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Archive for May, 2012

Family Y Summer Camps: Lots of Fun; Still Time to Sign Up!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by:Family Y
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Summer camper Jael Jean, a 5th grader at Long Lots, took time from touring Camp Mahackeno during Open House last weekend to help with planting our organic teaching garden.

Our Family Y offers all kinds of summertime fun for your children. Now’s the time to sign up — camps are filling up fast, with some sessions already on wait list!

In addition to the classic outdoor fun in store for day campers at Camp Mahackeno, we also have a wide variety of summer programs at our downtown home.

The Hafaday Summer Swim Lesson Program gives kids ages 4 to 8 expert swim instruction along with a morning of great fun. Plus, this summer we have added Stewie’s Splash! Hour to this popular camp.

But did you know about all our other sports, dance and specialty camps that take place throughout the summer at our downtown (and air-conditioned) facility?

Read on for highlights, and visit our website for further details and to register.

And don’t miss out on the chance to enroll your 1st-3rd grader in a wonderful new (and free) weeklong swimming and water-safety program: ZAC Camp at Mahackeno, June 4-8, 3:30-6:30 each day. Space is limited, so please call Camp Director Meg George at 203-226-8981, ext. 179 to register your child today.

Camp Mahackeno:

This year, each week of  the Family Y’s Camp Mahackeno will have a specific theme. All of your favorite summer day-camp activities will still be there, as well as some exciting new opportunities, like our brand-new 110-ft. Zipline.

But this summer campers will have even more fun with weekly themes, which will include special events, dress-up days and games going on all week. The weekly themes during each of our four two-week sessions are:

The new 110-ft. Zipline at Mahackeno was installed earlier this spring. We can't wait to try it out!

Session 1 June 25-July 6
Week 1 — Olympics Week
Week 2 — Space Week

Session 2 July 9- July 20
Week 1 — Sports of all Sorts
Week 2 — Science Week

Session 3 July 23-August 3
Week 1 — Travel Around the World
Week 2 — Arts Week

Session 4 August 6-August 17
Week 1 — Water Week
Week 2 — Holiday Week

Special Events Week August 20-August 24
Craziest Week Ever!

Summer Camps at the Downtown Y:

Looking to fill up your children’s summer schedules? Look no further than the Family Y for these great opportunities to make new friends and learn new skills. Open to Y Members and non-members alike, our summer camps are all available as one-week sessions and include some exciting new activities:

NEW! Kinder Basketball/Floor Hockey Camp (ages 5-7); June 25-29 (9 am-12 noon). Fee: $125.

NEW! Lacrosse/Floor Hockey Camp (ages 3-5); July 2-6 (8:30 am -11 am). Fee: $125.

Basketball Camp (ages 7-12); June 25-29; July 2-6 (9 am-12 noon). Fee $155.

Fantasy Gymnastics & Art (ages 4-7); 4 weekly sessions offered this summer due to popular demand! Fee $190.

Gymnastic Camp (ages 6 and up); 8 weekly sessions (12-4 pm). Fee $190.

Princess Dance Camp (ages 3 & 4); June 25-29  (10:30 am- 12:30 pm). Fee $160. (Waiting list only.)

Check our summer brochure for dates, times and other details. Register by clicking on the underlined links above or or call 203-266-8981 to speak with a Family Y Membership Coordinator.

Spend the summer with us!


It’s All Gold for Family Y Dancers

Sunday, May 27, 2012 by:Family Y
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Pictured Back Row : Olivia Stubbs, Hannah Ratcliffe, Christine Meehan, Parker Pretty, Shanti Wimmer, Front Row: Alex Glickman, Morgan Parisse, Jolie Shey, Samantha DiPrato, Stephanie Field.

Thirty members of the Westport Weston Family Y Dance Center recently competed in the Nexstar National Talent Dance Competition April 27 and 28 at North Branford High School in New Haven.  The team brought home 9 Gold Medals and one High Gold Medal for their seven group performances, three solo’s, and one trio piece.

The dancers are members of the Family Y’s Dance Center’s Petite Company, Mini Company, Kinder Company and Junior Company’s. Kyra Inston (Jazz Solo), Julianna Hopper (Tap Solo) and Madison Conklin (Tap Solo) all came home with Gold medals. Inston, Hooper and Conklin also took a Gold Medal for their Tap Trio competition piece.  The Petite Company Funky/ Jazz Hip Hop group number won a High Gold Medal.

The Family Y’s Kinder Company (shown at right) Funky Jazz/ Hip Hop performance won a Gold Medal and additionally took first place overall in the Petite Large Group Prestar Division.

Dance Center Director Michele Conklin is very proud of her dancers. Performance numbers and solos were choreographed by Michele Conklin and Lillian Fama. Danette Meigel-Cahr choreographed the Jazz solo.

The Family Y Dance Center’s Spring Recital will be held Saturday, June 9, 2 pm at Bedford Middle School. Tickets are being sold at the Membership Services Desk and at the door; $15/ adults and $12/children.

