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Summer Fun All Set to Begin at the Y

Saturday, May 4, 2013 by:Family Y
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Pages from Summer_2013_Program_Brochure-3Midge’s Membership Blog:

As far as I’m concerned, SUMMER IS HERE!  And the best way to get your jump start is to sign up for our summer session of classes.  Registration begins Monday, May 6, at 8:00 am.  Classes fill up fast so please try to register as soon as possible.

The Y has a great summer class selection in addition to various camps.

AQUATIC CLASSES – Your kids can be sea worthy in no time at all, and it is especially important, with all the pools and beaches opening that our children can swim and be safe.  The Y’s emphasis on safety in instruction is paramount.

We are offering an option of classes taken once a week for eight weeks or four times a week for two weeks.  If you prefer private or semi-private instruction, this is also available for all ages. Pediatric aquatic therapy and special needs instruction is also available.

HAFADAY – Sessions fill quickly for this amazing summer program, which gives children the vital chance to build swim skills, regardless of previous experience, and have a lot of summer fun. 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.

We have 9 weekly sessions, beginning Monday, June 17 and continuing on through the week of August 12. Students in swim lessons are grouped by age and ability. The cost for Y Members is $270 per week; $295 for non-members. Click here to sign up.

BASKETBALL – We have various weekly basketball camps for different age groups as well as Basketball/Hockey camp for the younger kids.  For the older kids, there’s the Elite Basketball Academy Weekend Clinics in June.

Weekly Sports & Recreation Summer Classes will be offered in the following disciplines:  Intermediate Fencing; Guitar; Little Lacrosse; Youth Indoor Tennis; Parent/Child Indoor Soccer; Youth Floor Hockey; Dribbling with Dad; and more. Just check our online brochure for details, then register at www.westporty.org.

DANCE CAMPS – For the twirling Divas there are quite a few choices for a variety of ages, from Princess Dance Camp for the tiniest ballerinas to the older pre-teen group of Hip Hoppers and Tappers.

GYMNASTICS – The gymnasts will not be lazy this summer.  There’s a multitude of opportunity to tumble, practice and play at all levels of gymnastics, from competitive to pre-competitive to just plain fun.

EARTHPLACE-MAHACKENO – Last but certainly not least, is our beloved summer day camp. The exciting new wrinkle this year is that our Mahackeno campers get to explore a whole new world of nature and fun this summer thanks to our partners at Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center.

Have we left anything out of our summer planner? No doubt — so please come and visit us at the Y’s Member Services Desk just inside the Church Lane Entrance in downtown Westport to talk more about our summer camps, classes and programs.

 

The joys of summer camp!

The joys of summer camp!

Fitness ‘Boot Camp’ for Families and More at Healthy Kids Day, Saturday, 9-12

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by:Family Y
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Adventure Gym in the Y's Gymnastic Center is a popular activity on Healthy Kids Day.

Adventure Gym in the Y’s Gymnastic Center is a popular activity on Healthy Kids Day.

Midge’s Membership Blog:

Although my children are now older “kids” (ages 17 and 21 ), they still think like younger kids when it comes to eating healthy – basically “healthy foods” are synonymous with yucky foods; good nutrition is boring.  cheeseburgers and french fries are yummy, broccoli and veggie snacks are not.  The same is true with so-called “healthy activities” that pale in comparison with more daring and perhaps unsafe activities.  Ask any eight-year-old boy if he’d rather learn to swim a butterfly stroke or skateboard down a huge hill and you’ll probably get the answer that would require a safety net.

We are hoping to change this perception on Healthy Kids Day at the Y – Saturday, April 27, from 9 am – 12 noon. Our annual free community event encourages kids in Westport, Weston and surrounding areas to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

HKD Flyer for classes 2013We will have a number of activities for children to participate in, from Adventure Gym for toddlers in our Gymnastics Center to a terrific Family Boot Camp class for older children.  While your six-year-old is having her face painted, your three-year-old can get a tour of a Westport fire truck or EMS ambulance van.  We will have everything from water safety class to learning how to plant seeds and garden in conjunction with Earthplace, our summer-camp partner.  Play ring toss and basketball; learn all about what to expect with your child’s first dental exam; explore different ways to be energy efficient with New England Smart Energy and enjoy healthy, non-boring snacks from Whole Foods. (Click on the flyer at right for the complete list of activities and the times they take place.)

