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New Canaan YMCA

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Youth Recreation

Youth Recreation

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Program Guide
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Youth Recreation

WHERE OUR COMMUNITY’S KIDS COME TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN

Kids just want to have fun! We love providing a place and programs here at our Y where our community’s kids are able to be kids in a safe and fun environment. Through our Youth Recreation programs, kids have the opportunity to spend time with peers while enjoying fun activities that broaden their horizons to new things.

Creative Minds (Ages 3-5)

In “Creative Minds,” children are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of fun and engaging art projects designed to inspire imagination and creativity. Each session introduces young artists to different materials and techniques, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage-making. Through hands-on exploration, children will develop fine motor skills, sensory awareness, and a sense of artistic expression.

“Falling” for STEM (Ages 3-5)

STEM is an exciting and hands-on class where young minds dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through playful exploration and discovery. Tailored for curious preschoolers, each session introduces simple yet fascinating STEM concepts through age-appropriate experiments, building activities, and problem-solving games.

Storybook Art (Ages 3-5)

Storybook Art is designed to spark creativity and inspire young minds by combining the magic of storytelling with the fun of arts and crafts. Each session focuses on a different children’s storybook, where children not only experience the world of the story through reading but also engage in hands-on sensory art activities that bring the story to life. This program encourages self-expression, enhances fine motor skills, and fosters a love for both literature and creative arts.

Master Builders (Ages 5-8)

Get ready to build, create, and imagine in Master Builders, the ultimate LEGO-building experience for school-aged kids! Each session features exciting building challenges, themed projects, and opportunities for free build time where creativity takes center stage. From designing towering skyscrapers and speedy vehicles to building working bridges and imaginative worlds, kids will sharpen their problem-solving skills while having tons of fun. Children will also have an opportunity to jump out extra energy in our Bouncing Bears Kid Zone.

NEW! Parents’ Night Out (Ages 5-12)

Begins in November! Drop your kids off with us and have a parents’ night out! Join our New Canaan YMCA Family & Youth team on select Friday nights for a youth drop-off program. Children will rotate through sports, art, bouncing bears, gymnastics, and more during these fun-filled evenings. Pizza is included!

Archery (Ages 8-10)

Archery at the Y offers a fun, rewarding, and safe environment where students learn the skills and fundamentals of archery. No experience is needed! Our goal is for students to:

  • Demonstrate proper shooting form, nocking, aiming, and releasing techniques.
  • Follow basic safety procedures in using and handling archery equipment such as bows and arrows.
  • Develop the skills necessary to enjoy archery as a sport.

Equipment is provided by the Y.

Book and Bounce (Ages 2-3)

Book and Bounce combines the magic of storytelling with the excitement of gymnastics! Perfect for toddlers, this unique program aims to promote physical development, cognitive growth, and a love for books through fun, active learning experiences.

Animal Kingdom Adventure (Ages 3-5)

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Animal Adventure allows kids to explore their wild side through educational group activities all about the Animal Kingdom. Play, learn, explore, and create fun projects while learning about some of the earth’s most magical creatures.

Lego Legends (Ages 3-5)

A program based on the universally popular Lego building block toys. Kids will explore creative themes each week with guided builds in groups and solo builds too!

Youth @ the Y (Grades 1-4)

Elementary schoolers will be broken up into groups and led around the Y by staff to various stations where events will be run by specialist staff. Activities include use of the Forese Family Pool, Group Exercise Center, Wagner Room, Gym, Kid Zone, and a different special activity each month. Youth @ the Y runs one Saturday night each month.

New! The Dino den (Ages 3-5)

Know someone that likes learning about dinosaurs? This is the perfect program for the amateur paleontologist. Each week, participants will learn about the “Dino of the Day” with fun activities and educational videos.

Make A Mess Arts & Crafts (Ages 3-5)

Age-appropriate, carefully supervised, and messier than a mob of monkeys in an art supply store, these classes offer a structured environment for kids to get their hands dirty while making new friends and wild creations. We’ll make projects using everything from bubbles, paint, mud, shaving cream, and more.

GROWING WITH STEM (Ages 3-5)

Do you have a preschooler who is interested in clouds, or why they have a shadow? This program is for them! Growing with STEM will launch your preschooler into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with age-appropriate activities and games.

Non-Traditional Sports Club

(Grades 1-4 & Grades 5-8)

Everybody knows the big name traditional sports, but what about the little ones? During this nine-week program, we will get the chance to explore some of the lesser-known sports, including Gaga, Nine-square Mat-ball, Dodgeball, and Ultimate Frisbee. All of these sports are a little out of the ordinary, but are easy to learn and enjoy. Come and play in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Adventure Club

(Grades 5-8)

Outdoor adventure is calling! Over the course of seven weeks, we will work together on an intense team building event, two hiking excursions, two ropes courses, and a trip to RPM Raceway! Our team-building events will take place at the beginning of the program and will be held at the Y. Our hiking trips will be to Saugatuck Falls Natural Area and Montgomery Pinetum Park, our ropes course trip will be to Boundless Adventures, and our last trip will be go karting at RPM Raceway!

