New Fall Programs

Click here for the new programs and activities offered at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

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Fitness Class Schedule



Click on schedule to enlarge.  Zumba now offered!

Fitness for all ages!



Bandrowski, Shoults Rank in Top 10

Elliott Bandrowski & CJ Shoults

The new tennis ranking list for the Midwest Section of the United States Tennis Association came out this week, and two local tennis players have made it into the top ten in their age division. Elliott Bandrowski is ranked number eight and CJ Shoults is ranked number five among all ten year olds in the Midwest.

“To have two top ten players from the same club is almost unheard of,” commented YMCA tennis pro Joseph Van Deinse, coach for both Bandrowski and Shoults. “Especially in a section as big and with as much talent as the Midwest.”

The Midwest Section includes all players from Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of Kentucky, and is divided into 14 districts. Traverse City is part of the Northern Michigan District, and compared with Chicago, Southeastern Michigan, Central Indiana, and Ohio Valley, it is by far the smallest district by population.

James Van Deinse, co-coach at the local YMCA points out, “In the entire Midwest there is not one other district, let alone one other club like the Y, that has two top ten players in this division. It’s really an accomplishment.”

Bandrowski and Shoults recently returned from a sectional tournament in Indianapolis where Shoults had the added honor of defeating the current number one ranked player in the Midwest. The USTA operates rankings on a point system similar to that used by professionals on the ATP tour, where big wins at the sectional level mean a lot of points.

Tennis is one of 65 different programs run at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, and is offered to all ages from 2 to adult. For more information visit www.gtbayymca.org or phone 933-YMCA.

Y support this activity!

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Y August Activities



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Sign up for Y fall programs

by Barb Beckett, Y Sports Director
First appeared in the 7/23/11 Grand Traverse Insider

The Grand Traverse Bay offers plenty of fun and healthy programs for all ages this fall. Get involved and grow strong as a family! Many programs are volunteer based and are a terrific opportunity to be actively involved. The YMCA’s “No One Denied” policy and scholarships assure no child is left out due to financial reasons. The time to register for fall programs is right now. Registration forms can be found at www.gtbayymca.org/services.php  .

Tennis: Lessons are offered for ages 3-adult for all skill levels. on indoor and outdoor courts. Also, contract court time registration has a deadline of August 5.

Gymnastics: classes for all abilities are offered for ages 1 year & up. Our Competitive Team brought home over 100 first place medals last year and is one of the best in the state. Our non-competitive recreational program will have your kids going head-over-heels and loving it!

Lacrosse: The fastest sport on two feet has its home at the YMCA. Outdoor and indoor skills classes are offered through the fall and winter, then our Spring Leagues run April- May. Lacrosse is fun, great exercise, and a terrific team sport.

Pee Wee Sports/Kinderkickers:  Never boring; we play soccer, basketball, golf, flag football, and many other sports! This program is for ages 3-5 years and a great way to introduce your child to new activities. Parents can play too!

Basketball: A YMCA director invented this game in the 1900s and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA continues offers basketball to all ages during the fall.

Skills classes begin at age 5. Grades 2 to 5 Boys basketball league will be in November and December. We offer a grade 3, a grade 4 & 5 skills program and league.

Men’s and Women’s Leagues will begin in the fall. We also have the best tournaments around for kids and adults.

Watch the website, www.gtbayymca.org, or Facebook for more information.

Soccer: Fall leagues for grades K-8 and begin in September. The deadline is September 10, so registering today to join the longest running community soccer program.

Flag Football: For grades 2 - 5. Practices are built into the schedule and we meet once a week for 6 weeks. All equipment is provided, just come ready to play! The YMCA also runs the Pop Warner tackle program for ages 8-12 which is one of the largest football programs in the Midwest with over 90 teams, 2,800 kids, and 325 coaches.

