BUSINESS COMMUNITY MEMBERS INVITED TO ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Regional business community members are invited to the 11th Annual CAC Luncheon put on by the Corporate Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club.

Jack Rowan, an accomplished football coach and business man, will be the featured speaker at this annual luncheon. Tom Van Deinse, CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will also speak about the great work the Y has done this year and the changes the organization is going through.

“For the last 11 years, a group of business leaders have come together to help the YMCA get the word out on its great work to the community in our region,” according to Paul Schmuckal, Chair of the CAC. “It is an ideal opportunity to hear about the YMCA and a featured speaker telling of their life experience. Business people in the region are invited to attend.”

Jack Rowan received an MBA from the Harvard School of Business, was a First Captain in the Special Forces of the United States Army during Vietnam, and is also a winning football player and coach.

Mr. Rowan began his football career as a Varsity letter winner at Shaw High School and Wooster College, and was a free agent for the Green Bay Packers under fabled Coach Vince Lombardi. He has been the head football coach at four high schools including Petoskey and Marshall High Schools in Michigan. Mr. Rowan was also an assistant coach to Coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State University, and an assistant coach to Coach Bump Elliot at the University of Michigan. He also gave much of his time as a volunteer coach at several different high schools.

As a businessman, Mr. Rowan has been the Vice President of National Account Sales and Service at Cummins Engine Company, the Vice President of Technology Transfer at Control Data Corporation, the Vice President of Great American Opportunities, Co-owner of Technology Transfer International, and President of Bulldog Group Incorporated. Currently, Mr. Rowan is the Executive Vice President and Director of Operations for the Traverse City Wolves.

Serving with Chairman Schmuckal on the CAC Committee are community leaders Doug Bishop, Mike Buday, Mike Comstock, Colleen Etue, Eric Fournier, Gary Holcombe, Dave Howard, Kevin Jackson, Marc Judge, Brad Jurik, Denny Lauterbach, Bill Marsh, Tom McIntyre, Paul Morris, Henry Peet, Tina Piotrowski, Kim Pontius, Bill Smith, Jon Spaner, Art Southerton, Randy Tucker, Ron Williamson, and Doug Wolf.

Invest in Youth is a scholarship program at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA that provides the necessary funding for people to fully participate in YMCA programs regardless of families’ financial circumstances. The YMCA’s “No One Denied” financial assistance policy allows children, parents, and seniors to be a part of YMCA membership and programs regardless of ability to pay. Last year, because of people’s generosity, the YMCA was able to help more than 500 families with over $120,000 in scholarship assistance. In addition to this, the YMCA assists families of active duty military personnel as recognition for their service to our country. The YMCA helped 161 military families with these scholarships.

RSVPs to the event are needed by October 21, 2010 at 231-933-9622 or dave@gtbayymca.org. Table sponsorships are also available at $200 by contacting Dave Eitland at the aforementioned numbers.

INVEST IN YOUTH … NOW MORE THAN EVER

First published in the Grand Traverse Insider, Sunday, September 26, 2010

INVEST IN YOUTH … NOW MORE THAN EVER

By Dave Eitland
YMCA Director of Development and Marketing

Invest in Youth is a scholarship program at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA that provides the necessary funding for people to fully participate in YMCA programs regardless of families‟ financial circumstances. During good and bad economic times, there are people from time to time needing just a little financial help. The YMCA‟s “No One Denied” financial assistance policy allows children, parents, and seniors to be a part of YMCA membership and programs regardless of ability to pay. Last year, because of people‟s generosity, the YMCA was able to help some 500 families with over $120,000 in scholarship assistance. In addition to this, the YMCA assists families of active duty military personnel as recognition for their service to our country. The YMCA helped 161 military families with these scholarships.

