Morris Community YMCA — Page 56 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

A Message to Y Members From Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts

June 10, 2020

We want to thank you again for being a loyal member of our YMCA community.

Earlier this month, Governor Pritzker announced a new five-phased plan to reopen the state of Illinois. Based on guidelines outlined in the governor’s new Restore Illinois plan, we are now preparing for a phased reopening of our YMCA facilities on Monday, June 29.

With new guidance being shared almost daily by our state and local officials, we continue to update our reopening plans. Although the Y will not be permitted to open our facilities until Phase 4 of the governor’s plan, we will be able to offer small group outdoor fitness classes as well as virtual and outdoor personal training during Phase 3.

Because the safety of our members and our staff remains our top priority, we are doing everything possible to ensure our facilities meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety, and we are working to modify our policies and programs to facilitate new safety and social distancing guidelines. As we prepare to reopen safely and swiftly when we are permitted to do so, we wanted to share some important updates regarding membership fees and summer programming.

Membership and Programs

At this time, all membership drafts remain on hold. We will not be processing additional membership payments before June 28.

We appreciate all the members who have already reached out and generously indicated that they would like to continue to pay their membership fees to support the YMCA during this difficult time. Membership fees paid during our COVID-19-related closure may be considered a charitable gift to our Mission Strong Fund, and will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the YMCA.

If you would like to make a donation to the Y by continuing to pay your monthly membership fee, please contact a member of our Membership team.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Members
Megan Cox, Membership Director
Email: [email protected]

Galowich Family YMCA Members
Patty Hall, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]

Morris Community YMCA Members
Jamie Nelson, Membership and Wellness Director
Email: [email protected]

Smith Family YMCA Members
Aracely Rubio, Membership Director
Email: [email protected]

Summer Session Programing

We are planning to delay the start of session-based programming until mid-July, with our Summer 2 session scheduled to begin on July 13. Registration for Summer 2 programming is now underway. You can learn more by checking out your local YMCA’s Summer Program Guide or register here today.

Summer Camps
The first day of YMCA summer day camp and sports camps will be on Monday, June 29, as permitted by state and federal guidelines. Although our summer camp programs will look a little different this year, we remain dedicated to providing all YMCA campers and their families with a healthy and safe camp experience, full of fun and wonderful memories. Online registration for summer camp is currently underway. Learn more about YMCA summer day camp here.

Youth Sports Leagues
Based on guidelines outlined in the governor’s plan, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all of our spring soccer, t-ball, baseball and softball leagues. Registered families will receive system credits for future programming. Refunds are also available upon request.

JETS Swim Team
The JETS Swim Team will resume activities in early July and will participate in a 6-week modified practice season. The summer season will end on August 15. Summer registration information will be shared with JETS families via Team Unify when it becomes available.

Before and After School Kid Zone Program

As a reminder, Kid Zone registration for the 2020-2021 school year is underway. To learn more about Kid Zone, please click here. If you have questions about the Y’s Kid Zone program, please contact a member of our Before and After School Care team:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Members
Trisha Dust
Before and After School Care Director
Email: [email protected]

Galowich Family YMCA Members
Brooke Hall
Childcare Director
Email: [email protected]

Morris Community YMCA Members
Sarah Porzel
Youth and Family Director
Email: [email protected]

Smith Family YMCA Members
Catie Wallis
Youth, Family and Outreach Director
Email: [email protected]

We Are Stronger Together

As a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on your membership to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community. We know that by working together we will get through these difficult times. And when we do, please know that the YMCA will be here to support you and your family, like we have for more than 90 years.

Because this situation is ever-changing, please watch your email, follow the Y on social media, and visit our website at www.jolietymca.org for additional updates. Please stay well and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.

God Bless You,
James Watts
President and CEO
Greater Joliet Area YMCA

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Upcoming Free Virtual Programs and Events from the YMCA

June 3, 2020

The Y’s virtual summer session runs from June 8 to July 3 and will include a variety of free events and classes for members of all ages. You can check out these free programming options below.

