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!

The Y Recognizes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

From http://www.ymca.net/


The Y Recognizes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

YMCA of the USA joins the ‘Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures’ Initiative to reduce childhood obesity

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 27, 2010) – YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the nation’s 2,687 Ys, joins more than 70 national organizations to lead a community response to childhood obesity, during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Earlier this year, a resolution was unanimously passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate designating September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, to bring attention to this growing epidemic in the United States and call Americans to action. The theme for the month is Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures.

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America. An estimated 23 million children and teenagers ages two to 19 are obese or overweight. That rate has tripled in the past 30 years. For the first time in history, children may have shorter lifespan expectancies than their parents.

Every day, Ys work with children, families, and with leaders from all sectors of the community to find innovative solutions to help individuals and families make healthier choices. Working with the Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures initiative, the Y will be able to extend its work to turn the tide of childhood obesity.

“Obesity places our nation’s youth at risk for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions that they shouldn’t have to worry about,” said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “We must work together across all sectors of our communities to create solutions that will help our kids adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives. We applaud Congress for making September National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and are proud to support the Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures initiative.”

The Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures initiative educates and empowers families and youth to live healthy lifestyles, eat nutritious food and be physically active. Throughout the month of September, organizations around the United States will plan and carry out activities that build awareness about and encourage action on childhood obesity.

The initiative’s Web site, http://www.healthierkidsbrighterfutures.org/ , provides information, Web links and tools to promote and celebrate September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The Y’s Healthy Family Home, which provides free resources devoted to helping families adopt healthy behaviors, will also be featured on the initiative’s web site.

The Y’s Healthier Communities Initiatives include efforts to combat childhood obesity including, facilitating community partnerships to influence policy and environmental changes that increase access to clean and safe parks and recreational facilities so that more kids can have the opportunity to participate in physical activity, reduce health disparities, and increase access to fruits and vegetables in underserved areas through making community gardens and farmers' markets more accessible.

The public and private sector, communities and thought leaders, including First Lady Michelle Obama, are championing a range of efforts to improve child wellness in America. The Y invites you to join them in empowering Healthier Kids for a Brighter Future. For additional information on how families can work together to life healthier lives, visit www.healthyfamilyhome.org. For more information on the 2010 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, visit http://www.healthierkidsbrighterfutures.org/ .

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About YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the Y, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. YMCA of the USA is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs. ymca.net

Contact: Mamie Moore
YMCA of the USA
312.419.8325
mamie.moore@ymca.net

Registration Deadlines at the Y Fall 2010

Registration deadlines for Fall YMCA Programs


Continuous Y Membership

Continuous Noon Drop-in Adult Basketball

Continuous Pickleball at the Y

Continuous New Y donations

Continuous Y Child Care

Continuous School’s Out Program

Continuous Y Kindergarten Enrichment

Continuous Birthday Parties at Y and Y Gymnastics

Check Family Fun Nights

Check Lacrosse League – Check with League

Check Pop Warner Football & Cheer League – Check with League

Check Leaders Club

Check Teen Dances

Check Youth in Government

Walk on Seven Fitness Classes

Aug 27 Men’s and Coed Fall Softball Leagues

Aug 27 Y Youth Soccer Leagues

Sept 6 Women’s Basketball League

Sept 8 Fall Women’s Soccer Leagues (Walk on registration)

Sept 13 Adult and Youth Tennis Lessons, Leagues

Sept 13 Gymnastics – Fall 1

Sept 13 Y Flag Football

Sept 17 Basketball Skills: K -2

Sept 17 Basketball Skills: Grade 3

Sept 17 Basketball Skills: Grades 4 & %

Oct 11 Men’s Basketball League

Oct 25 Gymnastics – Fall 2

Oct 29 Fall Boys Basketball Leagues: Grades 3,4,5

Nov 1 Adult and Youth Tennis Lessons, Leagues

Dec 10 Holiday Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Dec 31 Invest in Youth donations

Jan 7, 2011 Winter Girls Basketball Leagues: Grades 3,4,5

Jan 19 The Blizzard 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament

Mar 11 Midnight Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Check =  Call 231-933-9622 for dates and offerings or our website at http://www.gtbayymca.org/

DAY CAMP PIZZA KIT PICKUP

DAY CAMP PIZZA KIT PICKUP


Friday, August 20, 2010 only from

11:00 am to 6:00 pm

We cannot keep items past 6:00 pm.

Call Katie Winslow at 933-9622 for more information.

Y Teen Dance on Saturday

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA sponsors monthly teen dances for grades 6 -8. This month's dance is on Saturday, August 21 from 7 - 10 pm. Music is DJ led with all the favorites.


