The Y will introduce new programs for kids, teens, and adults providing opportunities for all ages to grow, learn something new, and build strength at the Y this winter.
Registration for winter programs is currently available online and at the Y. Winter programs range in session length and begin Monday, November 27. Several programs are open to both members and non-members of the New Canaan YMCA, with members receiving a program discount as a benefit of their membership. Financial assistance for membership and program fees is also available thanks to donations to the Y.
Youth & Teen Programs
In addition to the popular returning programs such as swim lessons and youth wellness programs, the Y is excited to launch a new Bouncing Bears class and new youth sports and recreation programs.
New to the Bouncing Bears class lineup, Musical Bears will be available for kids ages three to five, featuring a nurturing environment where children will explore a variety of music and the art of movement through playful activities. The class will foster coordination, creativity, and a love for music.
This winter, the Y will now offer coed beginner and intermediate volleyball (formerly girls’ volleyball) for middle schoolers in the community. The beginner class will introduce participants to the fundamentals of the sport, while the intermediate class will fine-tune players’ existing skills.
New recreation programs for preschoolers include Lunch Bunch for kids ages two to three, as well as Animal Kingdom Adventures and Lego Legends for kids ages three to five. The Y’s weekly lunch bunch group will provide opportunities for children to make friends, engage in creative play, and learn new skills, followed by a group lunch. Animal Kingdom Adventures will offer children opportunities to play, learn, explore, and create fun projects while learning about some of the Earth’s most magical creatures. The Y’s Lego-building class is designed for kids to explore creative Lego themes and will provide guided group builds and individual builds that will keep kids engaged while learning teamwork and having fun.
The Y’s recreation department will also debut new middle school programs available to the community this winter, including archery and a percussion group, where participants can learn something new, hone skills, and make friends. The Y’s archery program introduces a one-time safety class prerequisite for beginners, an eight-week archery program for participants to learn and hone skills, as well as open range time for those looking to practice their skills.
Led by a professional musician, the Y’s percussion program will allow middle schoolers to create modern beats and rhythms with friends. Participants will be introduced to a diverse array of percussion instruments, from djembes and congas to tambourines and cajons, while experiencing Latin American, African, and Asian styles of the first form of music.
The Y will also be introducing additional safety certification courses for the community this winter. In addition to the Junior Lifeguarding Course available to ages 11-14 and the Red Cross Babysitting course available to ages 11-15, new courses will be offered to teens and adults in the community. These courses include Red Cross First Aid, CPR, & AED Training for ages 12-17, and Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Red Cross Basic Life Support Training for Healthcare & Public Safety, and Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED, & Opioid Overdose Training for the Professional Rescuer for ages 16 and older. The Y will also offer a First Aid, CPR, & AED Training course for ages 18 and older. Each course is a one-day program and is open to New Canaan YMCA members and the community.
Adult Programs
This winter, the Y’s sports department will introduce two new programs for adults in the community to stay active and healthy: including pickleball clinics and classes for a variety of experience levels and a men’s basketball league for ages 40 and over. Upcoming pickleball clinics for beginners will be held on November 13, for intermediate players on November 15, and for all levels on November 18. Pickleball courses for beginners and intermediate players will also be held at the Y this winter. The Y’s adult men’s basketball league will begin in the new year, comprising a 10-game season taking place on Sundays beginning in January. Interested players can contact Lenwood Latta, New Canaan YMCA Sports Director, at 203-920-1634 or [email protected].
The New Canaan YMCA is also excited to announce a new program in its chronic disease support offerings. In addition to the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA cancer survivor program, Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), and as an addition to its current programming for those with Parkinson’s Disease, the Y will be introducing Pedaling for Parkinson’s this winter. Riding an indoor stationary bicycle has been shown to reduce Parkinson’s motor symptoms by as much as 35%, and it’s something that almost anyone with Parkinson’s disease can do. The Y’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s program is designed to offer an hour ride on an indoor stationary bike starting with a 10-minute warm-up, 40 minutes with resistance, and a 10-minute cool-down. Those interested in learning more about the program can contact Eva Saint, New Canaan YMCA Wellness Director, to learn more at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].
This winter, the Y also expands its wellness offerings by introducing a new balance program. A Matter of Balance is specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented to a small group of eight to 12 participants led by trained coaches. The program enables participants to reduce the fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercising to increase strength and balance. Those interested in learning more about the program can contact Eva Saint, New Canaan YMCA Wellness Director, to learn more at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].
Registration
A complete listing of winter programming is available online. For additional information regarding winter programs or registration, call 203-966-4528. For additional information about membership at the Y and to schedule a tour, contact Mary Coleman, Membership Director, at 203-920-1630. Thanks to donations made to the New Canaan YMCA, financial assistance is available for both membership and program fees. To learn more about financial assistance at the Y, contact Diana Riolo, Assistant Director of Development & Community Impact, at 203-920-1653 or [email protected].