Please note: For classes and events where registration is required, Zoom meeting information and supply lists will be sent to registered individuals and families prior to the start of the program.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Magic Show with Gary Kantor
Friday, June 12
6 p.m.

Check out a thrilling, virtual show from magician Gary Kantor. Gary’s magic has been enjoyed by over 100,000 children over the years. The show is packed with vanishing acts, mind-reading tricks, and a variety of hilarious tricks that will have children rolling on the floor with laughter. And after the show, Gary will also teach kids how to do a trick of their very own. The show is appropriate for all ages. Zoom Information can be found below.

Meeting ID: 815 5335 3374
Password: 929252

Family Bingo Night
Friday, June 19
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Do you think you can fill your card first? Join us for a night of fun on Zoom as families race to be the first to yell out “BINGO!”

Family Game Night
Thursday, June 25
5:30-6:10 p.m.

Compete in ‘Win It in a Minute’ challenges for the whole family!

FUN FOR YOUTH

Kids’ Trivia Challenge (Ages 8-12)
Tuesday, June 16
2-2:40 p.m.

What do you know? Join us for some fun trivia! Categories will cover all topics with age appropriate degree of difficulty.

FUN FOR ADULTS AND SENIORS

Google Me (Ages 18 and up)
Tuesdays from June 9-June 30
4-4:30 p.m.

Sign up to learn more about how to best use Google Drive, Google Docs and Google Sheets with our volunteer Google Certified Educator.

Ladies’ Night (Cosmetic Masks and Conversation, Ages 18 and up)
Thursday June 18
8-8:40 p.m.

Join our virtual ladies night to socialize, unwind and pamper yourself!

Ladies’ Night (Mani-Pedi Pow Wow, Ages 18 and up)
Thursday, July 2
8-8:40 p.m.

Join our virtual ladies night to socialize, unwind and pamper yourself!

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Registration Underway for Exciting Virtual Summer Programs

May 27, 2020

Set to launch on June 8 and run through July 3, the YMCA’s new four-week summer virtual programming session includes a variety of can’t-miss youth, adult, and family programs. With a wide selection of both fee-based and free programs, the Y has something planned for every member of your family including:

Tiny Dancers (Ages 2-3)
Dance Beginnings (Ages 3-5)
Kids’ Club (Ages 4-7)
MVP Sports (Two Sessions: Ages 4-5 and Ages 6-10)
Imagination Exploration (Ages 6-8)
Y Girls (Ages 8-12)
Teen Impact (Ages 11-14)
American Red Cross Lifeguarding Virtual Classes (Ages 15 and Up)
Google Me (Ages 18 and Up)
And Much More!

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Strong Families Happen Here: Keeping Kids Connected

May 23, 2020

Although all branches of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA are currently closed, we are dedicated to supporting families who are looking to keep their kids active and engaged through this closure. That is why we are excited to announce our Keeping Kids Connected Initiative.

Each day, we will be posting new challenges and activities for kids of all ages using everyday materials families can find around their home. Be sure to follow the Y on Facebook and Pinterest to learn more and to take part in these fun activities…Let the games begin!

At-Home Treasure Hunts

Help kids sharpen their skills ahead of Easter with exciting treasure hunt activities! You might just find something you didn’t know was lost!

LEGO Challenges

LEGOS are a great way for kids to use their minds and imagination and you can also use them as tools for various learning activities.

Do-It-Yourself Musical Instruments

Let your kids explore their creative side in more ways than one! Start off with a craft activity, then make your own music!

Around the House STEAM Activities

The worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math can be explored through many everyday items in your home. Challenge kids to think outside the box.

UNO Card Fitness

Play UNO in a brand new way by adding a fitness challenge element to gameplay! This is great way to make fitness fun and exciting for kids.

