Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Save During the YMCA’s Summer Sports, Specialty, and Preschool Camp Sale

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, specialty, and preschool camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports, specialty, or preschool camp between March 9-25. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

Learn more about available programs by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Summer Sports Camp Information

Summer Specialty Camp Information

Summer Preschool Camp Information 

Morris Community YMCA

Summer Sports Camp Information

Summer Preschool Camp Information 

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Smiles All Around: Join the Y During Our Spring Membership Sale

Spring Membership Sale
March 8-11, 2024*

* Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

Start your spring off right by joining the Y during our Spring Fun Membership Sale! During this sale, new and alumni members will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120! With our wide variety of classes and programs, you’ll be sure to find something at the Y for every member of your family.

LEARN MORE

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

  • Two indoor pools and our family aquatic center
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The On the Go App will provide Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options. You can check out a full list of our programming by taking a look at our Spring 2024 Program Session Schedules.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

*Programs, classes, and amenities vary by location and are subject to change

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431

Morris Community YMCA
320 Wauponsee St, Morris, IL 60450

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Set to Offer Junior Lifeguarding Academy Course

The Y’s Junior Lifeguarding Academy program allows tweens and teens (ages 11-14) to step inside the world of lifeguarding and learn lifesaving skills including first aid and CPR.*

Participants also get to experience real-life scenarios, work through team-building exercises and assist in teaching swim lessons.

Dates: March 15-May 24
Class Times: Fridays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: All approved Junior Lifeguard applicants must complete an entire session. Make-up classes will not be available.

Participants must pass the following swim requirements before proceeding with the program:
-200 yard swim
-2 minute tread
-Retrieval of a 10-pound brick from the deep end floor, which includes a return swim on back within 100 seconds.

Students must wear a one piece swimsuit to every class (girls swimsuits must have a racing back or X-back), bring 2 towels, a water bottle, snacks, a notebook, and pen or pencil. A Junior Lifeguard t-shirt, whistle, and lanyard will be provided after the class portion of the course is completed and must be brought to all subsequent classes and volunteer shifts.

Following the completion of this course, Junior Lifeguards must complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours by August 13 and will be required to attend in-service/shadowing sessions by appointment between June 5 and August 13.

*PLEASE NOTE: Participants do not earn CPR certification for completing this course.

Cost: $180 for Facility Members/$360 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions please contact Cindy Moss at 815-267-8600, ext. 228 or by email at [email protected].

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Hop Into Fun and Celebrate Easter at the YMCA this Spring

Easter is just around the corner and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is here to help you and your family get in the holiday spirit! Full details about fun and exciting Easter events can be found below or by contacting your local branch.

Galowich Family YMCA

Hop Into Easter
Friday, March 22
5-7 p.m.

Location:
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Stop by the Y for an evening Easter themed family fun! Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, games, and an opportunity to take a picture with the Easter bunny!

PLEASE NOTE: This event is free open to the community. Space is limited and registration is required. Families can register for one of four Easter Egg Hunt timeslots.

5-5:30 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY

5:30-6 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY

6-6:30 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY

6:30-7 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions, please contact:

Catie Wallis
Aquatics Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, March 23
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Location:
15120 Wallin Dr.
Plainfield, IL 60544

Facility Members are invited to enjoy breakfast and photos with the Easter Bunny. Breakfast will include a variety of pastries, fruit, yogurt, coffee and juice. Each person in attendance must register.

Cost: $7 per person

REGISTER TODAY

Hop Into Easter
Saturday, March 23
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location:
15120 Wallin Dr.
Plainfield, IL 60544

Stop by the Y for an afternoon of Easter themed family fun! Have your basket ready for an outdoor Easter Egg Hunt and take in some cool games, crafts and more!

PLEASE NOTE: This event is free and open to the community. Space is limited and registration is required.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about these events, please contact:

Shannon Stawikowski
Youth and Family Director
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 212

Morris Community YMCA

Hop Into Easter
Saturday, March 23
10-11:30 a.m.

Location:
Morris Grade School
2001 Dupont Ave
Morris, IL 60450

Come on out and join the Morris Community YMCA for a fun Easter themed morning with other Y families! Activities will include an Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts and games.
Please Note: Easter Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:10 a.m. at Morris Grade School Cafeteria.