Admission is free to YMCA members and $5 per person for the public. Identification is required for entry. Parents and volunteers are always welcomed to help with the dance. Dress and dancing code enforsed. Call (231) 421-3568 for more information.

Register Now for Fall Programs

Check out our website at http://www.gtbayymca.org/ for more information.

Pro Web Marketing Golf Drive for the Y

Check out this unique fun event and help support the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.


http://www.charitytc.com/  is the web link for all information.


Golf Drive Fundraiser:


ProWeb Marketing Golf Drive Fundraiser to benefit the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Pro Web Marketing is holding a family oriented fund-raising event for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Our objective is to give back to an organization that has been giving to the Traverse City area for years. The event will be a “Golf Drive” where golfers, community members and families come together for an evening of charitable fun. This will be held on August, 26, 2010 5:30 pm at the Traverse City Golf Center, 6270 Secor Road in Traverse City.

From a Pro Web Marketing staff person, buy a ball or donate on-line. Get your friends to pledge per yard of your drive at the event. Come to the event for fun and hitting your ball. Your pledgers automatically notified for their pledge, they donate, and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Invest In Youth Appeal benefits. Registration is available at the event.

Invest in Youth provides scholarships and financial assistance to people to participate in YMCA programs and membership regardless of financial means.

All the information can be found at the website at http://www.charitytc.com/. Call ProWeb Marketing directly at 231-944-1421 or charity@prowebmarketing.com .

Y FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Two men working out in one of our four fitness areas

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.

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.

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.

Recyle Smart Kids Garage Sale

Field Trip to the Dunes!

Grand Traverse Bay Day Campers enjoy a field trip to the Dunes!

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s Y Child Care Center will have an open house on Thursday, August 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Members of the public—including parents, employers and staff, and friends of the YMCA—are invited to attend to tour the facility and find out about this values-based program.


From the outside of the Y Child Care Center on Woodmere in Traverse City looks like a big building. On the inside some 30 children experience an expansive facility and Judeo-Christian based child care and pre-school program curriculum that changes their lives.

“We have been fortunate to have 30 children experience our child care in the past year,” said Molly Brown, YMCA director of Y Child Care programs. “Our teachers are experienced child-care providers who incorporate the YMCA’s Christian values-based approach in care and teaching. The result is a fun, happy atmosphere where infants, toddlers and preschoolers can really thrive.”

The YMCA is the nation’s largest provider of day and child-care services in the country. Its family-centered philosophy is geared to the individual needs of children.

The Y Child Care Center is located in Traverse City at 1100 Woodmere, Suite B. The Center is fully licensed by the State of Michigan for 53 children, from newborns through pre-kindergarteners. Kindergarten enrichment and after-school programs for school-aged children are offered, as well. The facility is a 9,600 sq. ft. of space including a gymnasium. The Center is ideal for the care needs of working women. Scholarships are also available.

For more information on Y Child Care or to RSVP to the August 12 open house contact Molly Brown at 421-3568 or email her at childcare@gtbayymca.org. Detailed information is available at www.gtbayymca.org.

YMCA Seeks DJ For Teen Dances!

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a disk jockey for its teen dances for the coming school year.
The DJ must have their own equipment; music must be teen friendly but clean; interactive, involvement, and variety of music in keeping with the YMCA’s core Judeo-Christian values.


Dances are the first Saturday of each month 7:00-10:00 pm; music must be ready at exactly 7:00 pm.


Teen Dances are for grade 6 – 8 and are for a fun time for just TEENS in a safe environment. We encourage positive dress code and behavior. Parents are always welcomed to chaperone.


DJ must be dependable and communicate with Director each month to discuss the dance themes and to incorporate music and/or interactive into the dancing times.


All interested should contact Molly Brown, Y Director of Teens at 231-421-3568 or molly@gtbayymca.org.

Y OFFERS BASKETBALL SKILLS PROGRAM

This well rounded skills program is where children learn this popular sport this fall in the context for the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Kids should bring a water bottle. Program held at YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City.



GRADES K – 2
Lots of fun for the little ones. No experience neces-sary. 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 shoot-ing 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



Note for all programs: Late Registration Charge after deadline: $10



Find more information at http://www.gtbayymca.org/ or call 231-933-9622 and ask for Barb Beckett.

Fall Program Brochure

The new fall program brochure can be access by clicking:


http://www.gtbayymca.org/files/2010%20fall%20Brochure%20Final.pdf
(It is a large file. 6.7 meg.)

Fall Youth Soccer to Be Offered Again This Year

As originally published in the Grand Traverse Insider


The Grand Traverse Bay Y will be offering a youth soccer league again this fall. The season begins on Saturday, September 18th and is open to all boys and girls in grades K-12. The cost of the program is $25 for Y members and $50 for non-members. The registration deadline is Friday, August 27th.


