- UNLEASH THE POWER OF GIVING: Make a Donation to the 2024 Send a Kid to Camp Campaign Today
Summertime at the YMCA is so much fun and the very best time of year to see our mission at work throughout our community. Each summer, we have the absolute privilege of welcoming nearly 1,200 kids to YMCA summer day camp locations in Joliet, Plainfield, Morris, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook. At YMCA summer camp, kids of all ages learn new skills, build self-confidence, develop new friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at YMCA summer day camp, but we can’t do it alone. Last summer, nearly half of the children who attended our summer camp program did so with the help of the YMCA’s financial assistance program. This was made possible thanks to precious funds donated to the YMCA by generous donors like you. To ensure that the Y’s mission will continue to thrive and help those children in our community who need it most, we need your support more than ever.
We invite you to invest in the kids in our community by making a charitable contribution to the YMCA’s 2024 Send a Kid to Camp Campaign, which will run through May 10. Your gift, in any amount, will help to ensure that every child has the opportunity to benefit from an engaging and impactful summer camp experience at the YMCA.
Donate today by visiting your local YMCA branch or making a charitable donation online.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all gifts to the YMCA are tax-deductible.
- Reaching Your Goals: Cole and Olivia’s Y Story
The Y is a welcoming place for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing the resources and support needed to help everyone reach their goals. For Cole Paravola and Olivia Redman, personal training sessions at the YMCA have been a great way to improve their health and wellness routines while they prepare for powerlifting competitions in the Special Olympics.
“Cole and Olivia have been working with me since November of last year,” YMCA personal trainer Katie Addis said. “I try to complement what they do with their strength training with some other workouts that don’t overload them. It makes it easier when clients are truly motivated and fun to be around. They always have a good outlook, they always want to be here, and they are always willing to put in the work.”
Cole’s mom, Angi, said that their family moved to Morris from Oswego last summer and that maintaining a Y membership was a top priority.
“As soon as we moved, signing up at the Y was one of the first things on our list to get done,” Angi said. “I have never liked the idea of taking Cole and Olivia to a regular gym. Everyone at the Y is super welcoming and the Y fosters a family community. Not every gym does that.”
Cole said his favorite part of working out at the Y has been learning the machines.
“I think my favorite workout is doing the elliptical machine, treadmill, and the bike, but I also like to bench because it gives me a chance to flex my muscles,” he said.
Olivia said she prefers deadlifting, but also enjoys taking part in the Y’s hip-hop dance fitness class.
“I love to talk with my friends about the Y and how we get better here,” she said.
At a recent Special Olympics competition, Olivia earned three gold medals, while Cole came home with one gold and two silver medals. Addis said competition sometimes finds its way into workouts as well.
“They don’t always do the same workouts, but they can sometimes do a healthy competition. They do a great job of motivating each other and they are always telling each other how good of a job they are doing,” she said.
Angi said the most important thing is that being at the Y has helped Cole and Olivia feel better about themselves.
“They’re getting stronger and they’ve gained so much independence by building confidence in the facility. We live so close that we can walk or ride bikes here and we love that,” she said.
Overall, Cole said there are few places they would rather be.
“The Y feels like home,” he said.
- YMCA Kid Zone Registration for the 2024-25 School Year Opens for Facility Members on April 20
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, Bolingbrook, and Romeoville.
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 2024-2025 school year opens on Saturday, April 20 for Facility Members and on Saturday, April 27 for Community Members!
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE
Registration for the 2024-25 school year is underway for Facility Members! Sign your child(ren) up for Kid Zone by Monday, May 6 and pay a $0 registration fee – a savings of $45!
To learn more about the Kid Zone Program, click here.
- Triple the Fun: My Y Rewards Special April Earnings Event
TRIPLE POINTS CHECK-IN SPECIAL OFFER
Spring is in full swing and the Y is celebrating with a special bonus points offer for My Y Rewards program participants.
Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members, ages 16 and up, enrolled in the My Y Rewards program will receive triple rewards points every time they check in at the Y between April 22-29.
Learn how to enroll by clicking below.
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also 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.
If you should have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].
- Join the Y During Our 2024 Tax Day Sale
JOIN THE Y ON TAX DAY AND SAVE!
During the Y’s 2024 Tax Day Sale, new and alumni members will pay a $15 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $105.
Valid only on Monday, April 15 at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch.
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, 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.Three CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431Morris Community YMCA
320 Wauponsee St, Morris, IL 60450