At-Home Obstacle Courses

A fun activity that can help kids staying moving while enhancing their problem skills. Use couches, pillows, chairs, etc. as physical tasks and add puzzles or riddles to include critical thinking stages.

Tissue/Paper Towel Roll Snake Craft Activity

Save your extra paper rolls for a fun arts and crafts project! Decorate your creation with your favorite colors and accessories.

Cotton Swab Painting

Here’s a great way to do paintings without store-bought brushes. It can also be used as a language activity for kids learning to read.

Toothpick and Marshmallow Construction Challenge

What do you get when you combine some extra toothpicks with a bag of marshmallows? A great engineering experiment! Check out these ideas for fun projects and mini-structures.

Interval Training Workout

Kids can get antsy when stuck inside on a rainy day. Here’s a great set of physical activities they can channel their energy into.

Journaling Prompts

This is an important time for children to reflect and address their emotions. Journaling is a great way to help them succeed on those fronts and here you’ll find a set of topics to get them started.

Paper Plate Ring Toss

A great craft activity for a rainy day. Kids can build their own carnival game out using paper plates and paper towel tubes!

Egg Carton ‘Flowers’

Finished with your dozen eggs? Recycle the carton for a special arts and craft project! Personalize your flower with your own designs.

Giant Word Search

A combination of language and artwork can bring an exciting challenge to a traditional kids activity. Design word searches for your child or have them create their own to test you!

Kids Cardio

This is a great 30 minute fitness activity from our #LivewiththeY series for kids to follow along with.

Pasta Jewelry

Check out some fun crafts you can do with pasta from the cupboard.

Spring Wind Sock

The fresh spring air is out in full force and now is a great time to create and decorate you own wind sock! When finished, set it outside and see your design flutter on the breeze!

Cereal Box Book Report

This activity combines reading comprehension with arts and crafts! After completing a story, use a leftover cereal box as the core of a book report display.

Unicorn Yoga

Exercise can also inspire the imagination! These simple yoga poses give kids an opportunity to stay fit while opening up the possibilities of a fantasy world.

Strawberry Ladybugs

Want to make eating fruit a fun time? Make an art project out of it! Learn how kids can help make ‘ladybugs’ out of strawberries, blueberries and dark chocolate chips.

Paper Mache Volcano

Check out this step-by-step breakdown of a fun art project/science experiment that you can do at home.

DIY Bouncy Balls

Are your kids bouncing off the walls while stuck inside? Help them channel that energy into a project that will give them a new toy to bounce around.

Soccer Ball Bowling

This is a fun game you can play in the hallways of your own home! Set up a makeshift bowling lane using household items as pins and a soccer ball as a bowling ball.

Balloon Rocket

Help your kids unleash their inner astronaut with a great STEAM activity that you can do at home!

DIY Fidget Toys

If your child is showing some signs of anxiousness or struggling with stress there are plenty of do-it-yourself crafts that can help them relax.

Kite Flying

Flying a kite is a great spring activity that families can do together. Now you can learn an easy way to make your own kite before sending it through the air!

LEGO Math

Putting together toys is not only a fun problem-solving activity, it provides some instant tools to help kids learn math!

Sidewalk Chalk Boardgames

Spend some time being creative outdoors! Check out some ideas for games kids can design with sidewalk chalk or encourage them to draw up a brand new game.

Friendship Keychains/Bracelets

Take out some beads and string and put together a message of hope and encouragement!

Coffee Filter Monsters

Have kids try this quick and easy craft if you have some extra coffee filters around the house. Make your monster as wacky and colorful as you like!

Bird Feeder Perch

Spring is in full bloom and now your kids can help out the birds in your neighborhood. Make a design that you’ll enjoy looking at just as much as the birds!

Recipe Book

Let your kids play a role in the home-cooking process by encouraging them to write down the recipes! Try out new ideas they might be inspired to cook up.