The Y fall soccer league is a six week program that runs through Saturday, October 23rd. Each team will play 8 games during the course of the season. The divisions are formed by grade-level, and all divisions are co-ed. The main goals of Y youth sports are fun, fitness, and friendly competition for all participants.


Y Youth Sports Coordinator Bill Sparks comments on the upcoming soccer season. “Y soccer has become a real fall tradition in the Traverse City area. Thousands of area kids have participated in the program over the years.”


Sparks, who has also officiated Y soccer for over 20 seasons, goes on to say, “The Y soccer league is a perfect mix of fun and competition. It is great to see the kids in our program enjoy the sport of soccer, as well as develop and improve their fundamental skills of the game.”


One young man that has played Y soccer for several years is Tristen Roman. “I like playing sports, especially basketball and soccer,” comments Roman. Tristen is a student-athlete that will be attending Traverse City West Senior-High this fall as a freshman. “Playing soccer through the Y the past couple of years allowed me to play both sports in and out of season. We played and scrimmaged against a variety of teams without having to do a lot of traveling. This allowed me time to go to open gyms and continue playing soccer.”


Roman finishes by saying, “I was also able to play with some of my close friends and have fun playing the game. Playing Y soccer kept the game fun for me. I recommend it for anyone who wishes to play multiple sports and just loves the game.”


And kids of all ages enjoy Y soccer. Tristen’s younger sister Mikayla also participates in Y soccer. “I really liked playing soccer this year!” comments Mikayla, who will be going into 4th grade this coming school year. “I was able to be on a team with my friends and we had lots of fun!”


A major factor in the success of the Y soccer program is the role that the team coaches play. Our coaches donate their time on a volunteer basis. One of our coaches, Mr. Greg Bennett, shares some of his coaching experiences. “What I thought to be one season as a soccer coach has become eight years with many blessings. My family and I have made many friends through soccer and find ourselves looking forward to each season, a time to spend with our soccer friends and their families. I have developed many new skills throughout the years that have been helpful in my personal life. I also see the same in the kids. As their skills grow so does their confidence. Their spirit comes alive and there’s a glow about them. Often at practice I find myself running up and down the field just being a kid myself, challenging others and being challenged, often being teamed up on.” Mr. Bennett adds, “At the end of practice I find my biggest problem is getting the kids to go home. This leaves a coach feeling good inside. I have learned what not to do like never stand in the goal and talk to a parent, the team finds great pleasure in shooting at the coach, never start a grass fight with the team (not good for coach), also never argue with the referee, he is always right.”


Coach Bennett concludes by saying, “Coaching has been one of the best decisions I have made, it has made me a better person.”


And the new Y soccer fields on Silver Lake Road will be making their debut for the fall season! Bill Sparks looks forward to having games played at the new facility. “ We are excited about hosting soccer games on our new fields this fall. We will continue to play games at the other outstanding locations that we have used over the years, but the new Y fields will be a much welcomed addition to our program.”


If you would like more information about the Y fall soccer league, please feel free to call the Y at 933-9622. Y Youth Sports Coordinator Bill Sparks, or Y Program Director Barb Beckett would be glad to answer any questions that you may have about our program. You may also visit our website at www.gtbayymca.org for additional information.

Day Care Job Openings

Infant Teaching Assistant, 32+ hours, must be nurturing, flexible, dependable, and possess great communication skills, CPR and First Aid Training , infant experience required!


Teaching Assistants , part time for infant through PreK age groups; must be flexible, dependable, and experience working with children, CPR and First Aid Training.

Positions start ASAP!

Send resume to: Molly Brown, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Child Care Center, 1100 Woodmere Ave STE B, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Applications available at:

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

Y Seeks Soccer Intern

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a soccer intern to aid the All Sports Director to implement the fall 2010 program.


This internship is based at our main facility at 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City. Must have a working knowledge of soccer and vocabulary. May be required to teach basics skill classes.

Must be able to work with all ages and skill levels. Refer to our website at www.gtbayymca.org for program offerings. Intern will assist the director in all aspects of the program including scheduling, volunteer management, athletic event preparation, field or court preparation and other duties. Computer skills a must!

Intern must interact with a variety of people in a professional manner and represent YMCA mission, values, and vision at all times. This is an uncompensated internship. Intern will be responsible for all arrangements for academic credit.

The hoped for start date would be September 7. Candidates are encouraged to send Letter of Interest, resume, and 3 references to Barb Beckett, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. Contact Barb Beckett at email barbrady22@yahoo.com or 231-933-9622.

Not Just a Y!

