Growing Strong & Healthy Kids!

For fifty years the MetroWest YMCA’s programs, services and facilities have been designed to enhance the spiritual, mental, physical and social quality of life for individuals, families and the greater community. Consistent with our mission and strategic plan, and by utilizing the outstanding facilities, the MetroWest YMCA encourages and inspires individuals and families to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Listed below is a sampling of some of the health and family strengthening opportunities at the Y, including an example of leadership opportunities for our youth.

Growing Strong & Healthy Kids - When the Framingham Y facility was renovated in 2008, a special Youth & Family Interactive Gym was created with VR-1 Cybex equipment, Cardio equipment, Trazer and  Dance, Dance Revolution that appealed to kids and adults alike. Since that time our Cardio Kids program for children ages 9-12 has grown, serving 92 kids per session. With the success of the Cardio Kids program, we instituted a program for younger children, aged 6-8 called Strong Kids, Healthy Kids. Each week the children explore a different area of physical activity and nutrition through fun and engaging games that reinforce principles of good nutrition, healthy food choices, and instill healthy lifestyle habits while promoting self-esteem.

Youth & Family Enrichment Programs & Wellness have blossomed as we have experienced significant growth in our family membership. In 2009 we have seen substantial increases in the number of participants in our movement and dance programs. There are dance and movement opportunities for children from age 1 (Music and Me Critters) through adults (Zumba). Family relationship building events such as the Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance were very popular.

In It to Lose It, Team Fitness Challenge created great results for its participants and a spirit of camaraderie, encouragement and ongoing friendships as well.  YMCA members and staff were placed on teams, each of which had a YMCA trainer who helped guide the teams to reach their fitness goals.  The program was very successful and carried into 2010.

The Early Childhood Centers at our Framingham Branch and at Framingham State College once again earned the coveted NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation in 2009.  The Early Childhood Centers are designed to make children feel comfortable and safe while exploring, socializing, learning and having fun.

Teen Leadership and Development, whether it’s the Teen Leaders Club or the popular Teen Nights that serve approximately 75 teenagers on Saturday nights, there are many positive opportunities for teens at the Y.  In its eleventh year, the High Flight adventure-based counseling and leadership program for at-risk teens reached out to make a difference in the lives of 104 at-risk teens through the adventure based program. During the year, 38 Instructor Training Corps participants served as mentors and learned advanced leadership skills.

Enhancing the Spiritual, Mental, Physical and Social Quality of Life:  An Historical Perspective of the MetroWest YMCA

October 1960 –  The Regional Young Men’s Christian Association was established with an operating budget of $22,500.

December 1961 – The YMCA leased the Cushing Hospital Gymnasium in Framingham, offering adult programming such as handball, squash, badminton, volleyball, “slimnastics”, basketball, weight training, ballroom dancing and special skills courses.

1964 – The YMCA launched a successful $100,000 campaign to purchase a private camp in Hopkinton and began operating all of its day camp programs at the new site of the YMCA Family Outdoor Center.  At the time, more than 300 children enrolled each week during an eight week session. Currently, we enroll close to 700 children per day.

1970 – With close to $750,000 dollars in building funds raised, members and leaders dedicated the new $1million Framingham Regional Family YMCA facility on Old Connecticut Path.

1987 – In response to the increasing number of women in the workforce and to provide affordable child care services, the YMCA added a new child care wing and gymnasium.
Mid 1990’s – The YMCA, with its new name MetroWest YMCA, began a partnership with Framingham public schools offering after-school care programs for working families with on-site centers at the schools and Mass Bay Community College.

1998 – The highly successful High Flight outdoor counseling program for at-risk teens was launched and Saturday Teen Nights
soon followed.

2008 – With $2.5 million in support from the community, the Framingham Branch was fully renovated and expanded with 11,000 square feet of additional wellness space for youth, family and intergenerational programs. The Hopkinton Branch’s summer camp facilities were also upgraded.

2009 – Groundbreaking for the Hopkinton Branch’s new 7,000 square foot Summer Camp Recreational Lodge which will provide new program opportunities and rainy day space.

Today – More than 20,000 people use the Y, of which over 2,400 are able to participate thanks to YMCA financial assistance totaling
more than $795,000.