Back to School at the YMCA!
Click here to view all of our youth programming happening this Fall at the Mankato Family YMCA!
SHAPE UP CHALLENGE
The Shape Up Challenge is a fun exercise competition that takes place between local businesses and organizations each year. The goal is to challenge people to get moving, get active, and to shape up! Teams compete against each other by accumulating the most minutes of exercise each week. Points are accumulated by doing aerobic exercise and participating in Y sponsored events for bonus points.

Click here for more information! Registration begins September 8th. 

Questions?
Contact Stephanie Howe, Director of Healthy Living, at 507-345-9813 or showe@mankatoymca.org
ADULT TRAINER LED CLASSES
So Many Classes, So Little Time? Buy A Punch Card! 
We know you're busy. That's why we're offering Punch Cards for our Adult Trainer-Led Classes. Four of our personal trainers have designed a unique class based on their training philosophy. With a punch card you can drop in to one of these classes anytime it works with your schedule! No need to commit to the same day/time every week. Class schedule can be found on page 12 of the fall brochure.
How It Works:
We keep your punch cards on file so you don't need to worry about keeping track of them. Each time you come to class you simply sign in and your trainer will remove a session from your card.
 * Punch cards are good through December 21st 2015.
* Classes will be limited to 12 participants; no reservations, first come first served.
* Only 60 "active" punch cards will be in circulation.
* Drop-ins will be allowed for members only (must present receipt to trainer upon signing in to class). Punch card holders have priority before drop-ins.
 
Punch Card Options:
10 Punches: Member $25Non-Member $75
Unlimited:  Member $80Non-Member $240

Get yours today!
Limited Quantity Available! Only selling 60 punch cards.       

YOGA CLASSES
Find your Om at the YMCA
Click here for class schedule and fees

VINYASA YOGA
Expect movement and perhaps some sweating as you build heat flowing from one pose to the next linking your breath to the pose. All levels welcome and options given for those wanting more or less.

GENTLE YOGA
Great class for beginners, and everyone interested in exploring a slower, softer practice. This class includes foundational poses as well as breathing exercises and meditation.
      
FIT YOGA
Slow Vinyasa practiced in a warmed up room. Expect to sweat as you hold poses longer to challenge strength, flexibility, balance and focus. Previous yoga experience preferred.
   
POWER YOGA
Vinyasa style yoga that challenges your strength, flexibility, balance, focus and stamina with continuous movement while holding specific strength building poses longer. Previous yoga experience preferred or athletic ability.

All Yoga Classes Registration Deadline: Sept. 3
   
STRIDE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

ABOUT STRIDE

STRIDE is an interactive program that provides lessons on leadership, character development, healthy choices, goal-setting and cooperation, all within the framework of a fun fitness & running plan. Participants (boys in 3rd-5th grades) will have lessons twice per week for 10 weeks, and complete the program by running in a 5K event. 
 

STRIDE TOO for boys 6th-8th grade.
 

MISSION

We encourage boys to exhibit excellence in character in all aspects of their lives, make healthy choices, and build confidence by leading them through a curriculum that incorporates fun activities and running.
 

WHEN
Starts the week of September 21st
10 week program

Twice a week after school 3:15-4:45pm

Monday/Wednesdays: Mankato Family YMCA

Tuesday/Thursdays: Mankato Family YMCA

Monday/Wednesdays: Hilltop United Methodist Church

Tuesday/Thursdays: Evangelical Free Church 

Tuesday/Thursdays: Evangelical Free Church *SITE FOR "STRIDE TOO"
 

REGISTRATION

Registration Form

 

For more information about STRIDE Program or Registration details, contact Evan Broughton at ebroughton@mankatoymca.org at or call 507-387-8255 ext. 233

 

Success, Teamwork, Respect, Inspiration, Determination = Excellence in Character

 

SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING
Can you give up one lunch a week to make a HUGE difference in the life of someone else?  Consider being an in school mentor one time a week for an hour to a youth who could benefit from a positive role model. Better yet, grab a co-worker and do it together! Contact the Mentor Office at 507-345-9815 or email: sbm@mankatoymca.org
 
Youth who have mentor:
96% feel it is important to come to school everyday.
85% have a better attitude about school.
80% feel they get along with others better.
94% have a more positive view of their future.

 
Answers to the question, "Why do you like the mentoring program?" from some of the students in the YMCA School-based Mentor program.
"Before I was kind of shy, now I have more confidence."
"I have a friend that doesn't break up with me."
"We talk about good behavior and bad behavior."
"He taught me more about life."
"I get along better with others."
"He makes school more fun, he makes me want to go more, let's me know how important it is to be in school."
"He showed me a different way to think about things."
"He helps me with my problems and I can tell him anything."
"I have a better relationship with other teachers in the building."
"I love coming to school when my mentor is coming."
 
YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT
Model Assembly - Grades 8-12 (All schools are welcome to participate)
Join youth leaders from around the state to debate the issues that are important to you. Listen to delegates with different experiences. Research public issues and become aware of local, state, national and international concerns. Accept your civic responsibilities and your leadership role. Get involved in the decision making process... and have fun!
 
Registration will be starting at the end of September. Contact Aaron Miller at West High School: amille1@isd77.k12.mn.us
 
3RD-6TH GRADE SOCIALS
Good Times + Good Friends = Good Memories 
3rd-6th Grade Socials Every Month 

When:
Saturdays at the YMCA

Fee:
$6.00 Members/Non-Members
Permission Slips Required

Our Youth Socials are now for 3rd-6th graders! Mark your calendars for this exciting night on the second Saturday of the month! Bring your friends to enjoy a themed night with games, crafts, swimming, snacks, music and much more! Permission slips are
required for this event and may be downloaded from www.mankatoymca.org or obtained from the Y's lobby or front desk.

