The New Canaan YMCA offers opportunities for kids, teens, and adults of all ages to come together, learn something new, and stay active this fall.
Registration for fall programs and activities is currently available on the Y’s website at www.newcanaanymca.org and Member Services Desk (203-966-4528). Fall classes begin on Tuesday, September 2. Several programs are open to both members and non-members of the Y, with members receiving a program discount as a benefit of their membership. Financial assistance is also available for membership and program fees thanks to donations to the Y.
Youth Programs
In addition to returning popular programs, the Y is also excited to introduce new youth programs this fall, including Bouncing Bears classes, sports, and recreation classes.
This fall, the Y’s beloved Bouncing Bears programming expands to offer a Jr. Parkour Ninja for preschoolers and a Master Builders program for school-age children. Jr. Parkour Ninja features high-energy activity with creative ways to move, tumble, roll, and swing in an action-packed class of parkour-based movements. Master Builders combines the creativity of building LEGO structures while also providing kids with the opportunity to enjoy staying active in the Y’s Kid Zone space. Additional Bouncing Bears offerings include mommy and me classes, Book and Bounce, and Music and Movement.
The Y will offer an Elite Eight Sports Club for middle schoolers, featuring lesser-known, yet exciting sports such as kickball, wiffleball, handball, floor hockey, badminton, gaga, and more. Coming together through play, participants of all skill levels are encouraged to join this fun class. Additional returning sports programs this fall include Backyard Sports for preschoolers, dodgeball and volleyball for middle schoolers, as well as the Y’s popular recreational Youth Basketball (Y-Ball) league for kids in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
New recreational offerings for preschoolers this fall include “Falling” for STEM, Space Explorers, and Storybook Art, in addition to the returning Creative Minds art class. The Y’s new STEM class introduces science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through age-appropriate experiments, building activities, and problem-solving skills. Space Explorers participants will have fun learning about different planets, stars, moons, and galaxies. Storybook Art will combine the fun of arts and crafts with the magic of storytelling, resulting in a creative class that allows participants to bring their stories to life. Archery will be returning this fall for school-age children, in addition to a new Paint & Smoothies class for this age group, which fosters creativity and expression through painting and making delicious smoothies.
Inclusion & Support Programs
This fall, the Y expands its inclusion and support programs for kids, teens, and adults with varying abilities. New programs include story time and tumbling for preschoolers and Junior Dance Jam for school-age kids of all abilities. Sensory Tales & Tumbles will offer an interactive storytelling session, followed by open play in the Y’s Kid Zone tumbling space for ages three to six. Junior Dance Jam is all about movement to the music we know and love, open to ages six through twelve. These new programs join the broad offering of inclusion and support programs available at the Y, including swimming, drumming, a running club, theater, yoga, fitness, and recreational nights in the community.
Swim Lessons for All
The Y continues to offer swim lessons for all ages and abilities, guided by the YMCA’s national swim lessons program, designed to teach safety, confidence, and strength in the water. Swim lessons will be available for ages six months and older in a supportive and nurturing small-group or private lesson environment.
The organization is also excited to announce that it will be offering adaptive private swim lessons, led by the Y’s highly trained and compassionate staff, certified by Swim Angelfish. Through the Swim Whisperers® Adaptive Aquatics Training, Y instructors are equipped to teach individuals with disabilities, confidently guiding swimmers of all abilities toward swim success. The program is designed to support swimmers with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, or any type of emotional, physical, or sensory challenge.
Adult & Senior Programs
This fall, the Y offers a variety of programs for adults to stay active and healthy. The Y’s wellness department continues to offer personal training for those looking for individualized training, as well as small group training with the Y’s certified personal trainers. The Y’s reformer Pilates program is also available this fall in a small-group or private class environment, with additional days and times available for members and the community. The program is offered in a level format to accommodate all skill levels, including introductory classes, level one/beginner, level two/intermediate, and level three/advanced. Basketball lessons are also available this fall for adults looking to improve their skills.
The New Canaan YMCA is adding a new program to its chronic disease support offerings this fall. In addition to the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA cancer survivor program, Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), and classes for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, the Y will be launching a blood pressure monitoring program this fall. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults have high blood pressure in the U.S., which is a key and modifiable risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice per month over a period of four months has been shown to lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure. Additional program information will be available this fall. Those interested in learning more about the program can contact Eva Saint, New Canaan YMCA Wellness Director, to learn more at 203-920-1623 or esaint@newcanaanymca.org.
Registration
A complete listing of fall programming is available at www.newcanaanymca.org. For additional information about fall programming or registration, call 203-966-4528. For additional information about membership at the Y and to schedule a tour, contact George Bennett, Membership Director, at 203-920-1630 or gbennett@newcanaanymca.org. Thanks to donations made to the New Canaan YMCA, financial assistance is available for both membership and program fees. To learn more about financial assistance at the Y, contact Diana Riolo, Assistant Director of Development & Community Impact, at 203-920-1653 or driolo@newcanaanymca.org.
Founded in 1954 by a group of community volunteers, the New Canaan YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich all people in spirit, mind, and body. As an inclusive community service organization, the YMCA turns away no one for reasons of race, religion, or economic background and each year awards approximately $250,000 in direct financial assistance. Serving the communities of New Canaan, Pound Ridge, and South Salem, the YMCA also strives to partner with a variety of outside organizations to further its role as a community service provider.