For more information about the Dance Center, please click here.

Get Trained to be a Lifeguard or Re-Certified at the Family Y

Friday, May 25, 2012 by:Family Y
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The Westport Weston Family Y is offering a second Lifeguard Training Course this spring as well as a Lifeguard Re-certification Course.

The Lifeguard Training Course takes place at the Family Y on June 2-3 and June 9-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all four days. The class emphasizes practical lifesaving skills and job-related responsibilities, including standard first aid and CPR/AED training. Participants must be 15 years old and strong swimmers. Please bring a bathing suit and a lunch. The cost of the Lifeguard Training Course is $325 for Y Members; $350 for non-Members.

The Family Y is also offering a Lifeguard Re-certification Course. The class takes place at the Family Y on Thursday, May 31, and Friday, June 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening and is for Lifeguards whose certification has expired within the past year. The cost is $150 for Y Members, $175 for Non-members.

“Each year, the Family Y trains and re-certifies dozens of lifeguards, who get to put these valuable skills to use protecting swimmers of all ages and abilities at pools, beaches and summer camps throughout our community,” said Nicole Turechek, Aquatics Director. “Not only is it a great summer job, particularly for young people, but by providing first aid and CPR-AED training to so many people, lifeguard training also helps make our community a safer place far beyond the water.”

Register for either course online at www.westporty.org or contact Nicole Turechek, Aquatic Director, at nturechek@westporty.org or 203-226-8981, ext. 128.

Family Y Gymnasts Score Big at Regional YMCA Championships

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by:Family Y
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Family Y Level 7 Gymnasts: Alexa Davis, Isabelle Saltzman, Sophia Stanley, Andrea Mahieu, Kelly Griffin.

Westport Weston Family Y Competition Gymnasts recently competed in the Regional YMCA Gymnastic Championships in Lake George, New York.

Congrats to our Level 7 gymnasts, who took home the second-place team trophy. Level 4 won 10th place and the Level 5 team won 5th place team trophies!

Congrats to all our gymnasts!

It’s been an outstanding season for our Level 7 competitors, who in late March took first place in the YMCA State Championships, held in Wilton.

Photo Highlights From Youth Fun Night, May 19

Monday, May 21, 2012 by:Family Y
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Swinging away at Youth Fun Night!

We had another action-packed evening at the Family Y’s last Youth Fun Night of the school year on Saturday, May 19.

As always, the Family Y was abuzz with local 4th-7th graders taking part in all manner of good, ol’ fashioned fun (and good ol’ fashioned ice cream sundaes!).

One of the big hits was a new mega-inflatable — a batting cage in which the ball floated on a cushion of air. Home run!

The Stauffer Pool’s diving board got a lot of action, and upstairs in the Board Room, our Extreme Bingo sessions drew a crowd, too.

Enjoy these photos from the night’s festivities –

Swim for Safety and Health at the Family Y this Summer

Monday, May 21, 2012 by:Family Y
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The Westport Weston Family Y reminds kids and adults about the importance of swim lessons, water safety and the health benefits of swimming

The ZAC Camp in Greenwich, held earlier this spring. The Family Y hosts a ZAC Camp at Mahackeno, June 4-8.

At the Westport Weston Family Y, there are a variety of programs that help people of all ages learn water safety skills, develop confidence in and around the water and enjoy the benefits of water exercise.

“Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it has many health benefits,” said Nicole Turechek, Aquatics Director for the Family Y. “As our community’s largest provider of swim lessons, the Family Y is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming skills and water safety practices. We encourage kids and adults to take swim lessons – it’s never too late to learn.”

The Y encourages kids and adults to have fun in and around the water but to always make safety their first priority. In joining other community organizations in designating May as National Water Safety Month, the Family Y recommends the following safety tips for children and adults:

  • Only swim when and where there is lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
  • Adults should constantly watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is “on duty.”
  • Inexperienced swimmers should take precaution and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) when in, on or around the water.
  • Children who are beginners should stay within arm’s reach of an adult in the water.

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This philosophy drives the Family Y’s commitment to help children and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming.

The Family Y’s array of aquatics programs for members and participants include the following classes, lessons, camps, swim teams and special activities:

