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A New Strategic Plan
| We have begun a new chapter at the YMCA of Oakville and a new five-year strategic plan.
Last year, we asked the Oakville community to dream big and provide us with input into our strategic planning process. You told us that investing in children, teens and young adults is the key to building a strong community.
Over the next five years, we'll focus on engaging more children, teens and young adults by:
- Extending our reach and expanding new and current programs in both north Oakville and in Oakville's low-income, under-served neighbourhoods
- Strengthening our impact with strong core program areas and building staff and volunteer capacity
- Developing community in collaborating and partnering with others to advocate for the health and well-being of our community
- Building our brand and philanthropic capacity to increase support for our charitable work and to be recognized for the role we play in strengthening community
Each month in our newsletter, we'll feature one of these strategic directions and report on our progress. Read more on our 2012-2016 Strategic Plan.
Building our Brand and Philanthropic Capacity
A Refreshed National Brand
But it's more than just a logo...
At the heart of the refreshed brand is our promise to strengthen the foundations of community. It's our commitment to our members, families and community and it guides everything we do - from the programs we offer, to partnerships we develop and even in our everyday interactions with the community.
Expect to see a refreshed look, new logo, and a strong delivery on our brand promise in 2012.
YMCA Strong Kids Campaign launch Stories have the power to connect us. When we are immersed in a story, we can see the world through someone else's eyes. This year as we launch our annual YMCA Strong Kids Campaign we're asking you to share your Y story with us as part of the My Y Story Project.
My Y Story Project
Tell us how the Y has changed your life or someone you know. Maybe you have a story about your first camp experience or how you were inspired to join a class in the first YMCA in Oakville. Whether your story is new, or 20 years old, we want to hear it!
We want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to create their own YMCA Story. Donate to our YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and give the most vulnerable children, youth and families the opportunity to have a YMCA experience that can change lives. Your gift today will make a difference for the future, because as renowned author Phillip Pullman said, "Once upon a time lasts forever."
For more details, visit My Y Story. You can also read some of our current inspiring Y stories at YMCA stories.
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Healthy Heart Month
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February is Heart Month!
With a YMCA membership, you're automatically enrolled in our Member Connect program which can assist you in creating or updating a routine that helps you achieve your health goals.
We heart our members Don't miss our Membership Appreciation Day on February 14!
 Want to live healthier?
The YMCA is about building healthy communities, so we're also proud to support CBC's search for Canada's healthiest community.
Do you think Oakville is tops in healthy living? If so, visit CBC Live Right Now and join an event or group in Oakville. Share within it and you'll earn points for our community and live healthier! CBC Live Right Now also has great tips and challenges to help you eat better and move more.
NEW 10k Running Clinic (16+ years) Get your heart pumping by joining our new 10 km clinic starting on February 29! Register today at Membership Services! Try a Tri at the Y Join us for a fun indoor triathlon event on Sunday, February 26 to raise funds for our YMCA Strong Kids campaign. Be prepared for heart and other emergencies!
Up to 45,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in Canada. That's one cardiac arrest every 12 minutes. The use of an AED with CPR before the arrival of Emergency Medical Services can increase the chance of survival by up to 75%*. Learn all the basics of first aid training, CPR and other emergencies. It's a must for everyone! *Heart and Stroke Foundation Living well with Disease Management If you are currently living with a chronic health condition, join us for a FREE program that explores strategies and tools for managing your condition. Presented in partnership with Halton Healthcare Services, this program will also benefit spouses or caregivers. For more information, and to register, call 905-845-2571, ext. 5900 or email maximizeyourhealth@haltonhealthcare.on.ca. Maximize Your Health Start date: Friday, February 24 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Celebrate Family Time
| According to Statistics Canada, families today are spending on average 45 minutes less with family members than they did just two years ago - and this trend only seems to be growing.
We want to help families in our community find ways they can celebrate family time and be active together. Check out these suggestions:
Family Day, February 20 We're celebrating Family Day and hope you'll join us at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA for a day of FREE and fun activities. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, the YMCA will be buzzing with fun things for the whole family from Family Zumba, make 'N take cooking sessions, a reptile party and new this year, a performance from illusionist and magician Rick Rossini and his magic museum. Pick up your free Family Day brochure at the Y and turn to page 9 for a list of YMCA activities. Event Volunteers Needed! If you would like to volunteer to help with this fund event, please contact Heather Dean at heatherde@oakville.ymca.ca or call at 905-842-6639. Bonding with Baby
Spend some special time with your little one in our free Mother Goose program. Using traditional songs and rhymes, you'll gain confidence in your parenting skills, experience special moments with your baby and learn how to create positive family relationships. Visit Steps and Stages for more information on our Parent and Child programs. Family Zumba! Looking for a fun way to spend time with your family and be active? Why not try a Family Zumba class?