Junior Lifeguarding

(Ages 11-14)

The American Red Cross has introduced a junior lifeguarding course designed to guide and prepare youth ages 11-14 for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. Course focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitude, and skills for future lifeguards. For additional information, contact

Register for Youth Recreation Programs

Middle School Recreation

Archery (Ages 11-13)

Archery at the Y offers a fun, rewarding, and safe environment where students learn the skills and fundamentals of archery. No experience is needed! Our goal is for students to:

  • Demonstrate proper shooting form, nocking, aiming, and releasing techniques.
  • Follow basic safety procedures in using and handling archery equipment such as bows and arrows.
  • Develop the skills necessary to enjoy archery as a sport.

Equipment is provided by the Y.

RETURNING! Middle School Madness (Grades 5-8)

Begins in November! At Middle School Madness, middle schoolers get the Y all to themselves! Participants have access to the Wellness Center, Group Exercise Center, Basketball Gym, and Wagner Room.  Each Middle School Night features games, special activities, and concessions.  This program runs one Saturday night each month, featuring a special activity at each event.

Ski and Board Club (Grades 5-8)

Offered each winter, Ski and Board Club provides kids with the opportunity to hit the slopes weekly. All levels are welcome, including beginners!  Each Friday, participants are bussed from the Y to a local mountain for an evening of winter fun. Lessons and equipment are available for a fee at the mountain. Offered during the winter session, January-March. For additional information and any questions, contact Ian Puebla at 203-920-1635 or by email.

ANALOG ACTION CLUB (Grades 5-8)

Free Drop-In Program. Discover the thrill of strategic decision-making as you dive into a myriad of captivating tabletop games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just beginning your journey, you’re sure to have fun learning new games! Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 PM in the Wagner Room.

Middle School Master Builders (Grades 5-8)

Welcome to Middle School Master Builders, where creativity, engineering, and fun come together! This program is designed to engage students in grades 6-8 in hands-on, project-based learning through the use of LEGO building blocks and robotics kits. Our goal is to inspire a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while fostering teamwork, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking.

Middle School Madness (Grades 5-8)

At Middle School Madness, middle schoolers get the Y all to themselves! Participants have access to the Wellness Center, Group Exercise Center, Basketball Gym, Forese Pool, and Wagner Room.  Each Middle School Night features games, special activities, and concessions.  This program runs one Saturday night each month, featuring a special activity at each event.

Aim & Achieve Archery (Grades 5-8)

Take your first step into the incredible world of Archery. Our certified instructor will reinforce safe practices and proper range etiquette while coaching on improving form that will lead to easier and more accurate shooting.

Budding Beats: Middle School Percussion Group (Grades 5-8)

Step into the mesmerizing world of beats and rhythms with our teen percussion program! Unleash your inner drummer as you explore a diverse array of percussion instruments from djembes and congas to tambourines and cajóns. Explore Latin American, African, and Asian styles of the first form of music.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GYMVASION (Grades 5-8)

Drop-In Class. Middle School Gymvasion aims to give our members a space during the energetic after school hours to come and enjoy recess-style games like Ninja Ball, Yoshi, and Flasketball.

Middle Schoolers will decompress and spend time with their friends and make new ones. The majority of activities, though competitive, are focused on fun and team building as a counterpart to the benefits of school and organized sports.

Circle of song (Grades 5-8)

Join our warm and inclusive music community, where you’ll collaborate with fellow aspiring middle school musicians, and celebrate the beauty of acoustic sounds of folk music. This class covers call and response, acapella, body percussion, as well as guitar and banjo.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MASTER CRAFTERS (Grades 5-8)

Crafts for middle schoolers that focus on refining existing interests, new skills, and seeing your surroundings through an artistic mindset. Try multiple projects that revolve around making items for decorating your room like nature mobiles, suncatchers, and 3D name plates to hang in your window. Supplement art classes with crafts and instruction around concepts like perspective, color theory, and negative space. Work with your hands while enjoying a relaxed and social space to express your creative side.

Register for Middle School Recreation Programs

Contact

Preschool & School-Age Recreation Contact:

For additional information and any questions about preschool and school-age youth recreation programs, contact Mason Capozza, Assistant Director of Programs, at 203-920-1651 or by email.

Middle School Recreation Contact:

For additional information and any questions about middle school recreation programs, contact Ian Puebla, School-Age & Camp Y-Ki Director, at 203-920-1635 or by email.