Phoenixville Area Ymca

Programs: Child care programs: the central focus of all ymca childcare programs is to foster positive growth and development in children,their parents and their families. These educational programs help children develop moral and ethical behavior, self-esteem, and leadership. Parents play an important role in policy and program decisions. In many instances, ymca childcare allows parents of children in our programs to remain gainfully employed, knowing their children are thriving in a safe, supportive environment. Tuition assistance is provided for parents who cannot afford the full fee. Freedom valley ymca is one of the largest providers of childcare in our area. During fy 2012 at 4 state-licensed centers, we provided high quality preschool childcare to children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 4 years. We provide full and part time options to serve a wide range of family scheduling needs. Our program centers plus elementary and middle school sites, provide state-licensed before and after school care for children aged 5 to 12 years on a full time or part time basis. Childcare center operational hours range from 6:30 am until 6:30 pm, monday through friday to accommodate the varied needs of working parents. Our programs are based upon years of research in the field of child development, and are designed to meet the individual needs of the child and the family as a whole. Providing high quality childcare is central to the ymca's mission. Our state-licensed childcare sites participate in the keystone stars program. Teaching staff hold degrees. Our staff is committed to nurturing the potential in every child. Classrooms are bright and well equipped. Swimming lessons for ages 3 and older are offered at some of the locations. Woven into the fabric of our mission and delivering high quality childcare is a commitment to strengthen families. We recognize a growing number of families from every socioeconomic level that are fragmented, neglected, adrift, and in trouble. The stress and strain of balancing work and family is becoming more difficult. Freedom valley ymca assist in reducing this burden by providing tuition assistance for childcare services. For more than 25 years, freedom valley ymca has provided preschool and school-age childcare for low-income families through a federal funded county sponsored title xx program. We focus on the national ymca program thrust, which promotes character development based on 4 character values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Through a variety of activities that bring teachers and parents together, we focus on helping parents learn more about how to raise healthy, happy children who can grow into responsible, caring adults.

physical fitness and family strengthening programs: well-being means a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Ymca health enhancement programs are medically based programs that stress the value of prevention through promoting regular and healthy habits, including nutrition, stress management, and health education. Ymca programs are made available at a fee that a major segment of the community can afford, with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee. Freedom valley ymca's programs and facilities are designed to impact the wellness of the community and include free (when and where possible) nutrition and wellness seminars, blood pressure screening, cholesterol tests and fitness evaluations. Physical education emphasis is on the family with a full complement of programs for individuals age 6 months to senior citizen. Many participants are given the opportunity to participate at minimal charge through financial assistance. The y looks to other community agencies for referrals to provide much needed health and physical education programs. We offer over nearly 100 free youth, tween, adult and active older adults fitness classes to our members. Over 17,000 adults participated in free physical classes, and over 4,000 youth enrolled in free youth programs.

aquatic programs: ymca aquatic programs are part of the y's overall goal of building health spirit, mind, and body. In addition to providing specific swimming and water safety skills, good health is promoted through regular exercise. Teamwork, self confidence, and leadership are also emphasized. Programs are offered at fees affordable to the community at large, with financial assistance to those who cannot afford the full fee. With 2 indoor and 3 outdoor swimming pools at the phoenixville branch, 2 indoor pools and outdoor swimming complex located at the spring valley branch, and 2 indoor pools at the pottstown branch, freedom valley ymca provides water education instruction for infants through senior citizens. Thousand of children and adults progress through infant, progressive, and adult instructional classes. Many participants find the warm water perfect for hydro-therapeutic exercises. The y boasts the only pools of this kind in the area and provides countless hours of therapeutic exercises for individuals and groups with special needs. The specially designed indoor pools provide an access ramp allowing easy ingress and egress to the water. Also, specialized aquatic wheelchairs are provided for easy transfer of special needs participants. Spring valley branch offers programs for special needs youth. This program called y-knots, is a swim team for children with special needs. These children learn to swim and compete in a fun, loving environment. Volunteers play a big role in the success of the program. Community agencies and schools use the y pools at greatly reduced or no fee. Last year we provided aquatic programs to over 22,000 people infants through seniors. More than 15,000 children took swim classes at the y, and over 6,000 adults participated in our aquatic exercise program. This included many participants in arthritic class, which increases joint flexibility and helps relieve pain for a welcome alternative for people who are usually unable to participant in regular exercise classes. Approximately 800 youth participated on our competitive swim teams. We also offer lifeguarding courses. Upon successful completion, the student will receive ymca lifeguarding, standard first aid and cpr for the professional rescuer, and aed certifications. This prepares many youth for year-round employment opportunities throughout the community. Subsidies are provided to children, adults, and senior citizens. Additional scholarships are given to special needs individuals and groups for therapeutic purposes. We continue to focus on the national ymca program thrust which promotes character development. This program is based on 4 character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Learning strategies are developed and implemented by our teachers, instructors, and leaders that encourage participants to exemplify these four important character values.