Parents, while your children are having a good time, you can talk to NY Life Child about making sure your precious cargo is ID’d in their database.

We will also have streaming photos and pamphlets about our new Y facility that is being built now at our Mahackeno campus, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have about Building What Matters, our campaign to fully finance our modern new home.  This would be a great time to talk to us about including a photo of your family in our photo mosaic that will be on permanent display in the new Y.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Y on Saturday morning! For a glimpse at what’s in store, take a look at the photo gallery below from last year’s Healthy Kids Day…

The Y’s Healthy Kids Day, Saturday, Apr. 27

Monday, April 22, 2013 by:Family Y
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The Tooth Fairy always brings a smile to kids at Healthy Kids Day, thanks to our friends at Kids First Dentistry.

On Saturday, April 27, 9 am to 12 noon, the Westport Weston Family Y is celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages children to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the Family Y, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Meaghan George, Camp and Youth Director. “YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

The Family Y’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Y’s facility at 59 Post Road East in downtown Westport from 9 am to 12 noon and features fun, active play and educational activities.

The Westport Weston Family Y is proud to host representatives from Earthplace, Whole Foods, NY Life, Kids First Dentistry and New England Smart Energy as well as First Responders from Westport, who will be sharing their talents and running various activities for the children and families visiting. We are also excited to be hosting a Water Safety talk at 9:30 am and a YMCA Family First Boot Camp at 10:30, free of charge.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Saturday, April 27, is also the day of the Westport Mini Maker Faire, a community-organized event that brings together science, crafts, arts, engineering, technology, music and workshops. This family friendly event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm at the Westport Library and on Jesup Green, just a short stroll from the Y, and will showcase the work of a variety of makers from Westport and beyond.

So make a healthy day of it for body, mind and spirit for the entire family, starting off with a visit to the Westport Weston Family Y for Healthy Kids Day! For more information, contact Meaghan George at 203-226-898 or visit www.westporty.org.

Spring Break Programs at the Family Y, Apr. 15-19

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 by:Family Y
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A youngster enjoys Adventure Gym at the Family Y's Gymnastic Center; it takes place on weekdays, 9-11 am.

Registration is now under way for a host of special programs and activities taking place at the Westport Weston Family Y during the upcoming Spring Recess for local schools, Apr. 15-19. These special programs are open to Y Members and non-members alike.

Splash! Week. Our newest learn-to-swim program is a great way to introduce young children to water safety and swimming basics. And thanks to generous support from the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, the fee for Splash! Week is only $20 for five daily half-hour lessons — and all participating kids receive free water-safety gifts. Several morning sessions are scheduled for both age groups (ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 to 12) and all will feature a 30-minute swim lesson Monday-Thursday, a special visit from Stewie the Duck on Wednesday, and an open swim during the Friday sessions to practice what you’ve learned during the week. Click here to register.

Vacation Gymnastics & Swim Camp. Learn to improve your gymnastics skills — and swim each day. This camp is for kids age six and older and takes place from 12 to 4 pm all week long. Bring a snack and a drink; participants must be able to swim without a flotation device. There’s also a daily drop-in option for this fun program, coordinated by Senior Sports & Recreation Director Sally Silverstein, who heads up the Y’s nationally renowned competitive gymnastics program. The fee is $165 for the week for all participants, or $40 per day. Click here to register.

School Vacation Program. Can’t get away from work while your kids are off for the week? The Family Y’s School Age program provides days packed with fun activities at the Y for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. There are daily field trips in the morning and swim time in the afternoon. Drop-off at the Y begins at 7 am, with pick-up until 6 pm. For more information or to register your child, please contact Tasha Dennison, Senior Director for Child Care and School Age, at 203-226-8981, ext. 113 or tdennison@westporty.org.

