extend beyond compensation, offering employees a chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others while enjoying the benefits of personal and professional growth. As we navigate these challenging times, the YMCA remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering individuals and communities, and it is the dedicated staff who will continue to make a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those they serve.

Child Care Jobs

The Y is Here to Help you Prepare for Back to School!

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

August is National Back to School Month. To prepare, the YMCA of Greater Toledo is sharing three ways you can make sure your back-to-school season is a success!

Enroll in YMCA Child Care Before and After-school  Programming Today

When school is out, the Y is in! In honor of National Back to School Month, the Y wants to remind you of all our great before and after-school programming, to ensure your child is taken care of before or after their school day! The YMCA of Greater Toledo has a total of 23 before and after-school sites. Click here to register or learn more. Also, if you’re interested in joining our Child Care team, we are hiring, and encourage you to apply today.  

Communicate Routines and Expectations

The Y wants your family to be prepared for back-to-school season! Here is your friendly reminder to make sure you have everything on your child’s classroom supply list, reset those summer bedtimes well before the big day, and communicate any changes in routine with the entire family. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe back-to-school season!

Attend Our Back to School Bash

From crayons to notebooks, many classrooms, and the students who fill them, need school supplies this time of year! In celebration of National Back to School Month, the YMCA of Greater Toledo wants to invite you to our Back to School Bash. Join us on Saturday, August 19 from noon to 2 pm at the Sylvania YMCA/JCC.  

We are so excited about the school year and want you to know that the YMCA is here to support you. 

Back To School Bash

Saturday, August 19 | 12-2pm
Sylvania YMCA and JCC

The Value of Camp: Affordability and Inclusivity

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

The Value of Camp: Affordability and Inclusivity

A trip to YMCA Storer Camps is always fun! There’s no doubt about that.  In fact, throughout the day at camp, the most common question asked  (besides what’s being served at the next meal) is “What was your favorite thing you did today?” 

This question is typically followed by a number of excited responses about riding horses, climbing the rock wall, or paddling around on Stony Lake on a stand-up paddleboard.  Although not explicitly stated, what these responses reveal is the fact that campers tried something new, grew out of their comfort zone, and created relationships with new friends.

When spending time at YMCA Storer Camps, each camper is able to grow in our four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  They create a community of campers across county, state, and even national lines.  Campers are challenged to push beyond boundaries they didn’t know existed, all while in a safe, caring environment away from societal pressures.  Upon returning home, campers have a stronger sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and appreciation for the world and others around them.

These experiences are designed for all children to learn, grow, and explore. 

YMCA Storer Camps is committed to ensuring that camp is a home away from home for every single child. Regardless of various walks of life, no barrier should ever prevent a child from attending camp.

In an attempt to further reduce barriers to experiencing camp, 2023 saw the launch of a brand new tiered pricing system for summer camp programs.  Families are now able to choose the program rate that best fits their needs, with no questions asked. All campers still receive the same quality programs regardless of payment level.  

We realize that some families may need additional resources beyond the tiered pricing system. In these cases, the YMCA is happy to offer financial assistance, provided by the generosity of donors who believe in the mission of YMCA Storer Camps.

Additionally, YMCA members receive discounts on all summer camp programs.  This discount is not exclusive to members of the YMCA of Greater Toledo but is extended to members of any YMCA across the globe! 

A trip to YMCA Storer Camps is fun, safe, and full of growth. Above all it is meant for your child this summer! 

 

Register Today!

New Tiered Pricing

1 week of Overnight Camp

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

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

YMCA Storer Camps, and the Eastern Community and West Toledo YMCAs will each host an event in honor of the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day®.  The West Toledo YMCA will kick off Healthy Kids Day® on April 29 at 10 am, and YMCA Storer Camps’ event to follow at 1 pm. The Eastern Community Y’s event will be held on May 3 at 5:30 pm.  These free events will feature various family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season.

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

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 lifelong fun. Visit this link to learn more about Y swim lessons.

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 the YMCA of Geater Toledo, every day is a new adventure! Whether experiencing the wonder of YMCA Storer summer overnight camp or having a blast with new friends at summer day camp, many children and teens find their ADVENTURE with the Y. Visit our summer webpage to learn more about Y summer camp.

Find Your Passion with Y Sports

Youth sports are just the start of something bigger– besides teaching healthy living principles, they also teach the value of teamwork, help fuel determination, and build character. At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we have several sports programs to help keep children active while igniting their PASSION for something greater. Visit the youth sports and programs webpage to learn more. 

Find Your Voice with Y Teen Programs

We believe young people have the power to change the world. Our teen and young adult programs are designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to lead positive change in the community and beyond. Visit the Y Achiever’s webpage to learn more about Y teen programs.

For more information on Healthy Kids Day, visit ymca.org