Teen Dances: The 1st Saturday monthly during the school year (Oct-June) is a Teen Dance for grades 6-8. Just $8 with school ID to enter and a pizza snack and drink are included. This is the social event of the month and hundreds of kids attend. Doors open at 7:00pm and we end at 10:00pm. Parents welcome. Volunteers are always needed

Youth In Government: This mock-government program replicates all aspects of state government for grades 9-12. A 1-day fall conference is required to attend the 5-day spring conference in Lansing. Bussing provided. Student laws can become real state laws. Government is not boring - it’s fun! Teachers and students contact Katie Winslow at 933-9622 for more information.

Softball: People do not realize that the adult softball leagues held at the Civic Center are YMCA administered programs. Men’s league will be held on Monday and Wednesdays. Coed will be held on Sundays.

Fitness Classes: The Y is for healthy living. This Y provides a broad spectrum of fitness classes conveniently schedule to meet the needs for busy adults. New classes feature Y Power X, Y TRX Training, and a Y Zumba classes.

Family Nights: Come join us for family friendly games of racquetball, basketball, tennis, ping pong, or test your virtual skills on the Wii game console. All-you-can- eat pizza, beverages, and snack provided. First Friday of the month Y Family Fund Night is located at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive. The third Friday of the month Family night is located at the Y Early Childhood Center, 1100 Woodmere, Ste. B.

You can rent the facility or have a birthday party. You can volunteer to be a reader, baby rocker, coach, mentor, photographer, committee member or help build the New Y. Your child can be cared for at our Y Early Childhood Center or experience a School’s out program when TCAPS is not in session in a values base environment.

There’s much, much more! Check out over 65 great programs at http://www.gtbayymca.org/  or stop in today! Look up our Facebook page or check our news and information blog at http://bit.ly/pMFQnD  .

The main facility of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City and can be reached at 231-933-YMCA(9622).

Y Sports Director Barb Beckett at LAX event at Thirlby Field, Traverse City, MI

Gymnastics Sign up

Come join our award winning program. Opportunities for 1 year olds recreational to Level 10 competitive gymnastics. Click here for fall registration form. Click here for August registration form. Our values based approach meets the needs of individual children at their particular skill level.

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Our fun gymnastics program!

The Y is forming a grade 6 - 8 boys tennis league

WHAT: Boys 6th-8th Grade Team Tennis featuring weekly matches against other teams and coach-scheduled practices covering fundamentals of scoring and rules, stroke development, and strategy. Teams will be formed by school, but may be combined if necessary. 8-10 players/team.

WHEN: Six weeks, starting the week of Sept 19 and ending the week of Oct 24. One or more practices will be scheduled by your coach each week after school, and there will also be a match against another team once each week. Match schedules will be available Mon, Sept 19.

WHERE: Matches may be played at a different site each week. Parents will be responsible for transportation to and from all sites.

COST: $25 for YMCA Members, $60 for non-Members includes T-Shirt, awards, instruction, and all play.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, Sept 12.

To register, return this form Click Here with payment to the YMCA. Coaches will contact their players prior to the first practice. (Add $10 late fee after registration deadline.)

PARENTS: If you’d like to volunteer to coach or assistant-coach, please contact Joseph Van Deinse at 933-YMCA (933-9622).

At the Y we are for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Thanks to Volunteers – Y Cherry Festival Parking Fundraiser

During the National Cherry Festival, Bernie Stover, Ann Tremain, and all of the folks at Harbor View Center (just across from the West Bay Volleyball Courts on Grandview Parkway) allows the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA to have a fundraiser by parking cars in their lots during the National Cherry Festival (July 2 – July 9, 2011).

Lynn Schultz, Y Board Member, this year led a large crew of volunteers and Y staff to help us raise $12,456.50. This is much needed support during the summer and allows people to fully participate in Y membership and programs regardless of financial means. Thanks to Lynn for her tireless hours of work to make this happen. 