Cost: Free and open to the community.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about this event, please contact:

Jordan Overton
Youth and Family Director
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 513

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2024 YMCA GALA Nets More Than $250,000 For Mission Strong Fund

It was truly a night to remember as an inspired and generous room of more than 450 supporters helped the Greater Joliet Area YMCA raise more than $250,000 at the 2024 YMCA Gala on Saturday, February 24, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening that included dinner, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on exciting silent and live auction items. Funds raised from this year’s record-setting Gala will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. 

Generously presented by Midland States Bank, the 2024 YMCA Gala celebrated charitable giving at the YMCA by showcasing the Y’s impact throughout the community and the generous donors who make its mission come to life each and every day. Now in its 16th year, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised more than $1.65 million to provide financial assistance for children, adults, and families living in our community. 

At this year’s Gala, the Y presented the inaugural William R. Lauer Service to Youth Award to Bill Lauer in recognition of his more than 60 years of inspiring service to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and the youth in our community. Because of Bill’s amazing contributions, tens of thousands of kids in our community have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA. Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair also announced the establishment of the William R. Lauer Endowment Fund, which will help provide continued financial assistance to Y kids for years to come. To support this newly established Fund, visit our online giving portal and select ‘William R. Lauer Endowment Fund’ from the ‘Designation’ dropdown menu when making your donation. 

During the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening, the Y’s mission was brought to life by showcasing a YMCA story of impact. Guests generously raised their paddles in an auction-style format with individual contributions ranging from $50-$10,000. In total, “Raise the Paddle” contributions eclipsed $100,000 in support of the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

Danielle Tufano served as the evening’s volunteer auctioneer and nine exciting packages were sold during the live auction. Items included an in-home, six–course dinner party, generously donated by Tom Grotovsky; a weekend trip to Nashville with two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and a bottle of George Dickel 17-Year-Old Reserve Tennessee Whisky, generously donated by the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, Diageo, and Friends of the YMCA; and a complete collection of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, generously donated by Westside Liquors. The top-grossing item of the night was a two-week getaway to Hawaii, generously donated by Fred and Maria Bliznik.

This year’s Gala volunteer planning committee members included: Kathy Blessent, Madi Brown, Erica Garvey, Mary Jaworski, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Kari Ramirez, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Trisha Dust, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, and Erin Lightbody provided staff support. 

Sponsors Included:

Presenting Sponsor
-Midland States Bank

Diamond Sponsor
-DIAGEO

Ruby Sponsors
-Edward Jones
-Narvick Bros. 
-Old National Bank

Emerald Sponsors
-Aux Sable/Pembina
-Blue Ribbon Products/Constellation Brands
-C. and J. Avery Family Foundation
-Canadian National
-D’Arcy Buick GMC
-Endeavor Health
-ExxonMobil
-Grundy Bank
-Gus P. Rousonelos
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank
-Joliet Junior College
-Old National Bank
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
-Pursuit Wealth Group
-Stockton Wealth Management

Sapphire Sponsors
-Hometown National Bank
-Lori Bonarek Realty
-Old National Bank
-The Ziegner-Orban Family

Pearl Sponsors
–Busey Bank
-“D” Construction
-Dr. Theresa Rouse
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank -DesignGroup
-Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
-R.L. Sohol General Contractor, Inc.
-Ron Tirapelli Ford
-Village Flower Shop

Opal Sponsors
-Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet
-Cuttin Edge Lawn to Landscape
-Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis, LLC
-Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

In-Kind Support
-Graphic Promotions, Inc.
-Grundy County Chamber of Commerce
-Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce

Save the date and make your plans to join us for the next YMCA Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025. We also invite you to participate in the 2024 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held on Wednesday, September 18. Foursomes for the YMCA’s third annual outing will go on sale this summer.

To make a tax-deductible donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, please click here.

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Say Hello to Summer: Registration for Summer Day Camp Opens for Facility Members on March 9

At the Y, we provide safe, affordable, and fun summer day camps for youth and teens in grades K-8. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Daily activities include:

-Teambuilding
-Arts and Crafts
-Outdoor Exploration
-STEAM Activities
-Reading Time
-And so much more!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

Registration opens on March 9 for YMCA Facility Members and on March 16 for Community Members. Register for summer day camp by March 25, and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $45!

Learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camp programs available in your area by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Plainfield and the surrounding communities)

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Valley View School District 365U)

Galowich Family YMCA (Serving children in Grades K-5 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Galowich Family YMCA Teen REACH (Serving children in Grades 6-8 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Morris Community YMCA (Serving Morris and the surrounding communities)

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, preschool, and specialty camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports or specialty camp between March 9-25. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

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United Way