The Y will introduce new programs for kids, teens, and adults providing opportunities for all ages to grow, learn something new, and join in on the fun at the Y this fall.
Registration for fall programs is currently available online and at the Y. Fall programs range in session length and begin Wednesday, August 30. 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.
In addition to the popular returning programs such as swim lessons, Bouncing Bears gymnastics, and youth sports and wellness programs, the Y is excited to launch new youth recreation and Red Cross certification programs.
New recreation programs for preschoolers include Lunch Bunch and the Dino Den, as well as a Let’s Build: Legos class for children in kindergarten through third grade. The Y’s weekly lunch bunch group will feature a variety of games and activities including STEM, music and movement, puppet making, and more. Dino Den is an enriching program that will teach children all about dinosaurs including a weekly dino of the day in addition to fun activities and educational videos. 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 several middle school programs this fall including percussion, music, and crafting classes where participants can hone skills, learn something new, and make friends. The Y’s percussion program will introduce middle schoolers to the unique beats and rhythms of drumming using a diverse array of percussion instruments. Aspiring middle school musicians may also partake in the Y’s music class which will introduce folk music, acapella, body percussion, guitar, and banjo. The Y’s master crafters class inspires creativity through creating projects including nature mobiles, suncatchers, and 3D name plates, in addition to learning the concepts of perspective, color theory, and negative space.
The Y will also be introducing additional safety certification courses this fall. 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.
Kids and teens looking to find their team or try something new this fall can participate in tryouts for the Y’s Whirlwind Diving and Caimans Swim teams’ upcoming fall seasons. The Whirlwind Diving team is currently hosting try-outs through Friday, August 25 from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Y. Those interested in scheduling a try-out for the Whirlwind Diving team can contact Adam Vance, Associate Competitive Diving Director, at 203-920-1658 or [email protected]. The Caimans Swim team is hosting try-outs on Wednesday, August 30, and Thursday, August 31 from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Y. Those interested in scheduling a tryout for the Caimans Swim team can contact Liz Blau, Associate Competitive Swimming Director, at 203-920-1645 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 fall. 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].
Registration:
A complete listing of fall programming is available online at www.newcanaanymca.org. For additional information regarding fall 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].