Each year the YMCA Board of Directors conducts a Community Appeal to go to the region and seek donations for Invest in Youth. This year, Kim Pontius, executive director of the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS, and Denny Lauterbach, owner of Floor Covering Brokers, both Y Board Members, are serving as the Appeal Co-chairpersons. To date other community leaders serving with them are: Jim Bladek, Mike Casucelli, Peter Doran, Nick Edson, Jim Elkins, Jill Fenton-Jones, Ted Foley, David Gabel, Hank Johnson, Marc Judge, Gary Kaberle, Phil Knapp, Charles Kolbusz, Stephanie Long, Cathy Meyer-Loose, Konrad Molter, Paul Morris, Tina Piotrowski, Gary Popovits, John Russell, Lynn Schultz, Bill Stone, Joe Tobald, Tom Van Deinse, Rita Whaley, Greg Williams, and Ron Williamson.

It is not for just lack of jobs or income that people seek YMCA financial assistance through Invest in Youth, but other factors in their lives sometimes compel them to ask for help; like …

… the daughter whose brother has a chronic illness that takes many of the family‟s resources just to keep him healthy. Through Invest in Youth she is now enrolled in the YMCA‟s gymnastics program.
… the man who visited his doctor who told him that he was going to die unless he could lose some weight and control his stress levels. He is going back to school for retraining after he lost his job and through a small YMCA scholarship he and his children are now YMCA members.

Parents tell the YMCA every day how thankful they are …

… like the mother who would like to enrich her children‟s life as much as possible. “I don‟t want my children to grow up and feel they missed out on a lot of opportunities because their parents didn‟t have the money.” One of her children is in the Y Lacrosse skills program and the other is learning how to play Y Basketball because the YMCA is there.
… like the father who says he would love to see his two children use their energy and potential to the fullest. “We notice everyday how hungry they are for activity and learning something new. YMCA soccer, tennis, and gymnastics would be great tools to break into more self-confidence and achievement in their lives.”

Invest in Youth is supported solely through the annual fund raising efforts of many people who love and support the YMCA and the people they are trying to help. Others respond to mailings and go to the website at www.gtbayymca.org to download a donation form and make their contribution. Your support is needed now, more than ever.

“With so many out of work, scholarship requests tripled last year, and the recovery has been slow. Of course, the Y isn‟t the only organization seeking community support, but we know one reason people give so generously to the Y is that gifts are used so effectively. In fact, Newsweek named the YMCA as one of the top five non-profits „that will make the best use of your donation,‟” said Tom Van Deinse, CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.

JOIN US FOR FAMILY FUN NIGHTS THIS FALL

Come spend some quality time with your family and have a great time doing it! Family Fun Nights at the YMCA are generally the first Friday of each month and held at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive.

Come join us for family friendly games of racquetball, basketball, tennis, ping pong, or test your virtual skills on the Wii game console. Upcoming events will be held on October 1, November 5, and December 3.

Generally, on the third Friday of each month, families gather at the Y Child Care Center, 1100 Woodmere Ste B. This night is geared toward families with younger children offering art projects, a huge gym, and a bounce house. Upcoming events will be held on November 19 and December 17.

Events at both locations are held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. and all-you-can-eat pizza, beverages, and snacks are provided.

Admission is Free to Y members and $15 per family for non-members.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL IS OCTOBER 15

Nothing says “Fall” like warm apple cider, fleece jackets, and the bright colors of the trees. Summer is over, school has started and the cool, crisp air has begun to settle over Northern Michigan. It’s time to celebrate the changing of the seasons!

The Annual Fall Festival will be held Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, in Traverse City. This facility is located just south of Airport Road.

Come for an evening of food, fun, and family. Attendees will have a chance to make their own snacks by roasting marshmallows and cooking hotdogs over the fire. Families can also show off their creative carving skills on pumpkins that will be theirs to take home, and everyone will have the opportunity to try their hand at bobbing for apples.

“The Fall Festival is always a huge event as we attract many families that are looking for a fun, safe place to hang out with their kids and just enjoy the season” says Katie Winslow, event coordinator. “We are so happy to host events like this for the community because we love to see families and friends coming together to celebrate.”

