Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Now Accepting Counselor in Training (CIT) Applications!

The summer camp environment provides a unique opportunity for youth to build leadership skills by gaining hands-on experience assisting our team of camp counselors with our younger campers. Open to registered summer day campers entering grades 7-8, the goal of the Y’s Counselor in Training (CIT) program is to teach teens leadership skills that can be used at school, home and in the community.

In order to apply to participate in the Counselor in Training Program, prospective participants must:

  • Be a registered summer day camper in grades 7-8 (fall 2019). Regular camp fees apply.
  • Submit a CIT application
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach or pastor
  • Participate in an in-person interview with our Youth and Family team

Applications and accompanying materials must be submitted by Friday, April 26.

Download An Application

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Fitter and Faster Swim Clinics Returning to Plainfield

National Champion Nic Fink and Olympian Carlos Calverie will lead a two-day swim clinic at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield on April 27 and April 28.

The clinic will feature a comprehensive demonstration focused on breaststroke. Over the course of four sessions, participants will have the opportunity to complete drills, ask questions and get hands-on instruction from our renowned hosts.

Day 1 – April 27

  • Session 1 (Ages 11 & Under): Elite Breaststroke Technique
  • Session 2 (Ages 12 & Up): Elite Breaststroke Technique

Day 2 – April 28

  • Session 3 (Ages 11 & Under): Open Turns, Breaststroke Pullouts, and Breaststroke Finishes
  • Session 4 (Ages 12 & Up): Open Turns, Breaststroke Pullouts, and Breaststroke Finishes

Sign up for one session or SAVE by signing up for both days!

Register Now

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Supporting Your Well-Being: Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball

Pickleball has been a popular sport since 1965 and has recently become a favorite pastime at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.  In fact, many of our YMCA members have begun to incorporate pickleball into their regular exercise routines.  This paddle sport is simple, fun and a great way to stay physically active.

Staying active at any age will help to improve your physical and mental health in a variety of ways, including:

Stress Relief

Playing a game or two of pickleball will help to release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain.  When these endorphins are released, you can say ‘goodbye’ to your stress.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

It won’t take long to notice that pickleball serves as an excellent cardio workout.  As you play, you will boost your cardio health and help to prevent heart disease.

Weight Management

Pickleball is a great cardio workout, so you will be sure to burn lots of calories during each game.  This can help participants to achieve and maintain their healthy weight goals.

Improved Muscle Strength

This game is an excellent way to work against the loss of muscle mass, especially for women.  Pickleball is considered a weight-bearing exercise, so you’ll be toning your muscles while you play!

If you’re wondering where you can find this popular game, look no further than the C.W. Avery Family and Morris Community YMCAs. The C.W. Avery Family Y offers free open adult pickleball for YMCA Facility Members, ages 18 and up, on Friday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. Or, you can join one of two new pickleball sessions at the Morris Community Y. New sessions will get underway on Wednesday, March 13, at Shabbona Middle School in the old gym.

To learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of staying active and playing sports like pickleball, check out this article, courtesy of Mueller Sports Medicine.

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YMCA Receives $10K Grant From Midland States Bank For Third Consecutive Year


Plainfield South High School students were thrilled to join Greater Joliet Area YMCA staff and board members in accepting a $10,000 grant to help fund the Y’s Teen Achievers program. For the third year in a row, Midland States Bank Foundation chose the Y as a recipient of these generous funds through a competitive grant process.

“Teen Achievers is one of our most impactful youth development programs,” said Jim Watts, President and CEO of the Greater Joliet YMCA. “Support from the Midland States Bank Foundation helps expand young people’s horizons through our annual college bus tour, where 60 kids get to visit campuses and interact with leaders among those student bodies. That experience has the power to change the trajectory of their lives.”

In front of a full classroom, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Chairman and Midland States Bank Senior Vice President Dan Stevenson presented the check to the students and shared words of support for their bright future. Stevenson encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity ahead of them because it will shape who they become. The students were receptive and eagerly joined the presentation of the oversized check, with several offers to hold it for the picture.

Teen and Young Adult Advisory Council Chairman and Board member Dr. Larry Wiers was on hand to accept the gift and thank Dan and his bank colleagues Dena Steele and Chris Uram. It was a proud time for Plainfield South High School Principal Bob Yanello who joined in the presentation, representing another pillar in the program partnership.

Teen Achievers is a national college and career readiness program with an emphasis on equipping first-generation college students with the skills and mentorship needed to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Launched in 2005, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Teen Achievers program has a 100 percent high school graduation rate and 92 percent of participants are enrolled in college, trade school or military careers within one year of receiving their high school diploma.

Teen Achievers serves approximately 150 students at three area high schools and additional students from Will and Grundy County through workshops and special programs held at the YMCA branches. Programming is free or offered at a modest fee, though no one is turned way for the inability to afford the experience. Contributions from grantors, the community, and the United Way of Will County help underwrite the YMCA’s investment to provide Teen Achievers.

