Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Joliet Community YMCA Set to Offer Inaugural Summer Youth Basketball League

The Joliet Community YMCA’s Junior Wolves program, offered in partnership with Joliet Junior College, is excited to offer an inaugural summer youth basketball league in 2026.

Open to all skill levels, this is a co-ed, developmental league that will provide players an opportunity to learn and grow their basketball skills throughout the summer.

LEAGUE DATES

Practices start the week of June 15. Games start the week of June 22. No practices or games will be held the week of June 28-July 4.

All games and practices will take place at the Joliet Junior College Event Center Gymnasium on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (no weekends).

Teams will play 5 games.

LEAGUE DIVISIONS

  • Grades 3-4 (Co-Ed)
  • Grades 5-6 (Co-Ed)
  • Grades 7-8 (Co-Ed)

Cost: $80, open to the community

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact:
Zach Jarosz, Sports Director
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 317
Email: [email protected]

YMCA youth sports programs maximize the positive effects of athletics by emphasizing healthy competition and promoting teamwork. The Y focuses on the life lessons that can be learned from sports, and our coaches strive to instill a positive self-image in each player.

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Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Digital Space: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Leads Five Days of Action

In today’s connected world, kids are spending more time in the digital space than ever – learning, playing, and communicating. With that comes the need for vigilance and awareness. 

That’s why Greater Joliet Area YMCA is taking part in the Five Days of Action®, a national movement to protect children from abuse and promote safety in all spaces where kids live, learn, and play. This year’s theme focuses on digital safety, empowering families with tools to help children navigate technology responsibly and safely. 

In 2026, the Y has partnered with Praesidium, National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance to offer additional resources for parents and caregivers. You’ll find all the partner resources below. To join the movement or sign the pledge, visit fivedaysofaction.org. 

Recognizing Red Flags 

Certain behaviors can signal risk for child sexual abuse and understanding them helps you act early to keep kids safe. The infographic below shows what to watch for—whether the behavior may be low, moderate, or high risk—and these behaviors, or grooming, can show up both in person and online situations.

Recognizing Red Flags

Visit nationalchildrensalliance.org/the-real-red-flags-of-grooming for more information on red flag behaviors from National Children’s Alliance. 

Staying on Top of Digital Trends 

From apps to gaming, staying on top of digital trends can be overwhelming. NCMEC offers free resources to help trusted adults understand online risks—including sextortion and the growing use of generative AI—and talk with kids about staying safe. Check out the tip sheets below and be sure to explore the other NCMEC resources.

Generative AI Safety (English) 

Sextortion Safety (English) 

Sextortion Safety (Español)

Monitoring Digital Use 

Did you know 1 in 5 children who use a digital device will be sexually solicited online? Technology changes fast, and kids are targeted on the apps, games, and sites they love. Having a Cyber P.L.A.N., monitoring device use, and teaching online safety rules can help keep your child safe. Lauren’s Kids has provided the following resources by age group to help you learn how to set boundaries, teach good cyber habits, and protect your family online. 2026 Five Days of Action® Toolkit Page 8 

Kindergarten-Grade 2

Grades 3-5

Middle School

High School 

Spanish-Language Cyber P.L.A.N. Resources for Families

We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too.

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Let the Adventures Begin: Register for YMCA Summer Specialty Camps

Is your child passionate about art, always thinking about plants, or looking for hands on learning activities? The Y offers a variety of specialty camps for children (ages 6-10) with specific interests or hobbies! Learn more about specialty camp offering available at your local Y branch below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Camp Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-3:30 p.m.
Rates: $99 per week for Facility Members, $149 per week for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Weekly Camp Themes
June 1-5: Celebrations of the Decades
June 8-12: Paint the Camp
June 15-19: Discover the Wild
June 22-26: Ringmaster Rally
June 29-July 3: Stars, Stripes and Smiles
July 6-10: Nature’s Elements
July 13-17: Beat the Clock
July 20-24: Beach Bash
July 27-31: All Stars
August 3-7: Mission – Camp Complete

Village of Shorewood YMCA
Camp Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-3:30 p.m.
Rates: $99 per week for Facility Members and Shorewood Resident Program Members, $149 per week for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Weekly Camp Themes
June 1-5: Creative Campers
June 8-12: Snack Creators
June 15-19: STEM Discovery
June 22-26: Learn to Sign
June 29-July 3: Camp USA
July 6-10: Ocean Week
July 13-17: Art Exploration
July 20-24: Camp Enchanted
July 27-31: Garden Food Creations
August 3-7: Global Exploration

