Our TV commercial running on local TV explains why you should make the Family YMCA a part of your life.
in Kitchener or Cambridge
FREE for 1 WEEK! |
Overnight camp registration is open
See new camp website: kwycamps.ca
The time has arrived to help your child decide which YMCA Overnight Camp suits their interests and be the most fun! And if you've ever been to camp, you know how it transforms lives and helps connect kids to nature.
Go to the camps new website: kwycamps.ca and register soon so you will have the best selection of programs and weeks. |
| My YMCA Story:
Maria Alvarez retires after 24 years serving newcomers to Canada
At the end of December, Maria Alvarez retired as General Manager of YMCA Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services in both Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. She had been with the YMCA since it started helping immigrants when the KW YMCA started operating the Host Program in 1985. Read about her achievements in this Waterloo Region Record story.
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Cambridge Cultural Diversity Survey
The YMCA of Cambridge's Cultural Diversity department is conducting a survey to help it and other organizations to better serve the city. Everyone who lives in Cambridge is encouraged to participate, please take the survey now. |
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FIT TIP:
by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin) MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
 So I am fast approaching the half-century club which I was starkly reminded of yesterday when I had a horrific dream that at my current age I was thrust back into High School Physics class and required to resurrect long forgotten formulae. So now I am contemplating how ridiculous the hit song's adage is: "Forever Young".
Think about it. Those hormonally charged developmental teen years were great, but there also was something wonderful about the training twenties, the working thirties, the family forties (where my own children are now college bound) and soon to be mastering marvellous midlife, and eventually - hopefully - some grace and wisdom in the golden years.
Each decade has seen me tackle with intensity various fitness goals and challenges. In fact, the only injury setbacks have come when I have pretended to be still at an earlier stage of development. So let's get fit, stay fit, and learn to adjust the tempo of activity to the rhythm of our life cycle. Young forever? Hardly. But enjoying the now? Absolutely!
Read this related story:
If you would like to suggest a topic for a future Fit Tip, please let us know.
Stay fit for life! |
| 2009 Bright Lights Campaign
helps 290 newcomers
The YMCA's Bright Lights campaign helps families who are newcomers in our community during the holiday season. Many of these families are struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their children as they settle into a new way of life in a new community.
The 2009 Bright Lights campaign was generously supported by the staff at Maplesoft, the Edelweiss Trust Fund, YMCA staff, volunteers, program participants and members. The generosity of community has ensured that 290 individuals received a gift over the holiday season. Thank you! |
| New website coming
We are busy preparing to launch a new website for the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo. We hope to launch it by April. The new site will feature a main door to access all YMCA programs and side doors so that you can go straight to what interests you most. The main address for the new site will be:
ymcacambridgekw.ca | |
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INVEST IN A KID TODAY
If the YMCA has made a difference
in your life or the life of someone you care about become a
YMCA storyteller for the
2010 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
By telling your story and sharing it with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, you can help raise funds for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign that raises much needed financial support for children, teens and families who can't afford the full cost of participating in YMCA programs or activities.
Our 2010 Goal
Our 2010 goal is to raise $234,500 in Waterloo Region so that we can provide 2,800 assisted memberships for low-income children, youth and families and send 425 children to camp.
Join us on Family Day for our campaign kick-off and a day of fun!
February 15
10:30 a.m. - A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA 1 p.m. - Chaplin Family YMCA
To learn more, e-mail Alice Michaud, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Coordinator. |
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50 Ways to help your whole FAMILY thrive
A continuing series
21. Listen to your child without always giving advice or opinions.
22. Try to find the joy in each day.
23. Say no to your child when you have to but say yes as much as you can.
24. Be consistent.
25. Attend parent-teacher meetings and school events. |
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Get active outside
Activities for families and adults
Intro to snowshoeing $25
January 23
Intro to Animal Tracking $25
March 6
Cross Country Ski Day Trip $60
February 28
Beat the Blues Family Winter WeekendFebruary 5 - 7 $99 Adult, $10 youth, $5 Child
Winter Family Fun DayFebruary 13 $20 Adult, $10 Youth , $5 Child
Kayaking Basics at A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
8 weeks starting Feb. 7
$250
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Family Literacy Day Event
Help break the record for a "Read In"
On Sunday January 31, Project READ Literacy Network Waterloo-Wellington and community partners including the YMCA who offer intergenerational literacy will be hosting the 12th annual Family Literacy Day.
Events include "The Record Breaking Read In" at 1 p.m., The Bogglemania tournament for both children and adults at 10:30 a.m. and other interactive activities. The event will be held at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, 550 King Street North. Come join us for what is sure to be a great time for the entire family. |
THANK YOU!
for gifts that make a difference
- Canadian General-Tower Limited
provided 3,720 yards of roofing membrane with a value of over $50,000 to redo the roof on the Chaplin Family YMCA.
Mandarin Restaurants have given $1000 to each of our local YMCAs Strong Kids Campaigns as part of a chain-wide effort to help everyone access the benefits of YMCA programs.
Give to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign! |
Hope exists in people who inspire peace
Peace Medallions awarded in Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo
Check out the inspiring stories of this year's Peace Medallions recipients:
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Upcoming Events
- Family Literacy Event at both YMCA Early Years Centres, January 27, 10 - 11:30. Registration required.
- The Z Beside the Y has a Movie Night for Cambridge teens who are fans of Harry Potter, starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 15.
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