YMCA staff pictured include CEO and President Jim Watts; Teen & Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel; Youth & Family Director Shannon Stawikowski; and Senior Development Director Julie Wilkinson.

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Discovering Peace of Mind with the Help of the Y’s Meditation and Yoga Programs

Meditation and Yoga Programs

Every now and then, we all need a moment to ourselves.  Whether it’s a breath of fresh air or taking time to gather our thoughts, we all need to hit the reset button occasionally.  A great way to achieve mental balance and wellness is through meditation.  Often times, the practice of mediation is paired with physical fitness elements such as yoga and Pilates.  Some benefits of meditation include improved blood circulation, less anxiety and lower blood pressure, among many others.

The YMCA offers many free group exercise classes, including yoga, Pilates, and several mind and body healing classes, which are available to our members year-round.  YMCA Facility Members also enjoy access to four wellness centers and fitness studios, all fully programmed with fitness programs for the entire family.

If you’re looking to refresh your current exercise routine or looking to simply clear your mind from the hustle and bustle of your day, you may want to check out these relaxing fitness classes at the Y:

Mind and Body Healing

C.W. Avery Family YMCA-Plainfield

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA, located in downtown Plainfield, offers many free group fitness classes, which can help to calm the mind.  Of these many free classes, Mind and Body Healing is great for those looking to add meditation to their workout routines.  Mind and Body Healing combines the practices of yoga and meditation.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Kids Yoga *NEW!*

C.W. Avery Family YMCA-Plainfield

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is now offering a free Kids Yoga class. Children, ages 8-12, can unwind during this new kids-only group fitness program.  Kids Yoga is offered on Fridays from 5-5:30 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga

Galowich Family YMCA-Joliet

If you’re looking for a physically-active yoga class, give our Vinyasa Yoga class a try at the Galowich Family YMCA, located at 749 Houbolt Road.  Vinyasa Yoga focuses on the coordination of breath and movement.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is offered on Mondays from 6:05-6:50 p.m.

Hatha Yoga

Morris Community YMCA

Center your mind and body during Hatha Yoga class at the Morris Community YMCA, located in downtown Morris.  Hatha Yoga includes challenging postures, breathing exercises and meditation. This class will help to improve your strength, flexibility, mental clarity and overall well-being.  YMCA Facility Members are invited to attend this free class on Saturday mornings from 7-7:50 a.m.

Yoga

Smith Family YMCA-Joliet

Join us for a traditional yoga class at the Smith Family YMCA, located at 1350 S. Briggs Street.  This yoga class uses movement and breath together while focusing on stretching and relaxation.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members and is offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m.

To learn more about these stress-free fitness classes or other fitness opportunities, be sure to speak with your local Y’s Health and Wellness Director or check out our group fitness schedule online.   You can also subscribe to your branch’s online schedule to access, view and set reminders for your favorite free group fitness classes.  To subscribe, visit your branch’s schedule page and hit the subscribe button at the top.

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Helping You Live Better: Heart-Healthy Foods Your Diet Needs

February is American Heart Month, which raises awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of deaths among men and women across the United States.  In honor of American Heart Month, consider embracing a heart-healthy diet, which will help to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

If you’re looking to include healthier foods in your family’s diet, you may want to consider adding some of these items to your shopping list:

Avocados

Did you know avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats?  These fats are especially important as they are known to reduce levels of cholesterol.

Berries

If you enjoy strawberries, blackberries or blueberries, we’ve got great news! Berries are packed with heart-healthy nutrients.  It’s said that eating plenty of berries can reduce your risk for heart disease.

Whole Grains

Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, are a great option to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol.  Common types of whole grains include quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley and many more.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens all have something in common, besides their green color.  These vitamin-packed vegetables all provide a great source of vitamin K.  Vitamin K helps to protect your arteries and promotes proper blood clotting.

Beans

As a child, you may have heard your parents tell you that beans are good for your heart.  And, they were right!  Beans are good for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Walnuts

If you’re looking for a source of fiber and micronutrients, you may want to give walnuts a try!  Studies show that adding walnuts to your diet can help to protect against heart disease.

Dark Chocolate

If you have left-over Valentine’s Day candy, it may come in handy!   Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which is great for your heart’s health.

Tip: Be sure to get dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 percent.  And, make sure to not overindulge.

Garlic

There are many health benefits to eating garlic.  Known as a health-enhancing supplement, garlic promotes the well-being of the heart and helps to maintain healthy blood circulation.

If you have questions about your nutrition or if you’re looking to make modifications to your diet, be sure to speak with a member of our Wellness Team during your next visit.  To learn more about these foods and other heart-healthy nutrients, head over to the full article, courtesy of Healthline.com

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United Way