By Tom Van Deinse, CEO, Grand Traverse Bay Young Men's Christian Association


The Young Men’s Christian Association has been familiarly called “the Y” for so long that the YMCA of the USA decided to officially adopt that name, along with a vibrant new logo, at their recent General Assembly.


We are still the Young Men’s Christian Association, or YMCA, and a portion of our new logo still spells out “YMCA” (formerly just “Y”). Our mission similarly has not changed since its inception more than 150 years ago – “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”


We have not dropped the “C” in YMCA! The “Y” and the “M” rightly deserve deletion, however – we have long since offered our services for all, not just “Young Men”. But, alas, common usage prevails.


Locally, the “C” is very much alive and well at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. While we are non-denominational, we proudly open our camp day and board meetings with prayer, we use a Christian curriculum at our day care, we teach Christian values in each of our programs, and we even host a Sunday afternoon church service at our Woodmere facility.


Yes, we’re known as “the Y”, but we’re not just a Y!

Y Rebranding Story Featured on TV 7 & 4

Click here to check out the full story!

Every Beach Bum double play is a donation to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.

The Larkin Group and West Bend Insurance are sponsoring the Double Play for YMCA. West Bend will provide a grant up to $2,000 this season for every double play that the Traverse City Beach Bums has against their opponent.
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA wishes to thank the Larkin Group and West Bend Insurance for their support of the Y vision. 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.

Click Here To Hear a Y Double Play!

Y Basketball-More Than Just Skills

By LESLIE SWANSON
Y Marketing and Media Intern

What many people do not know is that the sport of basketball was created at a YMCA way back in the day. Another little known fact about YMCA basketball is that, especially at the local facility, it is one of the very few programs that truly run year-round.

Whether it’s through tournaments, leagues or “Bitty Basketball” (basketball clinics for 3 year olds), the YMCA gives folks of all ages an opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s oldest games.


At the local Y, there are several adult leagues, varying in size, offered throughout the year. A league for boys in grades three through five take place November through December, while its sister league for girls runs January through February. This is the first time the leagues have been split up.

Another first this year is a high school league involving teams from 12 area high schools. The YMCA is hoping to incorporate them into the fall women’s league. That league was born when the volleyball and girls basketball seasons switched several years ago.


Especially for the youngsters, basketball is a great environment to learn some very important lessons, not only about the game, but lessons in life.


Thanks to people like Heather Simpson, head basketball coach at Traverse City Central High School, these kids are given opportunities to not only work their skills, but put them into game situations and give back to the community at the same time.

Last winter, Simpson brought in five or six of her players every Saturday to give young girls a chance to learn the game. After a few Saturdays, the girls played during halftime at one of the high school games. They raised money for a charity and were able to give athletic shoes to less fortunate children in the community.

The YMCA’s basketball program does more for kids than just expose them to the game. It truly does help to instill not only the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect, but also sportsmanship and friendly competition.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to not only learn the game, but also learn valuable life lessons in competition and sportsmanship,” Simpson said of the YMCA basketball program.

YMCA 2010 Men’s “Fall” Softball League

What: YMCA Men’s “Fall” Softball League

When: League begins September 6th, 2010 at the Civic Center in Traverse City, Michigan (Eden)

Leagues: Monday & Wednesday evenings – Double-headers wherever possible

Cost: $400.00

Deadline: August 27th, 2010

Format: Round robin league schedule – First 10 paid teams will be entered in the league

How to Pay: Please make checks payable to “GT Bay YMCA” and mail to YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr Traverse City, MI 49684.

Contact Barb Beckett at phone 231.933.9622 for more information.

YMCA “Fall COED” Softball League

What: YMCA “Fall COED” Softball League

Where: All games played at the Civic Center in Traverse City, Michigan (Eden)

Nights: Sunday late afternoon/evening start

Cost: $400.00 per team fee. Fee must be paid in full to register

Deadline: August 27th, 2010

Play Begins: Sunday September 12th, 2010. Approximately 7 week season.

Format: Round robin league format. Guaranteed 7 games, limited to first 16 paid teams.

Registration may be started by completing the form below and returning it along with your $400.00 team fee to the YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Traverse City, MI 49684

Contact Barb Beckett at 231.933.9622 for more information.

YMCA 2010 Women’s & High School “Fall” Basketball

What: YMCA Women’s & High School “Fall” League Basketball

Cost: $300.00 team sponsor fee plus $25.00 per player fee

When: Week of September 19th – November 7th, 2010

Where: Sunday evenings in TC area gyms – All high school age females & above welcome.

Registration Deadline: September 6th, 2010

Format: Round robin league format. Registration may be started by completing the form below and returning it along with $300.00 team fee to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Traverse City, MI 49684.

Call Barb Beckett at 231-933-YMCA (9622) for more information.