Thanks to the people in some cases taking their July 4^th holiday to help the Y. Our Cherry Festival volunteers and workers include: Allison Albers, Margaret Alexander, Steve Alexander, Barb Beckett, Dan Bodamer, Anne Bodnar, Jessie Bonkoski, Courtney Burley, Marshall Cartwright, Tucker Cartwright, Rebecca Costello, Shirley Dunklow, Dave Eitland, Steve Foote, Dawn Gildersleave, Robyn Graham, Sarah Ham, Teri Hedrich, Marc Judge, Shawn Kesther, Ken Koehler, Jay Larner, Denny Lauterbach, Jimmy ?, Brett McGreaham, Greg Meyer, Dagny Monette, Darryl Nelson, Lisa Perreult, Tina Piotrowski, Kim Pontius, Carrie Rollenhagen, Evan Schultz, Judy Sheffer, Michelle Socha, Don Spalla, Al Stachel, Joe Swanson, Leslie Swanson, Betsy Van Deinse, Gina Van Deinse, James Van Deinse, Jennifer Van Deinse, Joseph Van Deinse, Kelly Van Deinse, Tom Van Deinse, Sue Vermetten, Chris Walsh, Ron Williamson, Donna Wytaske, Judy Yates, Al Zelinski.

Thanks also to Harbor View Center, Ron Williamson for donated signage and Coca Cola Bottling, Traverse City, for their product donation. Thanks to the people from around the region who parked in the lots to help the Y.

All came together to make this effort a success!

Fall Y Youth Soccer

These coed leagues emphasize fun and safety for grades K-8.  Games are on Saturday mornings some will be played midweek.  Teams are made by school and special request so you can play with your friends.  Coaches are volunteers.

Dates for Fall Leagues

Registration deadline: Sept 10

League Dates: Sept 24 - Oct 29 (Sat & some Tues/Thurs)

Coaches Meeting:  Wednesday, Sept 7, 6:00 pm

Fee: YMCA Members $25, Non-members $60

Late Registration Charge after deadline: $10

Equipment: All players need a Red T-shirt (home games) &

Yellow T-shirt (away games). Official uniforms available at “Play It Again Sports” on S. Airport Rd., Traverse City, MI

Click here to download registration form and bring to Y Main Facility on 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI

Y Youth Soccer at New Y Meijer Fields
Credit: John Russell, 2010

Y Fall Flag Football

Y FALL Flag Football

The YMCA offers the best flag football program for boys and girls. All equipment is provided. All games are officiated. All players get awards for participating. Coaches are volunteer parents. Practices are built-in followed by each game each night. Bring water bottle and dress for weather. We play in the rain! Both divisions meet once per week for 6 weeks.

Dates for Fall Leagues

Registration deadline: September 10

League Dates: Week of Mon, Sept 19 to week of Mon, Oct 24

Grades 2 & 3: Plays Tues or Wed 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Grades 4 & 5: Plays Wed or Thurs 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Fee: YMCA Members $25, Non-members $60

Late Registration Charge after deadline: $10

Click here for registration form to download and return to the YMCA Main Facility at 3000 Racquet Club Dr in Traverse City, MI 

Y LAX SKILLS CLINIC - July 23 - 24

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA announces a skills clinic for lacrosse for grades 1 – 4 to be held Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24, from 9 am to 12:00 pm each day at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America and the fastest sport on two feet.

The clinic will cover lacrosse hand-eye coordination, running, teamwork, fitness, rules, safety, proper competition, and the Y four core values.

Featured coaches will include Liberty Provost, the TC Thunder Varsity Lacrosse Coach. With him will be Steve Cerrone, TC Bucks Varsity Lacrosse Coach. “We are training the next generation of lacrosse players,” says Barb Beckett, YMCA sports director.

Cost is $50 for Y members and $75 for non-members. Registration is due at the Y by July 15.

Players must bring stick, cleats, gloves, and helmet. They must have proper protective gear to play!

The Y is for youth development. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA provides a safe environment for teens to learn the proper values based conduct and competition.

“It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Y Tennis Contract Court Time

Joseph Van Deinse giving instruction.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA announced today its open registration for contract tennis court time for the 2011/2012 session.