Pre-registration is preferred, but same night registration is available. Youth must be picked up promptly by 9:30 p.m. by a parent or guardian.

Upcoming Socials 
Sat., Sept. 19 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Inflatable Obstacle Course

Sat., Oct. 10 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Halloween Costume Party

Sat., Nov. 14 7:15-9:30 p.m.
Dunk Tank
AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES
Still in need of After School Care?
Sign up for After School Adventures at the YMCA!
 
2015-2016 School Year
An After-School Program for boys and girls grades K-4.
After School Adventures runs Monday through Friday
following the District #77 school year and does not run on non-school days (holidays, etc). The YMCA bus picks up youth at school for safe, fun and supervised after-school activities.
Parents pick up their child at the YMCA before 5:30pm.

Activities include homework help, swimming, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play and special events. 

For more information, please contact Sarah Heath 
sheath@mankatoymca.org or 507-345-9808
 
Click here to read our article about the YMCA After School Program found in the Mankato Kid-Oh Magazine. 
SUMMER CAMP 2015




 Thank you to all of our youth for making this year's summer camps a blast! See you next year!

IN THE NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS!
YMCA Members, Mike Wells and John Stoffel captured the 45-and-over men's doubles title at the World Handball Championships earlier this month in Calgary. Wells also won the 45-and-over singles titles!  
Click here to read the article. 

AT A GLANCE:

September 1:
goes into effect

September 2-30:

September 3:
Fall Session 1 Registration Deadline

September 7:
Labor Day
YMCA CLOSED

September 9:
Fall Session 1
Registration Deadline
 
September 16:
Registration Deadline

September 19:
10:00am-12:00pm
Red Gym 

September 19:
10:00am-12:00pm
Aerobics Studio
 
September 19:
7:15-9:30pm
Inflatable Obstacle Course
 

MAKE US BETTER

Help Make Us Better!

Visit our website, click the Make Us Better button on our homepage, and answer our bimonthly questions to help us make the YMCA better for you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
 


 

NEW AGE POLICY
Beginning September 1st, we will have a NEW Age Policy. 
* All youth 9 years of age and under must always be accompanied by an Adult*
* One (1) hour prior to the YMCA closing, youth 15 years of age or younger are not to be in the facility unless accompanied by an Adult*
*Supervising Adult is 18 years of age and older
TRANSPORTATION TO THE YMCA
Beginning September 10th, transportation will be available to the YMCA from District 77 Elementary Schools. There will be monthly passes to purchase. Reminder: Youth must be 10 years or older. 
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL

Boys & Girls- Grades 3-6
Volleyball teams will practice one night a week on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening. Please specify choice when registering. Games will be held for one hour on Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the YMCA. All teams are coached by volunteer coaches. Parents and interested adults are encouraged to coach or be an assistant coach. If interested, contact Sarah Heath at the YMCA or provide information on the registration form.

Registration Deadline 
Wednesday, September 16

Program Dates
Program Begins: 
Week of September 14 

First Game: 
Saturday, September 26 

Last Game: 
Saturday, October 24

Fee
Member: $27.00 
Non-Member: $49.00

NOTE: A late fee of $8.00 will be charged after registration deadlines pending available space.

The Youth Sports program at the Mankato Family YMCA gives elementary-aged boys and girls the opportunity to learn sport skills in a supervised, low-competitive environment. We believe that participating in sports should be FUN and that every player should have an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to play. The emphasis of our practices is on the DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS. We want to take the pressure off the kids and let them enjoy youth sports.

MARLINS SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION

Ages 6-18 years
The Mankato YMCA Marlins
Swim Team is a team for youth who are interested in competitive swimming or learning about the sport. The team focuses on team unity, the YMCA core values, team social skills, dealing with success and failure, and sportsmanship. This team is open to all levels of participants, from swimmers who have completed Guppy 1 (Red Cross Level 4 equivalent) to high school swimmers. The Marlins season with new Marlins and returning Marlins beginning in October and runs through mid-to late February. Practices are held 5 days a week, with meets throughout the season. Click here for more details and specifics.

Team Registration: 
September 19th in the YMCA Red Gym from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

At the team registration you will: Meet and greet with the coaches, get information packet on practice times, locations, meet information, etc. and preorder other Marlins merchandise, clothing, caps, etc.

YMCA Membership Required
$38.25/quarterly or $153/year Youth Membership - no additional membership fee if under a YMCA Family Membership.

*Testing: If you are unsure whether this is the right time for your child to participate based on his or her ability, join a Marlins coach for a test during the registration hours.
THEATER PROGRAM

PINOCCHIO CHILDREN'S SHOW
Boys & Girls grades K-8
Children have the opportunity to audition, rehearse, and perform a theatrical production in front of a live audience. This ten session, two hour class is for students K-8th grade. It's the tale of the lovable but
troublesome puppet Pinocchio lead by his friend the Cricket, an everyday walk to school becomes an extraordinary adventure day
after day. Through all their adventures together, Pinocchio learns the importance of good behavior and telling the truth.

Program Dates:
October 3 - December 5
Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
YMCA Aerobics Studio

Fee:
Members $75.00
Non-Members $90.00
*Each registration includes 2 tickets to the show
SHOES TO REUSE

The YMCA and the Mankato School district are asking the community to donate gently used or new running shoes. These will go to students whose families are struggling financially.
 
Please bring the new/used running shoes to the YMCA from September 2-30.
 
Drop off will be located downstairs outside the Life Center. 
FALL GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULE
The Fall Free Group Exercise Schedule is now available online or at the YMCA. The schedule runs Sept. 8 - Dec. 31. Click here to view. 
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