Morris Hospital YMCA
Camp Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-3:30 p.m.
Rates: $99 per week for Facility Members, $149 per week for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Weekly Camp Themes
June 8-12: Snack Creators
June 15-19: Kitchen Creations
July 13-17: Kitchen Creations
July 20-24: Agriculture Adventures

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YMCA Member Appreciation: Visit the Y and You Could Win a Special Centennial Prize

We’re celebrating the 100th day of the year with something special for our members! When you check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location on Friday, April 10, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 credit to our YMCA Centennial Store!*

One winner per branch. Some restrictions apply.

Stop by and see us!

*The YMCA Centennial Store features an exclusive collection of limited-edition YMCA merchandise, available in both adult and youth sizes. With apparel and accessories for the whole family, everyone can take part in the celebration all year long as we honor the Y’s long-standing commitment to strengthening our community and inspiring healthy living for all.

Every purchase made from the Centennial Anniversary Store is more than a celebration, it’s an investment in the Y’s mission. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Spring Sports League Registration Extended Through April 6

When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups.  Youth sports programs at the YMCA teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.

And now, due to popular demand, the registration period for YMCA spring sports leagues has been extended through Monday, April 6!

PLEASE NOTE: Families who register after April 6 will be subject to a late fee. Fees vary by league. Uniforms will not be guaranteed by the first game for players registered after April 6.

Facility and Community Members from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are welcome to participate at all league locations. Learn more about spring sports leagues available at your local Y branch by clicking below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball/Player Pitch Baseball, and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

Joliet Community YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football
REGISTER ONLINE

Morris Hospital YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and T-Ball/Pinto Baseball/8U Softball
REGISTER ONLINE

If you have any questions, please contact:

Maria Freeh, Sports Director
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Zach Jarosz, Sports Director
Joliet Community YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 317

Kaeli Ford, Sports Director
Morris Hospital YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 523

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Village of Shorewood YMCA Frequently Asked Questions

The grand opening of the Village of Shorewood YMCA is just one month away! To get the community ready for opening day on Monday, April 27, we’ve got the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Y.

Where will Village of Shorewood YMCA be located?

The facility address is:
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404

What will be the facility hours?

Starting April 27, the Y will be open with the following hours:
Monday-Friday: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

What amenities will the Village of Shorewood YMCA feature?

The 60,000-square-foot facility will include:

-An aquatics center featuring an eight-lane lap pool, sauna, and an aquatics viewing area 

-A state-of-the-art wellness center 

-A gymnasium 

-Group exercise studios 

-A cycling studio 

-A healthy eating kitchen 

-Multi-purpose rooms and meeting spaces 

-Engaging youth play spaces 

-Indoor and outdoor walking tracks 

-An outdoor playground and fields for summer camp and youth sports programs 

How much does a Village of Shorewood YMCA membership cost?

Facility Member Rates can be viewed below.

TypeDescriptionJoiner's Fee*Monthly Rate
Family Plus3 Adults & Their Dependents$120$126
Family2 Adults & Their Dependents$120$92
One Adult Family1 Adult & Their Dependents$100$82
Two Adult2 Adults in Same Household$100$77
AdultAge 26 and older$80$59
Young AdultAges 19-25$40$44
YouthAges 0-18$40$37

*Members who join during our Early Bird Membership Sale, which runs through April 19, will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee. Learn more by clicking here.

Will there be savings opportunities for Shorewood Residents?

Yes! Learn more about special offers available to Shorewood residents only by clicking here.

Who can I contact to learn more about Village of Shorewood YMCA?

Reach out to any of the amazing staff members on our branch leadership team!

NamePositionEmailPhone Ext.
Trisha DustExecutive Director[email protected]327
Jim AulFacility and Grounds Director[email protected]336
Chris InterialSports Director[email protected]605
Alissa KoenigHealth and Wellness Director[email protected]335
Aracely RubioMembership Director[email protected]328
Catie WallisAquatics Director[email protected]320
Tracy WraseYouth and Family Director[email protected]315

We can’t wait welcome the community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA!

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