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New Canaan YMCA

Youth Recreation

Youth Recreation

Youth Recreation

youth recreation section

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.

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.

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.

Middle School Night (Grades 5-8)

At Middle School Night, 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.

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.

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 Matt Busse at 203-920-1643 or by email.

Red Cross Babysitting Certification

(Ages 11-14)

Enjoy being with kids? Looking to earn extra cash? Take the Red Cross Babysitting Certification course at the YMCA and be the “best of the best.” You’ll learn specific techniques and skills to become a confident babysitter as well as certified in First Aid. This course  is a 1-day program.

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