Note:
No team will be accepted without a completed registration form and the $300.00 team registration fee.

TC Pop Warner Sign Up

Reminder: Traverse City Pop Warner Football Sign Up today at 7:00 pm at YMCA Main Facility

Parking for Parade and Fireworks

National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, MI -

Parking for Parade and Fireworks is available at 333 Grandview Pkwy across from the volleyball courts at the Harborview Center for $10 per vehicle. A fund raiser for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. First come, first serve.

July YMCA Teen Dance Cancelled

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has announced the cancellation of the July Teen Dcance that was to be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010.

There will be a teen dance on Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 7-10 pm as scheduled.

"Teen dances provide a safe environment for teens, and an opportunity to meet new friends, mingle, listen to great music, and enjoy an activity just for them!" according to Molly Brown, Y Teen Director, "Parents and other adult volunteers always help to make the dance a great event. They will see we provide a safe, wholesome environment for this dance."

Admission is free to YMCA members and $5 per person for the public. Identification is required for entry. Parents and volunteers are always welcomed to help with dances. Dress and dancing codes are enforced.

People are encouraged to contact Y Teen Director Molly Brown at 421.3568 or molly@gtbayymca.org for more information on the dance and volunteer opportunities.

Come to the Parade

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will have 2 floats in the parade tonight.

Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade for the National Cherry Festival


Thursday, July 8, Start Time: 6:30 PM  to End Time: 8:30 PM 

See one of America's only Kids Parades, the Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade features the National Cherry Festival Prince and Princess court representing our 26 local Elementary schools. Come see clowns, marching bands, floats, and much more! Approximately two hours.

The Touchstone Energy Junior Royale Parade theme for 2010 is "Awesomely Awesome Michigan Cities".

You can still get in the parade! Kids can sign up under categories starting at 4:45pm at F&M Park. Categories include Bikes, Cherry People, Cardboard Floats, Pets, Daycare, and many more!

Don't miss the Cherry Royale Parade on Saturday, July 10 at 11:15 a.m.!


Front to Union to 7th Streets (wheelchair access at corner of 6th and Union Street)

YMCA Pop Warner Football: Through the Years

First Published in the Grand Traverse Insider – Sunday, July 4, 2010


YMCA Pop Warner: Through the Years

Leslie Swanson
Y Marketing and Media Intern

After 15 years of Pop Warner football at Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, it seemed appropriate to take a look back at Pop Warner’s roots.

Originally dubbed the Junior Football Conference, Pop Warner football was an outlet for inner-city boys to not only let off some energy, but also a safe, nurturing environment to learn the rules of football. Five years after its first season, Tomlin organized a clinic for all 16 teams to take place in April 1934. The night prior to the clinic, temperatures dropped and combined with high winds and sleet to create some pretty nasty traveling conditions for speakers coming to the clinic. Among the list of speakers was Glenn Scobie “Pop” Warner, a legend among active football coaches and coach of the Temple Owls. Warner was the only speaker to show up to the clinic. The 800 players in attendance kept him talking and answering questions for nearly two hours. After the clinic, the Junior Football Conference soon took the name of the Pop Warner Conference.

In less than ten years, the league expanded from just 16 teams to almost 160 teams. Most players were at least 15 years old, although there were a few as old as 30. During the years of the depression, many kids left school. Tomlin saw that as a problem and incorporated literature, speakers, and provided tutors to kids who wanted to stay in school. When World War II came, many of the older players were forced to leave football to fight in the war. Many teams ceased to exist and the league was only left with 42 teams. In 1947, the conference was able to bounce back with 100 teams, but instead of teams being made up mostly of older players as in years passed, teams were made up of primarily younger boys. To accommodate this movement, rules were set up to benefit the younger players and the era of “midget football” was born. Within another ten years, the league had grown to 3000 teams.

In 1970, girls felt the need to join in the fun of Pop Warner football. Cheering from the stands was not enough for them, so Pop Warner Cheerleading emerged and grew at an extremely rapid pace.

In 1983, a flag football program was introduced to teams working with a low budget. Flag football has continued to grow and is an excellent way to train younger players for tackle football.

Today, over 300,000 boys and girls, ranging in age from 5 to 16 are involved in Pop Warner programs nationwide. In recent years, Mexico and Japan have jumped on the Pop Warner bandwagon.

Just as rapidly as Pop Warner spread across the country, it has certainly spread like wildfire in our region. What started in 1995 as 10 football teams across four northern Michigan counties has expanded into over 90 football teams and 25 cheer teams spanning 10 counties with nearly 325 coaches. Bellaire, Benzie, Boyne City, Cadillac, Central Lake, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Elk Rapids, Evart, Forest Area, Frankfort, Glen Lake, Harbor Springs, Kalkaska, Kingsley, Lake City, Ludington, Mancelona, Manistee, Manton, Marion, McBain, Mesick, Onekama, Pellston, Petoskey, Pine River, Scottville, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City make up the 30-town region of Pop Warner football that has been run by the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA for the past 15 years.

