School is back in session - exciting for some and overwhelming for others. Family stress can mount up with thoughts of school supplies, getting the 'right' clothes, avoiding unhealthy snacks and planning around hectic work and school schedules.

At the Y, we are committed to come alongside parents and guardians to make this school year a time when kids realize their potential and discover who they are and what they are able to achieve.  Here are a few ways we are helping parents and children have a less stressful school year.

- High Quality & Affordable After School Programs 

- Youth Sports: So much more than a game  

- Make it family-time at the Y with Open Swim                           Click here to view our

                                                                                          Fall Program Brochure

For many of our campers on scholarship, Camp Reed is the only

We seek to instill lifetime values such as an appreciation for the outdoors and the confidence that comes from trying new activities. To hear kids say to their counselor "This was the best week of my life" is beyond compare - it is our objective.

Auction funds are utilized to keep camp fees reasonable for families, provide scholarships for deserving low income children and to make facility improvements. In 2012, YMCA Camp Reed served close to 2,000 children and received more requests for scholarship assistance than ever before! We know there are many worthy causes seeking to raise funds in our area, yet one distinction this auction holds is that all funds directly

benefit local children. We hope to see you up at 

Northern Quest this October!

Here's a quick update on the upcoming renovation and replacement projects that will be occurring at our Spokane Valley and North Spokane YMCA's over the next couple months:

Spokane Valley YMCA

- Sept 9: Family Locker Rooms will be re-opening!

- Aug 30-Sept 9: Gymnasium closed for floor refinishing

- Sept 10-30: Women's Locker Room closed for renovation

- Oct 1-28: Men's Locker Room Closed for renovation

* Please note that while the Men's and Women's locker rooms are being renovated, the men will use the temporary locker rooms and showers, located off the southeast end of the Aquatics Center.

North Spokane YMCA

Bonneville Power will be replacing two wooden power poles located in the middle of the current parking lot. During this replacement, no one will be able to come within 100 ft. of the poles or lines, which blocks access to the entire parking lot.  An additional parking lot near the Pavilion, located on the Northwest side of the property, will help with some of the temporary parking issues.

Unfortunately, we will have little control of when this shutdown will occur.  Bonneville Power will give us 5-7 days notice before the closure, and hopes to keep the disruption to 48 hours. The temporary closure will take place some time between late October and late November. Watch for more details as we get closer. 

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, which provides us with a perfect opportunity to openly discuss this disease with one another and share insights into what's being done, and what can be done to combat it. 

Nationally, one in three children are obese or overweight - and here in Washington, 29% of children are affected by this epidemic. This September, the YMCA wants to help families in the Spokane community understand the risks of childhood obesity and how to incorporate enjoyable physical activities and healthy eating habits into their every day lives.

"We want families to understand the risks of childhood obesity and the lifetime benefits of eating right and getting physically active," says Mindy Wallis, a YMCA Healthy Living Coordinator. "Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to healthy living and the Y is a great place for families to get started." Click on the "read more" tab to view 5 simple tips that can help families live healthier together!

On Saturday, September 29, consumers across the country will have the opportunity to help prevent abuse and misuse of prescription drugs by disposing of any unwanted medications during the fifth DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

From 10 am to 2 pm, you may safely dispose of unwanted medications at one of two collection sites - the Valley Precinct located at 12710 E. Sprague Ave. as well as the North Spokane Library located at 44 E. Hawthorne Road. 

The event was held at the Spokane County Valley Precinct last April, in which over 400 pounds of dropped off medications were collected. Each site will also have a shred truck from DeVries Business Services available to collect sensitive documents for safe disposal. 

Mike Russel (left) and Gene Doty (right) during their retirement party in '98

Mike joined the old Downtown Y in Riverfront Park around 1977, right before the first Bloomsday
race. During that time they were offering a Bloomsday Training Course in which he was highly interested. Gene joined the Y in 1979, during a time in which he was very involved in martial arts. As youth probation officers at the juvenile court,
Mike and Gene needed a place to unwind after work since their jobs were often quite stressful.

Mike and Gene have participated in many Y programs over their years of membership. While they do utilize the weight and cardio machines, their real loves are the group exercise classes
such as strength & conditioning and yoga. Though both nearing 70 years old, Mike and Gene enjoy exercising with the younger crowd. 

Baked Oatmeal w/ Blackberries and Ginger 

(from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Every Day)  

Ingredients: 

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup candied ginger, diced
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more for top
1 big pinch of ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
2 large bananas
1 1/2 cups blackberries, or other seasonal fruit

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8" 

square baking dish.

2) In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar, ginger, baking powder, spices, and salt.

3) In a small bowl whisk together the milk, egg, and butter.                                                                       (Image from brooklynsupper.net) 

4) Slice the bananas into the prepared baking dish 

so that they cover the bottom. 

5) Cover bananas with a third of the berries. 

6) Spoon in the oat mixture, and then pour in the milk mixture. 

7) Press the remaining berries into the oats, and sprinkle top with cinnamon.

8) Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and the edges are lightly browned. 

9) Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. 

10) Slice up and serve with a sprinkle of fresh berries.