camp programs: revering nature and the fullness of god's bounty is a major program goal for freedom valley ymca. Ymca day-camping programs are: educational, promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well-being, social growth, and a respect for the environment. Through a variety of activities and the use of natural surroundings, ymca day camps help participants achieve their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. Campers acquires new skills, confidence, self-discipline, and a sense of values under the guidance of caring, well-trained and experienced staff. Interesting and challenging activities in small and large groups enable campers to learn trust, confidence and teamwork skills. All of our camps have unique qualities that make them a fun and a special place where children have an unforgettable summer. For a large majority of participants, day camp programs serve as childcare for parents in the summertime, allowing the parent to remain gainfully employed. Tuition assistance is offered to parents unable to afford the full fee. The camping program of freedom valley ymca consists of: a day camp program, which primarily serves as a summertime childcare program, and before and after camp care to accomodate various schedules of working parents. Our day camp programs are a recreational and lasting experience of personal enrichment. Camps are structured to help youngsters learn the value of cooperation and gain confidence to challenge them to achieve positive personal growth. With special attention on the ymca core values, campers have exposure to a place where they will try new things and make new friends. The majority of our campers come from single parent or dual working parent homes. The ymca provides safe, clean environments and quality programs in which children can spend their summer days. We offer a valuable alternative to children staying home alone, in indoor childcare facilities, or at a babysitter's house. Our hours are flexible 6:30 am - 6:30 pm, monday through friday. Our camps are open for eleven weeks each summer and serve nearly 1,500 campers per day from 3 to 15 years of age at 5 convenient locations. Freedom valley ymca recognizes the cost of summer can be overbearing, so we offer tuition assistance to families in need. In addition to the regular day camp programs, we also offer sports camps which are designed to teach and enhance sport skills, fair play and sportsmanship through the use of drills and game play. The focus is on full and equal participation of all, where every child plays in every game. Also offered are focus camps: arts, science, and specialty camps are held for 2 week sessions. Swimming and other camp activities complete the campers experience. All camps emphasize safety, cooperation, self-esteem and respect for others. Counselor in training program (cit) is offered for ages 13 and up. This program is designed to develop leadership skills while preparing teenagers for their first job experience. Cit's gain training in childcare, risk management, safety and communication, and practice these skills by working with younger children and planning large group activities. Freedom valley ymca believes all children are first and foremost children , regardless of need or abilities. Camp majic and camp akia encourage children to participate fully, but not beyond their capabilities with low camper-to-counselor ratios. Camp majic is designed for campers with physical, social, emotional and mental disabilities for ages 3 to 12. Grouped by age and ability level, campers are introduced to camp activities such as: swimming, games, crafts and much more. Camp akai are bright, creative boys and girls ages 5-12 who have difficulty connecting with their peers. This camp strives to build self-confidence and find success. Preschool children 2 1/2 to 5 years have the opportunity to attend our nursery school camp. This camp offers all the fun and learning experiences of a day camp in a half day program specifically designed for preschoolers.