Each session is 17 weeks. The fall session is from the week of September 5 to the week of December 28. The winter session begins the week of January 2 and ends the week of April 23, 2012.

Contract court time provides to the tennis players a standing reservation for a tennis court at our Y main facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City for the duration of each session.

Contract court time is available to YMCA members only. All contract time players must be YMCA members at the time of registration and throughout the contract period. Registration deadline is August 5.

Fees vary with times of reservations. Note policies and limitations on the registration form. Click here for registration form.

Contact Barb Beckett, Y Sports Director, at 933-9622 for more information.

“It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Pictures from Jr Royale Parade - National Cherry Festival

Here are some Y pictures of the Jr Royale Parade on July 7 as part of the National Cherry Festival.

http://on.fb.me/nRiMXD

Y SUMMER YOUTH SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA continues to offer youth sports basic skills this summer.

“These youth sports classes during the summer provide good exercise, fresh air, a time to socialize, and a beginning to learn basic skills of some sports,” according to Barb Beckett, Y Sports Director. “All our programs teach basic Judeo-Christian values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in the context of competition and learning sports skills.”

The three classes are being offered for youth in our region at our main facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City:

For boys and girls in preschool, 3 - 5 year olds, the Y offers it Kinderkickers program. Children learn the basics of soccer in a non-competitive, fun, and supporting atmosphere. Safety, skills, and teamwork are the focus. Class meets outdoors unless weather demands a move inside. Parents are encouraged to get involved in class exercises. The program meets on Wednesdays for 6 weeks beginning July 27 from 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Y members pay $25 and non-members $60.

For grades 1 – 4, the Y is offering its popular Basketball Skills Program. 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. The program meets on Wednesdays for 6 weeks beginning July 27 from 7 and 8 pm. Y members pay $25 and non-members $60.

For graders 5 – 7, the YMCA is proud to offer Beach Volleyball. This program is a great way for players to further develop their volleyball skills. Each practice will include: ball control, game strategy, team play, a strong emphasis on fundamental skills, and strength and conditioning. The program meets on Wednesdays for 6 weeks beginning July 27 from 5:30 and 7 pm. Y members pay $25 and non-members $60.

The Y is for youth development. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA provides a safe environment for teens to learn the proper values based conduct and competition.

“It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Y Soccer at the New Y Meijer Athletic Fields
Credit: John Russell, 2010

Y MEN’S SR SOFTBALL

Y MEN’S SR SOFTBALL

In response to the community, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is now offering a men’s senior softball league. The league is primarily for men over 60 years who still want to play softball in non-league play.

Teams are forms as people attend each night. Games are held Wednesdays at 6:00 pm on the ball fields at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School, 1601 Three Mile Road, Traverse City.

For costs and schedule, please contact Barb Beckett at 933-9622.

“It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Y BEACH VOLLEYBALL SKILLS

Y BEACH VOLLEYBALL SKILLS


The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is proud to offer beach volleyball. This program is for people in grades 5 - 7. This program is a great way for players to further develop their volleyball skills. Each practice will include: ball control, game strategy, team play, a strong emphasis on fundamental skills, and strength and conditioning.

Location: YMCA Main Facility

Dates/Sessions: Wednesdays, July 27 - August 31 (6 weeks)

Times: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Registration Deadline: July 20

Y Member Fee: $25

Non-member fee: $60

Download form at http://www.gtbayymca.org/services.php

More Y Basketball Skills

BASKETBALL SKILLS PROGRAM

GRADES 1-4

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: July 20

Season: Wednesdays, July 27- August 31, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, TC

Y Member Fee: $25
Non-Member Fee: $60

Download registration form at http://www.gtbayymca.org/services.php







.

Y Kinderkickers

Y KINDERKICKERS


For boys and girls in preschool, 3 - 5 year olds. Learn the basics of soccer in a non-competitive, fun, and supporting atmosphere. Safety, skills, and teamwork are the focus. Class meets outdoors unless weather demands a move inside. Parents are encouraged to get involved in class exercises.