Toddler Adventure Gym. Each weekday from 9 to 11 am, our Gymnastic Center is a wonderland of bouncy cushions, mini-slides and other tyke-size tumbling. The price is $10 a session, and it’s open to all children ages 6 months to 4 years old and their parents or guardians.

Click here to access our online registration system. If you have a question or would like more information, please call the Y’s Member Services Desk at 203-226-8981.

Toddler Adventure Gym Is Hoppin’ at the Family Y!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by:Family Y
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Whether it’s due to March Madness, Spring Fever or some inner “Easter Bunnies” getting some exercise, the Westport Weston Family Y’s daily Toddler Adventure Gym has been hopping this week! Open to all and held 9-11 am each weekday, the cost is $10 per session, payable at the Gymnastic Center. Come by for a play date!

For more about the Family Y’s gymnastics programs, visit www.westporty.org or call Sally Silverstein, Sports & Recreation Director, at 203-226-8981.

Y Showtime Gymnasts Cheer on College Coaches

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by:Family Y
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Showtime Gymnasts, coach Sally Silverstein and the Yale bulldog.

Members of the Family Y’s Showtime Gymnastics Exhibition Team traveled to Yale University recently to watch a college meet between Yale, Springfield College, Westchester  College and the University of Bridgeport.

The Family Y gymnasts were excited to see two of their own Family Y Gymnastic Staff coaches compete on the winning University of Bridgeport Team!

Rachel Daub on bars scored a 9.4, and  Caitlin Perry on floor scored a 9.8 on floor!

While in New Haven, some of the Y gymnasts with coach Sally Silverstein even made friends with the Yale Bulldog…

Enjoy these photos of the trip to Yale, and if you have a young gymnast at home this week, know that there’s still time to take part in the Family Y’s gymnastics programs during the Winter School Recess on a drop-in basis:

Vacation Gymnastics & Swim Camp. Learn to improve your gymnastics skills — and swim each day. This camp is for kids age six and older and takes place from 12 to 4 pm all week long. Bring a snack and a drink; participants must be able to swim without a flotation device. There’s also a daily drop-in option for this fun program, coordinated by Senior Sports & Recreation Director Sally Silverstein, who heads up the Y’s nationally renowned competitive gymnastics program. The fee is $165 for the week for all participants, or $40 per day. To register, click here.

Toddler Adventure Gym. Each weekday from 9 to 11 am, our Gymnastic Center is a wonderland of bouncy cushions, mini-slides and other tyke-size tumbling. The price is $10 a session, and it’s open to all children ages 6 months to 4 years old and their parents or guardians. For details, call 203-226-8981.

Rachel Daub on bars

Caitlin Perry on floor

Winter School Break Programs at the Family Y, Feb. 18-22

Sunday, February 10, 2013 by:Family Y
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There are activities and special programs for kids of all ages at the Y during the upcoming school vacation.

Planning a ‘staycation’ at home during the upcoming Winter Recess for Westport public schools? Have your kids climb our walls, not yours, by making the Family Y part of your family’s plans for the week.

The special programs taking place at the Y the week of February 18-22 are open to Y Members and non-members alike. Guest passes and daily drop-in options are also available for a host of other recreational options for all ages and abilities.

What follows is a listing of some of the fun to be had at the Family Y during the February school break. For more information or to register,call the Y’s Member Services Desk at 203-226-8981.

Princess Dance Camp. This popular camp focuses on a different Disney princess each day to give dancing divas ages 3 to 5 a fun introduction to ballet and jazz. Led by Dance Center Director Lillian Cenatiempo, campers will also enjoy a craft that helps bring our princesses to life, with a story about one of our princesses each day during snack time. The camp runs from Monday through Thursday from 12 to 2 pm. The camp is $180 for Y members and non-members and is limited to 15 students. Participants are asked to bring a snack and drink each day. (Note: Early registration is advised; last summer’s Princess Dance Camp was wait list only.)

