Waterloo Region's first Virtual YMCA was launched on February 29 at St. John's Catholic Elementary School on Strange Street in Kitchener. What at first may sound like some kind of online experience is actually an innovative program to respond to the needs of children living in neighbourhoods that could benefit from additional supports to develop the life skills they need to succeed and thrive in life.

While financial assistance helps many children benefit from participating in YMCA camps and programs offered by the region's Family YMCAs, a need was identified to "take the YMCA to the kids" in the form of a Virtual YMCA. This program is modelled after one pioneered in New York City that has also proven successful in the Hamilton/Burlington area.

• Dwell on what children do right instead of what they do wrong.
• Avoid comparing young people with each other.
• Let youth know you are proud of their talents, capabilities, and discoveries.
• Listen when young people talk about their sense of purpose in life.
• Ask young people what they are passionate about.

This YMCA has gone above and beyond all my expectations. I've joined and quit gyms in the past without having used the membership at all (or just barely). But this time - in large part because of the 1-on-1 training I received, I will continue to work out and use my membership.

In fact, I like this YMCA so much, I've encouraged all of my friends to join! My experience in this project has been a life-altering and epiphanal point for me. I've never liked exercise. I've never felt very positive about my fitness/strength. I've always shunned cardio.

My past experience (at other gyms) has always been that the gym was more interested in my money than in my success or happiness. I've even hired personal trainers before - and although the training gains have been worthwhile, they've not had the effect of transforming my thinking/feeling about my fitness. I never felt in the past that I could be strong or fit and I never felt in the past that I really belonged in a gym. I never really felt in the past like I was "one of those fitness focused gym-types"

That's all changed now. Now I have strength and endurance goals that I'm excited to be working toward. I feel like a part of the "gym-rats" club! I don't feel embarrassed about my current level of fitness - at least, not enough to let it stop me. This is a fabulous change from how I felt in the past, and I really mean it when I say that I couldn't have done it without the YMCA and most especially, I couldn't have done it without my trainer.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2008, The Mentorship Partnership Waterloo Region hosted its official program launch.

The launch spotlighted the different ways individuals can get involved, the benefits for both mentors and mentees, and the partnership between the YMCA Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services' Host Program and Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN). The partnership brings together the immigrant settlement expertise of the YMCA and the business expertise and connections of WRIEN.

• The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre has a special program on April 29, 2 - 2:30 p.m. called: Music and Movement Special - Guest: Little Hands Talking
• YMCA Overnight Camps filling quickly
  YMCA Overnight Camps: Belwood, Ki-Wa-Y and Wabanaki are still accepting registrations. Some weeks and programs are fully booked though so you are encouraged to register now using our Online Registration form. To learn about all the possibilities for adventure see our PDF brochure or the information we have available online.