Y M C A Of Westfield N J

Programs: Child care:at the westfield area ymca, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. When our young people feel safe and secure, are interested in learning and have good health, they make smarter life choices in the future. The westfield area ymca's full and half-day early learning programs are available in westfield and garwood. All westfield programs are naeyc-accredited. Full day kindergarten is available in westfield, follows the public school calendar and expands upon the public school curriculum. Our school age child care program provides a fun, active and nurturing learning environment for elementary school students before and after school and for middle school students after school. A structured program is provided with the convenience, safety and supervision to give parents peace-of-mind. Programs are available inwestfield, garwood and mountainside at ymca facilities and school sites. In all, approximately 745 children were served.

youth:the westfield area ymca provides aca-accredited summer day camps for children, ages 3-15, for one week or the whole summer. The ymca's summer camps teach positive values, enhance social competencies, increase self-confidence and boost understanding of behavioral boundaries and consequences. In 2017, the y provided 2,753 weeks of asset-building camps over a ten-week period, and now offers an inclusion camp program to meet community and special needs. From basketball and soccer to tae kwon do, fencing and ultimate frisbee, the westfield area ymca's youth sports programs offer children an avenue to exercise, combat obesity, sharpen skills, and have fun. Parent/child, youth, teen and family swim classes are available, as is competitive swimming with the devilfish swim team. More than 800 youth are now involved in the flyers competitive and developmental track and field program and the y's new dance academy enrolled approximately 160 students in its first full year. The y is proud of its role in helping thousands of area youth develop skills and learn sportsmanship at the ymca each year.

health and fitness:with more than 120 pieces of cardio and strength training equipment, two swimming pools, a double gym with climbing wall, racquetball courts, more than 80 fitness classes per week, and a free- weight room, the westfield area ymca is a great place for individuals and families to reach and maintain wellness. As part of the focus on healthy living, the westfield area ymca continued its seventh grade initiative, offering complimentary memberships to all seventh graders to engage youth at a pivotal age for determining lifelong health and wellness habits and behaviors. As part of that initiative, the organization once again held its health bee in partnership with united healthcare with seven middle schools in its service area participating. All seventh graders, who reside in the y's service area, are also invited to participate in cross country, fencing and youth beginning conditioning at no cost. The ymca hosted a 5k run for everyone in september with more than 600 participants with proceeds benefiting programs for individuals with special needs.

teens, family, seniors:the westfield area ymca offers teens the opportunity to learn, maintain and nurture positive developmental assets through sports and exercise programs, leadership and service clubs such as the leaders club, youth and government, model un and achievers, and social activities such as teen nights and teen trips. With the growth of the 55+ population, the ymca has enhanced its programming for seniors, offering a variety of health and wellness programs including senior excercise, water exercise and programs for people with special health needs such as arthritis, parkinsons and osteoporosis. In addition, recreational and social programs include lunch and learn lectures, special events, one-day trips and a bridge program, which attracts beginner and intermediate players alike. Programs at the ymca encourage families to participate together. From single parent family memberships, to parent/child classes and open gym and swim for families, ymca programs are based on the concept of inclusiveness and build family togetherness.