The event will be from 6:00 to 9:00 pm with a cost of $15 per family. Members are free with presentation of membership card upon entrance.
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to better our region, and solve issues that community members are concerned about. At the Y we offer programs that help kids reach their potential, that help families and individuals achieve better health outcomes, and that encourage every member of the region to get involved and make their community a better place. This is a goal that we have strived towards for decades, and our aim is to bring more services to as many people as possible in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Thanks Pro Web and our sponsors!

Thanks to the following people and businesses who came together to make the 1st Annual Pro Web Marketing Golf Drive to benefit the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA a success. It was a great event for a first time effort.

Special thanks to Ryan Goddard, Dan Montie, the staff, interns, and families of Pro Web Marketing for all of work they did to create this unique event.

Thanks to our sponsors of the event:


Signs Now


Crema


Paesano 's


Cruzn Green


Park Place Hotel


Nolan'


Backcountry Outfitters


Take Action Photos


Welcome 2 Green


Zamar Guitar


9 & 10 News


NM3 Magazine


Grand Traverse Woman


Mistwood Golf Course


Elkbrook


The Crown


Hawks Eye Golf


Crystal Lake Golf


Traverse City Golf and Country Club


Twin Birch Golf Course


Pinecroft


Northernstar Broadcasting including Real Rock 105.1 - 95.5, Z93, The Bear 94.5 - 107.1 - 93.9 - 98.1, Big Country Gold, Big Country Hits 102.9


Midwestern Broadcasting including Oldies 107.5 WCCW, Oldies 107.9 WCZW, ESPN Radio 1310am, News Talk 580


U Printing.com


Grand Traverse Bay YMCA expresses its appreciation for all of their work and willingness to tell our story to the community.

Bowl for the New Y

Family Fun Night Tomorrow!!

Join us for FAMILY FUN NIGHT tomorrow night from 6-9!! Art projects, bounce house, gym, pizza, snacks, and all the fun you can have. Come on over to the YMCA Child Care Center, 1100 Woodmere STE B. FREE to members and $15 for non-members.

Witness History Tonight!

Come witness history in the making! Join us for the first ever soccer match played on the New Y fields, 3700 Silver Lake Road in Garfield Township. The fun begins at 6:00 p.m.!

 Click Here for more information!

YMCA TEEN DANCE OCTOBER 2

Local Teens will have the opportunity to bop to their favorite songs, chow down on delicious pizza, and shoot hoops with hundreds of their friends during the Teen Dance, Saturday, October 2 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The dance is open to students in grades 6, 7, 8 and is free for Y members who present their membership card upon entry and $5 for non-members. The price includes three hours of dancing to music provided by a professional DJ, open gym, pizza and pop. Appropriate behavior and attire are required.

“YMCA Teen Dances offer a fun and safe environment in which teenagers are able to meet new people and have fun,” said Katie Winslow, Y supervisor.

Parents are welcome to chaperone, and volunteers are always needed for the event. If interested please contact Katie Winslow at 231-933-9622.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to better our region, and solve issues that community members are concerned about. At the Y we offer programs that help kids reach their potential in a safe and healthy environment, that help families and individuals achieve better health, and that encourage every member of the region to get involved and make their community a better place. This is a goal that we have strived towards for decades, and our aim is to bring more services to as many people as possible in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

DON'T FORGET! REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR BASKETBALL SKILLS IS TOMORROW!

GRADES K – 2

Lots of fun for the little ones. No experience necessary. All equipment provided. We cover dribbling, basic rules, and how to work as a team. Class meets on Wednesdays for 6 weeks.