Each year, about 2500 kids participate in Pop Warner football. With over 300 kids, Traverse City has the largest participation. A sign up for Traverse City kids only will be held on July 12 at 7:00 PM at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Currently, there are two divisions: Junior Peewee and Junior Midget. Junior Peewee is for ages 8-10 and 60-105 pounds. Junior Midget is for ages 10-12 and 85-135 pounds.

YMCA Pop Warner Football is a travel league, held Saturdays in September and October, and area associations host an all-day slate of games. Y Pop Warner is safe, fun, and a great way to learn the skills of tackle football.

YMCA Pop Warner creates so many wonderful opportunities for boys and girls alike to learn important values such as sportsmanship and teamwork as well as instilling the YMCA’s four core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.

Visit the following websites for more information: www.gtbayymca.org, www.ymcafootball.com, and www.youthfootball.org.

Need a place to park during the Cherry Festival?

Remind your friends and out of town visitors to Park at Harbor View Center, 333 Grandview Blvd, across from the Volleyball Courts on West Traverse Bay. Park from Saturday, July 3 - Saturday, July 10. Evenings and Weekends only. Rates vary depending on the day. Buy our Coca Cola products to further support the Y!

The Harbor View Center is a generous supporter the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA and we thank them for their parking lot.

Proceeds of this fundraiser will be used for the programs and activities of the YMCA. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has been serving the 5 country region as a charity since 1964.

Want to volunteer? We need your help, particularly on July 4th! Call Dave Eitland at 933-9622 or 357-0524 or dave@gtbayymca.org to find out times to serve.

The Y WILL be open during our regular hours Monday, July 5!

           July 4th weekend hours:

Friday, July 2- 6AM-9PM

Saturday, July 3- 8AM-12PM
Sunday, July 4- CLOSED
Monday, July 5- 6AM-9PM

Y seeking marketing and media intern

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a Marketing and Media Intern to further expand our presence on the web as a mechanism to communicate to our members and friends. This internship is based at our main facility at 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City.

Intern must be a creative writer, fluent in English and grammar, fluent in current technology of communication including Facebook, Twitter, Internet, etc.  Intern will help to implement electronic newsletters to various YMCA constituencies.

Intern will write profiles, news releases, and update various on-line media. Content will vary as with all of our 65 different programs. Experience in layout, design, and digital photography a plus.

Intern will feel comfortable to work in both classical media and forms of communication as driven the new technology.

Intern must interact with a variety of people in a professional manner and represent YMCA mission, values, and vision at all times. This is an uncompensated internship. Intern will be responsible for all arrangements for academic credit.

The hoped for start date would be September 7 for fall term.  

Candidates are encouraged to send Letter of Interest, resume, and 3 writing samples or web work to Dave Eitland, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Contact Dave Eitland, director of marketing, at dave@gtbayymca.org or 231-933-9622. Our website displaying our over 65+ programs is at www.gtbayymca.org  contact our Front Desk at 231-933-YMCA (9622) or our blog site at http://newsgtbayymca.blogspot.com for more information.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA serves primarily the five county region of the Grand Traverse Bay region. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a faith-based charity that served last year more than 10,000 members and program participants including over 6,400 kids and 2,800 members each year through 65+ programs that build body, mind, and spirit.  The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is part of the largest charitable group in the country, received over $200,000 in donations and granted financial assistance to 500 families in 2009. Nearly 500 volunteers donated nearly 33,000 hours of their time to ensure the Y could fulfill its Judeo-Christian mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Seeking a Sports Adminstration Intern

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a sports adminstration intern to aid the All Sports Director to implement the fall 2010 program. This internship is based at our main facility at 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City.

Intern must be interested in a career in athletic management and pursuing a degree from an accredited institution in sports management or a related field.

Intern will assist the director in all aspects of the program including scheduling, volunteer management, athletic event preparation, field or court preparation and other duties related to sports administration. Computer skills a must!

Intern must interact with a variety of people in a professional manner and represent YMCA mission, values, and vision at all times. This is an uncompensated internship. Intern will be responsible for all arrangements for academic credit.

The hoped for start date would be September 7.

Candidates are encouraged to send Letter of Interest, resume, and 3 references to Barb Beckett, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Contact Barb Beckett email barbrady22@yahoo.com or 231-933-9622. Our website displaying our over 65+ programs at http://www.gtbayymca.org/, contact our Front Desk at 933-YMCA (9622) or our blog site at http://newsgtbayymca.blogspot.com/ for more information.



