Leigha and Giana
Opens in a new window YMCA of Northwest Louisiana
A local drowning tragedy led the Y and community organizations to partner to provide a water safety program to all second graders in the district. As a result, Leigha and Giana learned life-saving water safety principles and to love swimming. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.
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Ashlee J.
Opens in a new window Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi
"It's One of the Most Responsible Jobs You Could Have."
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Opens in a new window YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
"You See that There's Beauty & Creativity in Being Different."
The Y nurtures the potential of every child and teen by supporting their unique youth development journey through holistic programming. From cradle to career, the Y provides all youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. The Y.™ For a better us.
Camp
Overnight, day or specialty camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.
Child Care
With so many demands on today’s families and the increased focus on early brain development, families need all the support they can get to nurture the potential of youth. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Education & Leadership
All kids have great potential. At the Y, we work every day to help them set and achieve personal and educational goals. Millions of children and teens build skills and confidence as they explore new interests and passions through the Y. Leadership and academic enrichment programs—including Achievers Clubs, Youth and Government and college preparation—along with our dedicated efforts to close the academic achievement gap for low-income youth ensure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue the best possible future.
Food Programs
Whether in the summer, or just when the school day is done, we're right there with our year-round food programs. The Y believes that children deserve every opportunity possible to learn, grow and thrive, and the meals we serve help more children get the nutrition they need for good health.
Let's Move! Outside
The Department of the Interior Opens a new window is the lead agency for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative. The Department was joined by the YMCA of the USA and the National League of Cities (NLC) to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work.
STEM
The YMCA is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, youth are engaged in year-round STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed.
Swim, Sports & Play
The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.
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