Registration Deadline: Sept 17

Season: Wednesdays , Sept 22 – Oct 27, 5 – 6 pm

Fee: $25 Y Members $45 Non-members

GRADE 3

This is a perfect way to learn the game. We run drills, play scrimmages, and have a lot of fun shooting hoops. Half the class is spent on fundamentals, then we put them into practice with a game. All equipment provided. Class meets on Wednesdays for 6 weeks.

Registration Deadline: Sept 17

Season: Wednesdays , Sept 22 – Oct 27, 6 – 7 pm

Fee: $25 Y Members $45 Non-members

GRADES 4 & 5

Half the class is spent on honing skills, and then we play a game. All equipment provided. This is a great way to prepare for the 4th/5th Leagues that start in January. Class meets on Thursdays for 6 weeks.

Registration Deadline: Sept 17

Season: Thursdays , Sept 23 – Oct 28, 5 - 6 pm

Fee: $25 Y Members $45 Non-members

Y Tennis and Gymnastics

First Published in Grand Traverse Insider, Sunday, September 12, 2010


Y Tennis and Gymnastics
By Staff Reports

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA stands for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, with a goal to build character and instill values into each participant. Their motto is “everybody plays, everybody wins”. But along the way, the Y’s youth sports programs have not only developed our next generation of leaders, but have also produced some top level athletes in football, soccer, basketball, and golf. It is two other YMCA programs, however, that are currently breeding more than their fair share of successful competition level athletes – tennis and gymnastics.

“Five of our tennis juniors are currently ranked in the top thirty in the USTA’s Midwest region,” explains Coach Joseph Van Deinse. “And that’s a tough region, including perennial district powerhouses like Chicago, Ohio Valley, Indianapolis, Kalamazoo… and now Traverse City, too!”

Van Deinse and co-coach and brother James know all about top level competition, both currently claiming wins at the ITF (International Tennis Federation) “Futures” level. “My best result may have been a loss to the world’s number 600 ranked player,” said Van Deinse, “and [brother] James was one match away from winning a qualifier before losing to a former #1 national junior player.”

The success of the YMCA junior tennis program is their philosophy of teaching advanced stroke analysis and strategies to every kid. Van Deinse says that even three year olds at the Y learn topspin, slice, and singles strategies, “though we use different words for the tots than we do for adults,” he adds. “Whether we teach tots or adults, beginners or advanced players, we teach all the skills needed to make our players the best they can be.”

“Either way,” he adds, “we mix the coaching with fun, competitive games to keep their attention.”

The Y’s gymnastics program coaching philosophy is no different. “We teach every kid to be the best they can be,” says Coach Shelly Robinson. “From recreational level beginners to elite level competitors, we teach the highest level gymnastics the kids are capable of learning, and let them all progress at their own pace.” She adds, “Through rigorous training, fun, and competition, we give all our gymnasts the skills they need to succeed.”

That gymnastics coaching philosophy has shown the same kind of success as for the tennis program. “In the past three years we’ve developed 12 state champions,” beams co-coach Gina Van Deinse, “and with over 40 girls now enrolled on our competition team, we’ve got a good chance to continue that success again this season.”

Y Gymnastics and Y Tennis, like all YMCA programs, are first and foremost about teaching kids to grow up physically, mentally, and spiritually strong and confident, but the YMCA’s coaching philosophy to give kids at an early age all of the technical skills they need to succeed, to embrace competition, and to have fun, has been a proven formula for success.

To find out more about Y Tennis, Y Gymnastics, or any of the other 65 programs offered at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, visit http://www.gtbayymca.org/  or call 231-933-YMCA (9622).

Help Wanted

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has immediate openings in

• Gymnastics
• Fitness
• Youth Sports
• Front Desk

 

Apply at: Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

 

Lacrosse Skills Deadline Tomorrow!!

DON'T FORGET! REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR LACROSSE SKILLS IS TOMORROW!!

For registration form click here

Brush up on your stick skills, stay active, and have fun! That’s what our Lacrosse workshops are all about. Prep for the spring leagues, use it for a cross-training workout, & join the fellowship of Lacrosse. No experience necessary and it is a lot... of fun! Lacrosse equipment required! Grades 8 - 12 will also scrimmage.