Paper Plate Marble Maze

This is a fun craft that also helps kips with their problem solving skills. Use construction paper, pipe cleaners and more to make amazing array of mazes!

Do-It-Yourself Playdoh

For kids who want to have just as much fun making their toys as they do playing with them! Try a homemade spin on the classic squishy clay.

Jelly Bean Math

You can use simple items like jelly beans to help kids do math activities ranging from pattern recognition to addition and subtraction!

Balloon Tennis

Here’s a fun way to have some friendly competition! Serve up an ace after making your own paper plate rackets.

Coffee Mug Sharpie Art

This activity allows kids to use a unique canvas! Decorate a coffee mug using sharpie markers.

Thankful Journal Activity

Have your kids take a moment to write down the things that they have been thankful for over the last few weeks. You can also ask them to draw a picture of these people, places or experiences.

Bringing the Zoo to You

The Brookfield Zoo is hosting daily chats on Facebook at 11 a.m. Get a glimpse of some of their wonderful animal friends.

Kids’ Fit

Another fun edition of our #LiveWithTheY series that can help your kids get out and moving!

Fruit Salsa Recipe

Have your kids help put together this healthy twist on traditional chips and salsa!

Fun With Bubbles

Spend some activity time outdoors by blowing bubbles. Add in a game element for even more fun!

‘Underwater’ Artwork

Have your kids draw an underwater scene in firm crayon and then go over the design with light blue water colors. You’ll be amazed by the oceanic result!

Roll the Dice Workout

Help your kids get moving with a workout based on what they roll! Exercises can be adjusted to age appropriate levels.

Paper Bag Puppets

Use an extra paper bag you may have around the house to make your favorite film/TV/literature characters in this fun arts and crafts activity!

Free Reading Resource

Are your kids running out of books to read at home? Find free downloadable stories at First Book Marketplace.

Creative Writing Prompts

Give your kids an opportunity to think outside the box with these creative writing ideas!

Story Time With the Y

This exciting Y program, designed for kids ages 2-6, starts on Tuesday, May 26 and will feature Y volunteers reading stories through Zoom!

#LiveWithTheY Kids’ Fit

Another exciting edition of our special youth oriented virtual workout classes. Parents can also join in on the fun!

Summer Fun Folder

Kids can start preparing for summer by decorating a special folder that will help keep track of the activities they want to do this summer!

DIY ‘Laser’ Maze

Create your own ‘Mission Impossible’ scene using tape and construction paper and test your young spy’s imagination and agility!

Handprint Wreath

This craft activity instructs children to cut a series of handprint patterns from construction paper with the end product serving as a perfect home decoration!

Human Ring Toss

Have some backyard fun using inflatable pool rings or create rings of your own!

Photo Dictionary

Help your kids find pictures that match up with letters of the alphabet to put in their own alphabet book! Extend to specific words for older children.

Outdoor Number Activities

Going outside doesn’t just have to be a physical activity, there are ways kids can use their mind as well! Check out these number themed activities for outdoor fun!

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facebook Pages:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

Morris Community YMCA

Smith Family YMCA

The Y also knows planning can be a tough task for families in these challenging times, so we wanted to share a basic schedule that can help keep parents and kids organized. We encourage families to make adjustments to their needs.

Daily Family Schedule

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National Water Safety Month: Six Tips To Help Kids Stay Safe

May 22, 2020

May is National Water Safety Month and although our facilities are currently closed, the Y is still focused on helping children develop a lifelong love for swimming, while learning vital water safety skills. Here are some important tips to keep your family safe around water.

Never swim alone. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty.
Supervise your children whenever they’re in water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, make sure your children are within arm’s reach of you at all time.
Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children shouldn’t hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side effects.
Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling them underwater with them. The Y teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.
Enroll your children in water safety or swim lessons. Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, having them participate in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill. When Y facilities reopen, families will have the opportunity to enroll their children in swim lesson programs which will teach them fundamental water safety skills if they find themselves in water unexpectedly.

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