The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA serves primarily the five county region of the Grand Traverse Bay region. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a faith-based charity that served last year more than 10,000 members and program participants including over 6,400 kids and 2,800 members each year through 65+ programs that build body, mind, and spirit. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is part of the largest charitable group in the country, received over $200,000 in donations and granted financial assistance to 500 families in 2009. Nearly 500 volunteers donated nearly 33,000 hours of their time to ensure the Y could fulfill its Judeo-Christian mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

2010 Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Gymnastics Program

Here are a series of YouTube videos featuring the 2010 Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Gymnastics Program:

Here are the links:

2010 YMCA Gymnastics Introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWys4LKZ7FQ



2010 YMCA Gymnastics Sisters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMVAytUkalo  



2010 YMCA Gymnastics – Year in Review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wv2vOZSwsA

The 1 Minute Meet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPx6QZARThA  

2011 YMCA Gymnastics Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXDUmO0wwKs  

Enjoy!

We thank Kevin Jackson for his dedication and production expertise.

For more information on the Y Gymnastics program call Betsy at

Y Gymnastics Center

1100 Woodmere, Suite A

Traverse City, Michigan

231-929-2869

Family Nights Cancelled for Summer

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Family Fun Nights have been cancelled for the duration of the summer, but will make a return in September. Be sure to be on the lookout for the startup date on the events calendar at http://www.gtbayymca.org/!

Contact Molly Brown at 421-3568 or email at childcare@gtbayymca.org. Information on all of the YMCA’s 65 programs is available at our website at http://www.gtbayymca.org/.

Revised Adult Softball Schedules

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA manages all adult softball leagues that are played at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center fields. Truly a beautiful location!


Below are updated schedules as of June 11, 2010:

Women: http://www.gtbayymca.org/files/Women%20softball%202010%20revised.pdf

Coed: http://www.gtbayymca.org/files/revised%20coed%20schedules.pdf

Men: http://www.gtbayymca.org/files/Men%20softball%202010%20revised.pdf

Rain out line: 231-357-0215

More information from Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622

Lacrosse Skills

By Leslie Swanson
Y Marketing and Media Intern

Is your child looking to brush up on their lacrosse skills or just looking to try something new? The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will be offering a five-week lacrosse training clinic for children going into grades 1-8. The age groups will be divided as follows: 1-4 grades on Mondays and 5-8 grades on Tuesdays. The clinic begins Monday July 12, 2010, and will meet once a week from 5:30-7 PM for five weeks. The cost is $25 for YMCA members and $50 for non-members. The registration deadline is July 5, 2010.




Men and high school-aged kids are welcome on Thursday nights from 6-8:30 PM for drop-in games.



“This is a great way for kids to learn one of the fastest growing sports in the region,” according Barb Beckett, Y All Sports Director.



For more information contact Barb Beckett 933-YMCA(9622) or dave@gtbayymca.org . Our website is located at www.gtbayymca.org or check out our Facebook and Twitter pages.




The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a faith-based charity that served last year more than 10,000 members and program participants including over 6,400 kids and 2,800 members each year. Nearly 500 volunteers donated nearly 33,000 hours of their time last year to ensure the Y could fulfill its Judeo-Christian mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

HEDRICH JOINS YMCA

HEDRICH JOINS YMCA
By Leslie Swanson
YMCA Marketing and Media Intern

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is proud to announce Teri Hedrich, of Traverse City, to the position of Assistant Campaign and Membership Director. Teri brings with her nearly 25 years of experience in business and philanthropy.

She has worked as the annual giving officer at Northwestern Michigan College of Traverse City, as volunteer director at Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights, Ill., and at the Wellness Program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. Teri holds a Masters of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and a Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

The New Y Capital Campaign is seeking to raise $12 million to build the first essential phase at its Silver Lake Road property.

For more information contact Dave Eitland at 933-YMCA(9622) or dave@gtbayymca.org . Our website is located at http://www.gtbayymca.org/ or our Facebook page.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a faith-based charity that served last year more than 10,000 members and program participants including over 6,400 kids and 2,800 members each year through 65+ programs that build body, mind, and spirit. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is part of the largest charitable group in the country, received over $200,000 in donations and granted financial assistance to 500 families in 2009. Nearly 500 volunteers donated nearly 33,000 hours of their time last year to ensure the Y could fulfill its Judeo-Christian mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Day Camp Overview

by Leslie Swanson
YMCA Marketing and Media Intern

Kids ages 3-14 have the opportunity, once again, to enhance their spirit, mind, and body at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Day Camps as they have for the past 25 years.