Registration Deadline: Sept 15

Dates/Times: Mondays, Sept 20 - Oct 18 (5 weeks)

Grades 1-7: 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Grades 8 -12: 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Fee: $25 Y member $50 Non-member

Location: YMCA Main Facility fields.

FIRST GAME ON NEW Y FIELDS

FIRST GAME ON NEW Y FIELDS


Fifth and Sixth grade athletes will make history this week armed with their shin guards and soccer balls, as the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Meijer Athletic Fields are christened with their first sports match.

The first game to be played on the new will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 6:00pm. Two combined fifth and sixth grade teams will face off in the facilities first ever soccer match. The coaches for the teams are Greg Bennett and Aaron Gage, who are both volunteers in the Y’s soccer program. The fields are located on the new YMCA property at 3700 Silver Lake Road in Garfield Township.

The fields were built during the summer of 2009 and provide space for the Y’s soccer, football, and lacrosse programs.

“This historic event would not be possible without the generous gifts of donors who have helped us raise more than $5.7 million dollars for the New Y from more than 250 donors including Meijer whose generosity we honor in the naming of these new fields,” said Tom Van Deinse, CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. “We need another $6.3 million to begin construction on the tennis, aquatics, and fitness centers.”

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to better our region, and solve issues that community members are concerned about. At the Y we offer programs that help kids reach their potential, that help families and individuals achieve better health outcomes, and that encourage every member of the region to get involved and make their community a better place. This is a goal that we have strived towards for decades, and our aim is to bring more services to as many people as possible in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Come join us!

Thanks for your support of Youth WOW!

Thanks to our sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors!

New Y Campaign

The New YMCA Capital Campaign Newsletter is now available on-line.


This month’s newsletter features:

• New concept pictures and elements of the project featuring the tennis and aquatic center

• Matching funds waiting donations

• Testimonial: Nick Edson, YMCA Board of Directors Chair

• The case for support

• Hundreds of donors actively supporting the project

• The way you can contribute

Click http://www.gtbayymca.org/files/August%202010%20Newsletter.pdf  for a copy of the newsletter.

We need your financial support NOW to build the New Y.

Online giving at http://www.4good4ever.org/ .

Call the Y at 231-933-9622 or click http://www.gtbayymca.org/ for more information about the New Y. As soon as we get all of the donations we need we will build it! Donate Today!

Lacrosse Skills Workshops

Y OFFERS LACROSSE SKILLS WORKSHOPS

Brush up on your stick skills, stay active, and have fun! That’s what the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Lacrosse workshops are all about. These workshops can act as preparation for the spring leagues, used for a cross-training workout, and participation in the unique sport of lacrosse. With its roots in Native American culture, over the past 300 years lacrosse is a sport that has become “the fastest on two feet.”

These workshops require no experience. One YMCA workshop will feature grades 1 -7 and is intended to be a basic skills class. A second workshop will be for grades 8 - 12 will be a skills class with a scrimmage at each session.

These workshops will be held on Mondays, Sept 20 to Oct 18, for five weeks with grades 1-7 meeting between 5:00 and 6:30 pm and grades 8 -12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The registration fee is $25 for Y members and $50 for non-members. A late fee will be assessed for anyone registering past the September 15 deadline. Forms available on-line at www.gtbayymca.org and registration is at the Y Main Facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive just south of Airport Road in Traverse City. These workshops will be held at the YMCA Main Facility fields. Regulation lacrosse equipment required.

For more information contact Barb Beckett at 933-YMCA(9622). Our website is located at www.gtbayymca.org and follow our activity on Facebook.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to solve many of the issues people in our region are most concerned about. Since 1964 we have offered programs that help kids reach their potential, that help families and individuals achieve better health outcomes and that encourage everyone to get involved and make their community a better place. Our aim is to bring more services to more people in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Come join us!

