- YMCA Masters Swim Team Competes at Illinois State Meet
We want to congratulate all the members of the YMCA’s Masters Swim Team for their outstanding performances at the Illinois Masters State Swim Meet earlier this month! The team, which competes in conjunction with the Joliet Inwood Blue Tides, finished in seventh place out of 40 teams overall and was third amongst medium sized teams competing at the meet.
Whether it was setting personal record, or trying a new event, we know the team did amazing job of reaching their goals in the pool! We also give a special shout out to coaches Marcie Ryan Curran and Jen Hazard for guiding swimmers along the way.
If you would be interested in joining in the Masters Swim Team, which is open to Y members ages 18 and over, team practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 a.m. and 6-7 a.m., as well as Sundays from 7:15-8:15 a.m. Members who choose to compete in meets can do so in one of 12 different age groups. For more information, please contact the C.W. Avery YMCA at (815) 267-8600.
- 100 Years, 100 Laps: YMCA Announces Centennial Swim Challenge
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!
- Join the Y During Our 2026 Tax Day Sale
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 60544Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450Village of Shorewood YMCA (Opening, Monday April 27)
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404OUR 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. - YMCA Kid Zone Registration for the 2026-27 School Year Opens for Facility Members on April 11
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.
- 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.
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.
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