Family Zumba (7+ years)
April 28-June 23
Saturdays, 11:00-11:45 am
Register early. This class will be popular! |
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Summer Camp Registration is open!
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It's never too early to start thinking of summer camp programs! 
From camps at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Valens Conservation Area, to Sports, Challengers and Aquatics Camps at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA, we're sure you'll find the perfect camp for your child. We've even added a NEW camp location this year at Palermo Public School!
A YMCA Summer Camp will give your child the chance to have fun, meet new friends, gain confidence and make lasting memories.
Register today! Spaces are already filling up!
For details on all of our camp programs, view the 2012 Summer Camp brochure, or pick up a copy at the Membership Services Desk.
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Children and Youth Programs
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Every day we work with children, youth and teens helping them to grow, thrive, lead and belong. We still have space in the following programs which keep kids fit and help them make smart and healthy choices. (R) = Registration required. Fees may apply. Youth Boot Camp 10-13 years (R) January 31-March 6 Tuesdays 6:30-7:15 pm For Girls Only! TAG - Together As Girls 10-13 years (R) Girls love our active, experiential leadership development program. They participate in group games and sports, team development activities, creative arts, movies and social media to explore topics like active living, nutrition, body image and the media, peer pressure and bullying. Community Sports
Instructional Soccer 3 years/4-6 years/7-8 years (R) Instructional Basketball 6-8 years/9-11 years/12-14 years (R) Multi-Sport 6-8 years (R) |
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Get Swimming!
| Virtual Swim the Lake Challenge Ready for the new Swim the Lake Challenge? Swim the length of Mikri Prespa Lake in Greece, 43.5 km or 1,740 lengths in the 25m pool over 8 weeks from February 6 to March 31. A $5 registration fee is required. Visit Swim the Lake to register.
 Aquatics Courses
Did you know the YMCA developed the first nationally-recognized aquatics program in 1931, and has continued to train aquatics leaders ever since?
Learning to swim at the YMCA is about more than swim basics and stroke development, it's about building confidence, self-esteem and developing lifelong skills.
We still have space in the following aquatics courses and clinics. Check out the Registered Programs Guide for details and register online today!
* Adult Beginner Swim lessons
* Adult Intermediate Swim Lessons
* Adult Stroke Correction Clinic
* Aquatics Leader Corps
* LSS Bronze Cross (13+ years)
* LSS Bronze Medallion (13+ years)
* LSS Bronze Star (9-13 years)
* LSS Swim Patrol, Rookie, Ranger Star (9-13 years)
* Parent & Tot Infant CPR (3-35 months)
* Registered Swim Lessons (all ages)
* Swim the Lake Team
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Events Calendar
| Mark your
calendars!
Summer Camp registration Starts February 1 YMCA Canada Fitness Leadership Program February 11, 12, 25, 26 Valentine's Day Member
Appreciation Day February 14 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign launch February 15 2011 tax receipts available online February 15 Family Day Celebrate at the Y February 20 Maximize Your Health Starts February 24 Try a Triathlon for YMCA Strong Kids February 26 10k Running Clinic Starts February 29 Free Kinesis information sessions
9:00 am & 6:00 pm March 5
Register now for March Break programs March 12-16 Pick up a March Break Program Schedule or download a copy. |
Coming Soon!
| Gravity classes are coming to the Y!
If you haven't heard of one of the hottest new workouts, Gravity, then come to the Y in March to see what it's all about.
Growing quickly in popularity among fitness enthusiasts, this workout uses a Gravity machine to work your entire body, and the best part? It features six adjustable levels, making it great for beginners too!
Watch for more details on classes coming soon!
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Fitness Tip
| Don't forget to stretch!
Stretching is an essential part of any fitness routine and helps to prevent injuries. Make sure you stretch before and after each workout.
Tip: If you're having trouble keeping your exercise routine going, make sure you keep stretching everyday.
Stretching has been shown to be a workout in itself. The more stretching you do, the more limber your muscles become, the better range of motion you'll have and the easier it will be to exercise and stay healthy.
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Fitness Leadership
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| Become a Healthy Leader!
If you would like to become a Group Fitness Instructor or Individual Conditioning Specialist, then sign up for the YMCA Canada Fitness Leadership Program today!
This is an accredited course featuring a five-step program that progresses in skill development. Stage 1, Basic Theory begins this month, and in order to progress, you must attend all classes.
Stage 1 - Basic Theory
Feb. 11, 12, 25, 26
Session time:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Member $339 Non-member $452
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We're Hiring!
| Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging career? The YMCA has many positions available.
Now accepting applications for
March Break and Summer Camp Staff
Visit CAREERS on our website for more job postings.
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YMCA of Oakville
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Mission: The YMCA of Oakville is a charity that strengthens community in spirit, mind and body. Charitable Registration # 11906 4400 RR0001 410 Rebecca Street Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 905-845-3417 ymcaofoakville.com
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