The Y Supports our Troops!

Servicemen on leave at the Downtown YMCA circa 1940

A decade before the American Civil War, the first YMCA in the United States was established in 1851.  During this time in our nation’s history, the YMCA played an integral part in providing spiritual, educational, and recreational support to our soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War and in subsequent wars.

In 1861, representatives from 15 YMCA’s joined together to create the United States Christian Commission to provide spiritual and physical support to soldiers.  In a letter to the YMCA, President Abraham Lincoln praised the efforts of the volunteers, “I sincerely hope your plan may be successful in execution, as it is just and generous in support.”

More than 160 years later, the YMCA is continues to provide support to our U.S. military personnel.  Deployment is a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and their families.  Through a partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, the Y proudly offers free memberships and respite child care services to eligible military families and personnel to provide additional support during this difficult time.  It’s just one of the ways we give back to those who dedicate their lives to serving our country.

The YMCA of Central Ohio proudly supports our military.  On this Memorial Day holiday we honor the memory of those who dedicated their lives to serving this country and those who continue to protect our nation.  The Y salutes you!

To learn more about our military outreach initiative, visit: www.ymca.net

It Only Takes a Minute...

Each year, more than 3,000 U.S. children experience a drowning-related incident. May is designated as National Water Safety Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. In ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average. 

As part of the Y’s commitment to keeping swimmers safe in and around the water, we encourage kids and adults to have fun and enjoy the benefits of swimming and to always make safety their first priority. 

At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we are dedicated to reducing the incidence of childhood drowning in our community. We teach water safety skills and help participants develop confidence in and around the water while enjoying swimming and other water activities.

In an effort to reduce the incidence of drowning in our community, we are hosting the city’s largest swim evaluation event this Saturday, May 19th from 1pm -3pm at all of our YMCA of Central Ohio locations. The event is free and open to anyone who wants to find out how well their child can swim. No appointments are required and it’s for everyone ages three and up. 

After the evaluation, various Y locations will have activities and presentations for the whole family to enjoy. Every child evaluated will receive a prize – while supplies last. For more information and a complete listing of activities, visit: ymcacolumbus.org.

Imagine a Stronger Community!

From the first time I walked into this Y, I felt the strong and loving culture in the air.  From the Silver Sneakers classes with Carol to the vibrant after school teens, I knew the Hilltop YMCA was already connected and a positive force in this community.  However, one thing was clear, the existing building posed limitations to the potential growth and what we are able to do for our neighbors on the West Side.  In an effort to continue to deliver more impactful programs and services, the decision was made to launch a Capital Campaign.  In talking with members, I learned that this Y has a history of coming together to make things happen.

In 1947, a group of business leaders and members of the Columbus West Side community came together to discuss the possibility of bringing the YMCA to the Hilltop area.  Upon further review, these individuals concluded that the Hilltop did indeed need a Y.  After operating in a series of three buildings, the community raised funds to make this dream a reality.  The Hilltop YMCA began to take shape and from its humble beginnings, the location was opened in 1960.  Today the Hilltop Y remains deeply rooted in the community and is dedicated to ensuring that every child, adult, and family is healthy, confident and connected.

Since opening its doors, the Hilltop YMCA has responded to the needs of the West Side community.  The Y has provided quality and affordable preschool to families seeking to ensure that their children are ready for kindergarten and school-age child care so parents and caregivers can work to support their families.  For teens, the Y has provided an after school destination where they are safe, and can build their social skills, get guidance, tutoring and make lasting friendships.  Additionally, the Hilltop Y has helped our older members become active, engaged and have fun together.

Through the years, the Hilltop Y has embraced and nurtured the growth and well-being of West Side residents.  As a result of our success, the Hilltop Y has significantly outgrown its facility.  Currently, our teens are being tutored in a busy lobby.  Our Child Watch space combines children of different age groups.  There is a need to relocate the locker rooms to improve accessibility and safety for members with limited mobility.  Finally, the building is in need of renovation of its existing infrastructure. 

To attend to these needs, we are seeking to raise $1.5 Million to expand and renovate the Hilltop YMCA.  Thanks to the generosity of a group of foundations, individuals, and companies, we have already raised  $445,400.  We are well on a way to achieving our goals of adding a Multi-Purpose room, expanding our Child Watch and Wellness Center areas.  We are also working toward improving the men’s and women’s locker rooms and adding family designated changing rooms. 

It’s an exciting time to invest in the West Side!  By giving to the Hilltop Y, you not only help our West Side neighbors but you help to strengthen the whole community.  To learn more about our 2012 Hilltop YMCA Capital Campaign, contact info@ymcacolumbus.org. 

Camp - The Best Summer Ever!

Summer will be here before you know it!  It’s a critical out-of-school time when children and teens can benefit from enriched learning and new experiences.  While summer should be a time of exploration and discovery, many youth lose exposure to activities that keep them moving and learning.  At the Y, we believe that all children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.  Camp takes children and teens outdoors to explore nature, discover new interests, be active, and to develop confidence, leadership, and social skills.

At the YMCA of Central Ohio, there is a camp program for everyone!  Through more than 20 day camps and our overnight camp at YMCA Camp Willson, the Y continues to give youth an enriching and safe experience.  Our caring staff and volunteers model positive values that help build their kid’s character.  Additionally, the Y gives young people early work experience, employing 61,000 college-aged young adults as day and resident camp leaders each year. 

Nationally, the Y has been a leader in camping for more than 125 years and continues to be one of the largest providers of camp programs.  Today, there are 1,920 day camps across the country, 335 resident camps for youth and teens and 902 specialty camp programs that meet the diverse needs of children and teens  with disabilities and illnesses.

Thanks to the generosity of our members and the community, the Y is able to provide financial support to families who may face economic challenges in sending their child to camp.  To learn more about camp opportunities for your child or teen at YMCA of Central Ohio, visit http://ymcacolumbus.org/camp.

Enroll your child in camp today!