Hafaday Swim Lesson Program. Designed for children ages 4 to 8 and held each day 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. The cost is $270 for Y members; $295 for non-members.

Vacation Gymnastics & Swim Camp. Learn to improve your gymnastics skills — and swim each day. This camp is for kids age six and older and takes place from 12 to 4 pm all week long. Bring a snack and a drink; participants must be able to swim without a flotation device. There’s also a daily drop-in option for this fun program, coordinated by Senior Sports & Recreation Director Sally Silverstein, who heads up the Y’s nationally renowned competitive gymnastics program. The fee is $165 for the week for all participants, or $40 per day. To register, click here.

Toddler Adventure Gym. Each weekday from 9 to 11 am, our Gymnastic Center is a wonderland of bouncy cushions, mini-slides and other tyke-size tumbling. The price is $10 a session, and it’s open to all children ages 6 months to 4 years old and their parents or guardians.

School Vacation Program. Can’t get away from work while your kids are off for the week? The Family Y’s School Age program provides days packed with fun activities at the Y for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. There are daily field trips in the morning and swim time in the afternoons. Drop-off at the Y begins at 7 am, with pick-up until 6 pm. For more information or to register your child, please contact Tasha Dennison, Senior Director for Child Care and School Age, at 203-226-8981, ext. 113 or tdennison@westporty.org.

And who says you have to be a kid to enjoy Winter Recess?

Instructor Perry Moody (foreground) teaches a TRX class in the upstairs studio of the Bedford Building.

Y members know to take advantage of any of the dozens of group-fitness classes held each week, in addition to self-paced workouts in the Fitness Center, pools or gym. A single-use guest pass is $20 for adults and families; $10 for youth/students and seniors, and affords guests all the privileges of Y membership for the day. (A guest may use up to three guest pass receipts toward the purchase of an annual membership.)

Babysitting at the Y is available for children 3 months to 6 years of age, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1 pm and on Saturdays from 8 to 11 am. This service is free for Y members who are participating in Y activities (parents must remain in the building at all times). Drop-in service is on a space available basis only; the fee for non-member is $10; $5 for each additional child. Please call 203-226-8981, ext. 132 ahead of time for availability.

For quality time for the whole family, we’ve scheduled hours of free time in our three pools and Upper Gym; check http://www.westporty.org for daily schedules for the Upper Gym, Stauffer Pool (with diving board), Stauffer Shallows and warm-water Brophy Pool.

The Gymnastic Center also offers an open session on Sundays from 1 to 3 pm for children age 13 and older. It’s available to any level gymnast, and coaching staff is on hand to help spot, monitor and instruct students if needed (drop-in fee paid at the Gymnastic Center).

Winter School Break Programs at the Y, Feb. 18-22

Thursday, January 24, 2013 by:Family Y
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Our Gymnastics Center makes a fun, cozy home for Toddler Adventure Gym, weekdays 9-11 am.

Planning a ‘staycation’ at home during the upcoming school break, February 18-22? Make the Family Y part of your family’s plans by registering your children for our School Vacation Program, which provides days packed with fun activities at the Y for 1st through 6th grade children. Click here for the sign-up forms. (Because of a staff development day on Feb. 18, this program will run from Tuesday-Friday.)

For children ages 4-8, there’s our popular Hafaday Swim Lesson Program. Taking place 8:45 am-12:30 pm each day during the winter recess, Hafaday has a lesson and free-swim period; arts and crafts and gym time to round out the fun. Click here to register.

Our Vacation Gymnastics & Swim camp is for kids age six and older and takes place from 12 to 4 pm all week long. Learn to improve your gymnastics skills — and swim each day. Bring a snack and a drink; participants must be able to swim without a flotation device. Sign up here. There’s also a daily drop-in option for this fun program.

And in the mornings, 9 – 11 am, there’s always our Adventure Gym for toddlers and kids up to 4 years old and their parents or guardians. Our gymnastics center is a great place during cold weather for some exercise and play time. The cost is only $10 per session and is open to all — invite your friends!

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