News from Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA

The Y is an inclusive organization built on the foundations of Christian principles. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are a cause-driven organization. Our programs, services and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers, and foster a nationwide service ethic. And that's just the beginning!

A Y MEMBER STORY

The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, providing access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive. Y member Dawn Burke shared with us the impact the Y has made on her family.

Dawn is a single mother who faces life challenges on a regular basis, including working two jobs to provide for her family's needs. Dawn's son, eight-year-old Troy, has participated in the Y's School-Age Child Care, Summer Camp, and Bright Beginnings programs since 2010. The Y provides her with peace of mind because she knows that Troy will be happy and actively involved in programs he enjoys while she is at work. Dawn recently stated, "Troy wants to be at the Y as much as possible. The Y has truly become his home away from home."

It is the selfless giving of others that helps to provide such opportunities to the children of our community. Thank you for helping support their parents and making the dreams of Troy and other kids come true.

TEEN NIGHTS AT THE Y

We are very excited to begin offering Saturday Night Lights, a teen night program, at the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA. We'll keep the Y open after normal hours, just for community kids in grades 6 - 12 to have a fun, safe place to spend some independent time.

Kids can play games, shoot hoops, swim, or just hang out together. Teens 13 years old and older will be able to work out in the Wellness Center. All activities are supervised by trained Y staff.

No membership is required; fees are $3/member and $6/non-member. Parents must sign a waiver for participation.

The first Saturday Night Lights program is on March 4, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. For more information, contact Heather Springfield, Youth and Family Program Director, at 229-9622, or heather.springfield@peninsulaymca.org.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteering is essential to the Y and encourages people to be healthy, confident, and connected to others. The role of volunteers distinguishes us as a place where everyone can take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change in the community. Each quarter, we'd like to take the opportunity to tell the story of one of our fantastic volunteers. This quarter's volunteer is John Herringshaw.

John has been a member of the RFW Family YMCA since we opened in 2007, and began volunteering in July of 2013. John believes that the YMCA provides great support to the growth and evolution of the community and he wants to help neighbors out through his involvement with the Y. John primarily volunteers at the Welcome Center, where he enjoys assisting with member check-in and offers a friendly welcome to all who enter the YMCA doors.

John, along with each and every volunteer for the Y, has a positive impact on our community and the Y mission. For more information about how you can help us strengthen our community, contact Megan Leach, Social Responsibility Coordinator, at 757-229-9622, or megan.leach@peninsulaymca.org.

YMCA SUMMER CAMP

It doesn't feel like spring yet, but it's just around the corner, and registration is beginning now for YMCA Day Camp.

Give your kids a summer full of discovery, imagination and personal growth while exploring the wonders of nature, trying new activities and creating lasting memories and friendships.

At Y Camp, caring counselors help create experiences that build character, confidence, friendship, skills, and the framework of our youth. We strive to instill the Y's four core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into every activity, every day.

For more information, click here, or contact Heather Springfield, Youth and Family Program Director, at 229-9622 or heather.springfield@peninsulaymca.org.