The state-licensed camps last for 12 weeks, with each week having a different theme. Campers can also choose from six different camps: Traditional Y Day Camp, Y Sports Camp, K-Camp, Young Explorers Camp, Y Arts Camp, and the Y Leaders Club Camp. Camp starts on June 14 and registration is now being taken.

At the Traditional Y Day Camp, campers are split into age groups and participate in activities designed around the theme of the week. This camp is for kids entering grades 1-6. This camp costs $95 per week for YMCA facility members and $115 per week for YMCA program members.

The Y Sports Camp gives campers an introduction to new sports as well as an opportunity to polish their skills. Each week features a new sport. Kids entering grades 4-6 can participate in this camp. This camp costs $105 per week for facility members and $125 per week for program members.

The K-Camp, a camp solely for kids entering kindergarten, provides campers a variety of age-appropriate activities similar to those in the traditional day camp. This camp costs $95 per week for facility members and $115 per week for program members.

The Young Explorers Camp, for kids age 3 ½-4, takes place at the Y Child Care Center. This camp is based on the YMCA’s values. This camp costs $115 per week for facility members and $145 per week for program members.

The Y Arts Camp, for kids entering grades 4-6, introduces art through four themes: “Pure Nature”, “African Safari”, “Art History”, and “Art Expression.” This camp costs $105 per week for facility members and $125 per week for program members. This is a special four week camp that begins on July 12.

The Y Leaders Club Camp, designed for kids entering grades 7-9, teaches campers how to apply the YMCA’s values to leadership models. This camp costs $95 per week for facility members and $115 per week for program members.

There are scholarships and financial aid programs available to those kids who qualify.

For more information check our website at http://www.gtbayymca.org , the day camp blog site at http://dcgtbayymca.blogspot.com , or call 933-9622.

Y MEMORIAL DAY & SUMMER HOURS

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA facilities will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day.

The YMCA Main Facility will begin its summer hours on Tuesday, June 1.

The main facility located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City will be open Monday – Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturdays from 8:00 am to Noon, and closed on Sundays. This schedule will continue through Labor Day 2010 (September 6).

Y Day Camp celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Sign up information can be found on our website.

All YMCA programming and information is available at http://www.gtbayymca.org/ or by calling the Front Desk at 231-933-YMCA (9622). The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has been a local charity since 1964 serving community needs of over 10,000 program participants and 2,800 members each year. Because of the generosity of donors over 500 children and adults received financial assistance so that they can fully participate in YMCA programs and membership.

Y Adult Soccer

"The ball does not care how old you are!"
Because of community demand, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will continue to offer adult soccer leagues this summer. There will be separate divisions for both men and women. The cost of the program is $25 per player and you must be at least 18 years old to participate.


The women's league will be held on Wednesday evenings and the men's league will take place on Thursday evenings, beginning on June 9th and June 10th respectively. The program will run for 8 weeks, ending on August 4th & 5th. There will not be any games during the week of the National Cherry Festival. All games are played on the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA soccer fields, located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive. Game-times will be 7 p.m. for both divisions.

The league will be played using a "drop-in" format. Participants will divide themselves into teams on a weekly basis prior to game time. All games will be officiated.

The main goals of all YMCA programs are fun and fitness. YMCA Soccer Coordinator Bill Sparks says, "The Y adult soccer leagues are always a lot of fun for the players. The league is the ideal summer venue to get together with friends."

If you would like more information about the adult summer soccer leagues, please feel free to call the YMCA at 933-9622. You may also visit our website at http://www.gtbayymca.org/  or our blog site at http://newsgtbayymca.blogspot.com/  for more information.

May Healthy Family Home Newsletter

This month's YMCA-USA Healthy Family Home Newsletter is available on-line at:

http://www.ymca.net/healthyfamilyhome/newsletter.html

This month features:

Family Time
Kid's Corner
Fun with Fruits and Vegetables
Ask the Food Dude
Playground Idea
Meal Idea.

At the YMCA we build strong kids, strong families, strong communities!

Family Fun Night

MAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT YMCA


Family Fun Nights are opportunities for families to get together with others to enjoy themselves and the program and facilities of the Grand Travere Bay YMCA. We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Family Fun Night for May 7 & 21 will be "Luau Party" with bonfire (weather permitting), Limbo, make leis & Hawaiian projects, create your own Fruit Kabobe! The May 7 event will be at the YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City and the May 21 event will be held at the Y Child Care Center, 1100 Woodmere Ste B, Traverse City.

Both events are from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Always there is all you can eat pizza.

These events are free to YMCA members and are $15 per family for the public.

Contact Molly Brown at 421-3568 or email at childcare@gtbayymca.org. Information on all of the YMCA’s 65 programs is available at our website at www.gtbayymca.org.