Location: YMCA Main Facility

Dates/Sessions: Wednesdays, July 27 - August 31 (6 weeks)
Times: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Registration Deadline: July 20

Y Member Fee: $25
Non-member fee: $60

Go to http://www.gtbayymca.org/services.php  for registration forms.

Why Philanthropy? Y Philanthropy!

News From the Y

Published: Sunday, July 10, 2011, Grand Traverse Insider.

By DAVE EITLAND

Why Philanthropy? Y Philanthropy!

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."  -Winston Churchill

I am entering my 25th year of professional philanthropy. Throughout those years, I have had the blessing of working with hundreds of great volunteers who dared to dream dreams and make them reality by giving of their time, their talent and their treasure.

I have seen how lives have been changed through the financial support of others. I have seen churches built and religion deepening the human soul. I have seen scientific discoveries funded, children healed, artistic performances supported, and people educated at all levels from kindergarten to PhDs.

People’s lives have been changed by philanthropy and humanity has become better through giving.

These great works come into being by individuals making a decision to change the world. Usually it is a small group of people, powered by faith in a vision of a better place, giving and encouraging others to do the same. The world can be transformed only by a small group committed to a cause. Jesus started only with 12 people dedicated to implement a vision of a better world.

Philanthropy is the art of giving to transform the world for the better. According to GivingUSA, 73 percent of all 2010 contributions come from individuals, 14 percent from charitable foundations, eight percent from estates and bequests. Business and corporations contributed five percent of all giving. Overall, 2010 giving rose 3.8 percent over 2009.

Further the report showed that 35 percent of giving went to religion, 14 percent to education at all levels, 11 percent to charitable foundations, nine percent to human services, eight percent to health, and 23 percent to the balance of charitable causes.
With these funds, powered by people and vision, the world and people’s lives were changed for the better in 2010.

Locally, we have the opportunity to do the same for our kids, families and communities in 2011.

The people of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, its board, volunteers, members and program users believe our region can be transformed and they have a bold vision to accomplish that with the New Y.

In that bold vision, 2,000 children will learn to swim; people will become healthier through fitness, aquatics and 65 other programs; teens will have a place to grow; 4,000 families will experience a full service health and recreational facility; and we will meet the needs for indoor tennis.

But beyond that, a new Young Men’s Christian Association based on the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility will touch some 35,000 people in our region.

Three hundred and eighty families, foundations and businesses have given nearly $6 million to implement this vision of building a New YMCA. They have given from $5 to $1.7 million to make the New Y a reality.

In this next year, people will give extraordinarily, at whatever level they can, to ensure that lives are changed and the region is transformed by the New Y.

It will take a small group of dedicated visionaries to start this change, but it will take all of us to complete it. It will take all of us to ‘Build something good today!’

Donations can be received at any level at your Community Foundation at http://www.4good4ever.org/  or call the Y at 231-933-9622 for more information about the New Y.

Dave Eitland is the YMCA Director of Development and Marketing. He can be reached at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA at 231-933-9622 or dave@gtbayymca.org .

View from the Y Meijer Athletic Fields of the essential phase of the
New YMCA on Silver Lake Road, Garfield Twp, Michigan.

K-Camp

Mom Jennifer Cooper is dropping off daughter Hudson at K-Camp at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA for a great day.

7/7/2011 in the Lobby of the Main YMCA Traverse City, MI

Parade Day!

Parade Day! Marchers meet at 6:15 pm on State Street line up position #67

2008 Parade picture

We love a parade!

Come and Parade with the Y!

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is encouraging all youth program participants to march in the National Cherry Festival Junior Royale Parade on Thursday, July 7, beginning at 6:30 pm.

People are encouraged to wear “Y” shirts. Parents are required to walk with children. Assembly area will be on State St. in position #67. Katie Winslow says this location is more in the neighborhood on East State Street.  People are to gather at 6:15 pm.

Come and join us!

For more information contact Katie Winslow at 933-9622 or camp@gtbayymca.org.