Morris — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

100 Years, 100 Laps: YMCA Announces Centennial Swim Challenge

April 15, 2026

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2026! To help recognize this milestone, our aquatics team is inviting members to participate in a special Centennial Swim Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

Participants will have from May 1-July 31 to swim 100 lengths of the pool (beginner swimmers) or 100 full laps in the pool (advanced swimmers).

Once registered, participants will be able to pick up a tracking sheet by visiting the Membership Desk of their local Y branch. All participants will receive a commemorative shirt, sticker, and a YMCA water-resistant cinch bag.

Cost: $25, open to Facility Members only.

Registration closes on May 11. So don’t delay! Dive in, challenge yourself, and be part of our centennial celebration!

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Join the Y During Our 2026 Tax Day Sale

April 9, 2026

JOIN THE Y ON TAX DAY AND SAVE!

During the Y’s 2026 Tax Day Sale, new and alumni members will pay a $15 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $105.

Valid only on Wednesday, April 15 at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch.

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM:

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

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

Village of Shorewood YMCA (Opening, Monday April 27)
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Amenities Including:

Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
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).

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.

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

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YMCA Kid Zone Registration for the 2026-27 School Year Opens for Facility Members on April 11

April 8, 2026

We know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance.

That is why the Y is excited to partner with area school districts to offer our Kid Zone youth enrichment program at schools throughout Joliet, Plainfield, Morris, Shorewood, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and Seneca

Kid Zone provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values. Our caring professionals are committed to helping kids build confidence and character.

Through guided play, children learn to respect themselves and others, work out their differences and discover the value of true friendship, all while in a safe and nurturing environment. Academic support from caring role models enriches your child’s educational experience and enables families to spend more quality time together.

Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 for Facility Members and at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 for Community Members!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE

Sign your child(ren) up for Kid Zone by Monday, April 27 and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $50!

To learn more about the Kid Zone Program, click here.

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

April 6, 2026

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

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

April 1, 2026

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

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

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

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

March 31, 2026

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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