Y FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

First Published in the Grand Traverse Insider - Sunday, August 29, 2010


Y FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
By Y Staff Reports

The Grand Travers Bay YMCA announces its fall program offerings with registration now open. Activities and programs are offered at the Y’s three facilities and in gymnasiums and athletic fields throughout the region.

Some adult opportunities include: Noon-drop in basketball, women’s basketball league, men’s and co-ed softball leagues, pickleball, tennis leagues and lessons, seven fitness classes and use of our strength and cardio, free weights, aerobic studio, and circuit training areas at the Y’s Main Facility on Racquet Club Drive.

Y members have access to all fitness for free. The Y at its main facility provides four separate fitness areas including a strength and cardio area with selectorized machines, treadmills, bikes, and elliptical. Free weights, an aerobic studio, and a circuit training room round out our exercise equipment. We offer seven different fitness classes that welcome all levels of ability.

The Y has offered men’s and women’s basketball leagues for a long time. Staged in a round robin format, these leagues are played in Traverse City area gymnasiums. Adult softball in men’s and coed leagues continue their play at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center fields this fall.

Some youth opportunities include: group tennis lessons, recreational and award winning competitive gymnastics program, pee wee sports, lacrosse skills and leagues, soccer, basketball skills, leagues, and tournaments, youth fitness, Youth WOW, flag football, Pop Warner Football and Cheer, Michigan Youth in Government, Leaders Club, and teen dances.

Y Gymnastics provides youth from 1 year olds in a basic recreational format to Level 10 competitive gymnastics to meet the needs of youth. Our expert coaching and training insures proper placement for all gymnasts. Our Gymnastics Center is located at 1100 Woodmere, Suite A in Traverse City.

The Y offers youth soccer for grades K – 12, played on local area fields with teams either created by school or a team of friends by request. Coaches are volunteers.

The Y also offers the best flag football program in the region for boys and girls. All equipment is provided and all games are officiated. Practices are built-in and followed by a game each night.

The Y has a licensed day care facility accommodating some 53 infants to preschoolers. We offer a School’s Out program when TCAPS schools are not in session. The Y also has a Kindergarten Enrichment Program for children in part-time kindergarten classes.

“Our over 65 programs provide a values-based alternative for people interested in building a healthy spirit, mind and body,” according to Tom Van Deinse, CEO. “Because we are a charity, we provide financial assistance for people of all ages to participate in our all programs. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.”

For more information about all of the Y programs, visit our website at www.gtbayymca.org or call 933-YMCA (9622) to talk to one of our friendly staff members. Become one of our friends on our Facebook page.

What Makes a Great Day Care?

First Published in the Grand Traverse Insider – August 15, 2010


What Makes a Great Day Care?
By Leslie Swanson
Y Marketing and Media Intern

As a kid, I always looked forward to going to day care. It was a fun place where I could enjoy learning and build friendships. Those were the aspects of day care that I valued as a child. Looking back, I wonder what aspects about that day care my parents valued? I don’t know if it was the nurturing environment, the dedicated staff, the curriculum that not only taught us the alphabet but taught us life lessons, or the ability to accommodate all ages of children.

For all of these reasons and more, Y Day Care is a great fit for this area. Licensed by the State of Michigan, the staff goes to great lengths to ensure that each child’s specific needs are met. By following a curriculum that is sanctioned by the YMCA of the USA called Creative Curriculum, children grow strong in mind, body, and spirit.

The curriculum consists of six main areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Technology. Healthy Habits and Social, Moral, and Spiritual Development are two additional content areas that are offered that the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Day Care Center.

This curriculum is put into practice in each of the four classrooms at the Day Care Center. Each classroom houses a different age group: the Infant Room, 0-11 months; the Young Toddler Room, 12-18 months; the Toddler Room, 19 months-2 years; and the Preschool Room, ages 3-5.