  • Parent/Child Swim Classes. Geared to children ages 6 months to four years old, these classes are designed to acquaint both parent and child to the aquatic environment while having fun in the water.
  • Pre-school and Youth Swim Classes. For children ages 3 through 12, these classes allow children at each level to improve their skills at their own pace.
  • Private/Semi-private Swim Lessons (any age). Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced swimmer, our instructors will design an individualized lesson and motivate you to achieve your swimming goals.
  • Free Swim at the Y. Join us by yourself or with the family to swim around as you wish during free-swim times for Members and guests in our three pools, including the warm-water Brophy Pool. Check our website for times.
  • Hafaday Summer Swim Lesson Program. Designed for children ages 4 to 8 and held each weekday from 8:45 am to 12:30 pm, Hafaday is primarily a swim program, with both a lesson and a free swim period each day. It’s the best way to learn to swim. Arts and crafts, music and gym time, including yoga, karate, and games round out each morning of fun.
  • Camp Mahackeno. Our popular summer day camp features daily lessons and free swims in our large outdoor pool. Plus, we have Summer Sundays for Members and guests to attend during the month of July.
  • ZAC Camp. Taking place at Mahackeno, June 4-8, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm each day, ZAC Camp will teach 100 local 6- to 9-year olds the importance of water safety through a fun and engaging mix of swim instruction, classroom lessons about the ABCDs of water safety, hands-on activities and games, plus safety lessons from local First Responders.
  • Aqua Fitness. Exercise against the water’s resistance in a high-intensity low-impact,  non-swimming workout held in our shallow pools. Our certified water exercise instructors also conduct classes for seniors, arthritis sufferers and other special groups (MS, Diabetes, Parkinsons, or stroke patients).
  • Water Rat Swim Team. With a roster of more than 200 children, the Family Y’s Water Rats are one of the largest swim teams in New England. Our team members acquire excellent swimming skills, make new friends and learn how to set goals while developing self-discipline and self-confidence. Skill requirements for our various practice groups are listed on the Water Rat section of westporty.org. The Water Rat Swim Team operates on an academic calendar. Open tryouts for new swimmers are held every September.
  • Y Masters Swim Team. For adults, the Family Y Masters Swim Team competes regularly in both YMCA and U.S. Masters Competitions. Each member has the opportunity to participate in organized workouts and competitive swim meets.
  • Lifeguard Training & Certification. Our lifeguarding course emphasizes practical lifesaving skills and job-related responsibilities. Lifeguard Training, Standard First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer are included. Participants must be strong swimmers. The next class is scheduled for the weekends of June 2-3 and 9-10, with classes taking place 9 am to 5 pm each of the four days.

To ensure that everyone in the communities we serve has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the Westport Weston Family Y’s swim programs, please visit www.westporty.org or contact Nicole Turechek at 203-226-8981, ext. 128 or nturechek@westporty.org.

Westport Woman’s Club Gives a ‘Lift’ to the New Y

Saturday, May 19, 2012 by:Family Y
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An illustration of Phase I of the new Family Y, with future stages outlined to the right.

We’re pleased to pass along this wonderful news from Friday, courtesy of WestportNow.com:

The Westport Woman’s Club held its annual grant awards ceremony today where it awarded $30,000 to 31 non-profit organizations in the Westport area.

A highlight of the breakfast event was the announcement of the recipient of the Ruegg Grant, a $5,000 grant, which was presented to the Westport Weston Family Y. Rose Jordan, chair of the Ruegg Grant Committee, said the grant is specifically designated for the installation of special equipment for swimming pools to assist the disabled, as required by federal law.

In his acceptance remarks, Family Y CEO Rob Reeves said that the funds will be used to purchase and install the pool equipment in its new Mahackeno facility which is scheduled to be built starting in the fall.

The $5,000 grant will fund the cost of one of the new Handicap lifts we’ll need when we move out to Mahackeno in the Fall of 2014. This one in particular will be used to provide access the outdoor swimming pool, which is part of our Camp Mahackeno program area, for those with mobility issues.

“Once we’re there permanently we’ll be using that outdoor pool for lots of different reasons and from early Spring to late in the Fall so this will come in very handy for everyone who would like to access the pool,” says Family Y CEO Rob Reeves. “We’re very honored to receive this recognition and want to thank Jo Fuchs Luscombe, their Committee Chair, and the others from the Westport Woman’s Club, for this honor.”

For more information about the new Y, including the preliminary floor plans of the 54,000 sq. ft. building that will be constructed starting this fall, as the first phase of the project, please click here.

Final Youth Fun Night of the School Year, Saturday, 7:30-9:30 pm

Friday, May 18, 2012 by:Family Y
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The Family Y's Upper Gym is a hotspot on Youth Fun Nights.

The Family Y will hold its final Youth Fun Night of the school year on Saturday, May 19, 7:30-9:30 pm. All local 4th-7th graders are welcome to participate as the Family Y transforms into our community’s clubhouse for tweens and teens only.

Activities include free-swim time in the Stauffer pool and open gym for basketball and other games; mega-inflatables (including jousting); bingo; and the ever-popular “make-your-own-sundae” station.

“Kids today, especially the middle-school crowd, need a safe and welcoming ‘home away from home’ that allows them to get away from the TV and their video-game consoles for an evening,” says Meaghan George, coordinator of the event. “It’s what we do every day, really, but kids like the fact that on Youth Fun Night, it’s unstructured play – good, old-fashioned active fun.”

The Family Y’s monthly Youth Fun Nights are open to Y Members and Non-Members alike and attract upwards of 150 local kids. The cost is $12 pre-purchased at the Y or online at westporty.org; $15 at the door.

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