In the Infant Room, toys and activities stimulate the mind and inspire the little ones to interact with each other while discovering their own abilities.

The Young Toddler Room, or “Transition Room”, helps kids make the transition from the Infant Room to the Toddler Room. Activities in this room include puzzles, floor toys, and literacy practices.

Once children are ready to make the step up from the Young Toddler Room, they can move into the Toddler Room. In this room, I observed children using shaving cream and paint to learn about their senses. The paint tints the shaving cream, using sight; the shaving cream feels squishy and cool, using touch as a way to sense not only texture, but temperature; the shaving cream has a scent, teaching smell, and the squishy sound the shaving cream makes when the kids squeezed it through their fingers taught hearing. The kids in this room are very active and are kept busy by the many activities available to them.

The final room for kids in the Day Care Center is the Preschool Room. The activities and toys in this room inspire creativity and learning. The kids are taught responsibility, whether it is through picking up after themselves or being held responsible for their actions.

Each room contains 2-3 staff members who all take a personal responsibility for the development of the children in their room. They are caring and nurturing while still allowing the children to learn important life lessons for themselves.

As the nation’s largest day care provider, it is easy to see why Y Day Care could be such a great fit for many children. It not only provides an educational environment for children to develop cognitively, but it also provides a nurturing environment for them to develop social skills, important Christian values, and grow spiritually. Y Day Care truly is the entire package.


The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Child Care Center's phone number is 231-421-3568 to arrange a personal tour or more information.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to solve many of the issues people in our region are most concerned about. For decades we have offered programs that help kids reach their potential, that help families and individuals achieve better health outcomes and that encourage everyone to get involved and make their community a better place. Our aim is to bring more services to more people in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Come join us!

Half day of School on 9/7 means Y School's Out Program

Y SCHOOL’S OUT PROGRAM

Time to put away those flip flops and break out the book bags!  It's back to school time and the YMCA is ready to meet your child care needs.  We offer School Age Child Care when school is not in session for teacher work days, half days, and snow days. There is an announced half-day of school in the Traverse City area on Tuesday, September 7.

Our School’s Out Program is held at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Gymnasium from Noon to 6:00 pm.  We provide a safe and fun environment for children five to fifteen years of age.  The YMCA gym provides as an excellent site for the program as we are able to offer basketball, floor hockey, and various games/ activities.  Our dedicated staff has much experience in education and is certified in CPR and First Aid.  Through our program, your child will learn the Y's Four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Registration forms and information on the School’s Out program can be found on our website, www.gtbayymca.org.  Information is also available by contacting Katie Winslow at the main YMCA facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive at 933-YMCA(9622) or camp@gtbayymca.org.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to solve many of the issues people in our region are most concerned about. For decades we have offered programs that help kids reach their potential, that help families and individuals achieve better health outcomes and that encourage everyone to get involved and make their community a better place. Our aim is to bring more services to more people in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Come join us!

Y CLOSED LABOR DAY; ANNOUNCES NEW FALL HOURS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

NEWS AND INFORMATION from the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA
3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 info@gtbayymca.org
http://www.gtbayymca.org/ | Become our friend on Facebook.

CONTACT: Tom Van Deinse, CEO, 231.933.9622, tvd@gtbayymca.org or Dave Eitland, Y Director of Development and Marketing, 231.933.9622, dave@gtbayymca.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Y CLOSED LABOR DAY; ANNOUNCES NEW FALL HOURS

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA announced that its main facility, gymnastics center, day care center, and programs are closed on Monday, September 6, 2010 for the US observance of Labor Day.

The main facility located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive, just south of Airport Road, in Traverse City, will be open Monday – Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to noon, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. These hours are effective from Labor Day to Memorial Day each year.

More information about the YMCA’s 65 or more programs can be found at the organization’s website at www.gtbayymca.org. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. Come join us!