Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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2026 YMCA Gala Silent Auction Bidding Now Open

The 2026 YMCA Gala will be held on Saturday at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Even if you won’t be attending this year’s event, you can still support the YMCA by bidding on items in our Silent Auction.

Bidding is Now OPEN!

To explore this year’s Silent Auction and begin placing your bids, please visit our by clicking below.

1. To register, please click the ‘My Account’ button in the upper right corner, and add your e-mail address and payment information.

2. After completing the registration process, you will receive an email that provides you with a link to our Mobile Bidding site.

3. Upon visiting our Mobile Bidding site, you will be able to begin bidding on items in our highly anticipated Silent Auction.

YMCA GALA HEADQUARTERS

As a reminder, winning bidders who are not in attendance may pick up auction items at their local YMCA branch the week of March 2. Please Note: At this time, we are unable to ship items to winning bidders.

If you are attending this year’s Gala, you should have already received a message with a registration link. For more information, please contact Volunteer and Special Events Director Dori Fugate at [email protected].

Thank you for supporting the YMCA Gala.

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Sun, Fun, and Friendship: Registration for Summer Day Camp Opens on March 14

At the Y, we provide safe, affordable, and fun summer day camps for youth and teens in grades K-8. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on March 14 for YMCA Facility Members and at 8 a.m. on March 21 for Community Members.

Daily activities include:

-Teambuilding
-Arts and Crafts
-Outdoor Exploration
-STEAM Activities
-Reading Time
-And so much more!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!
Register for summer day camp by March 30, and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $50!

Learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camp programs available in your area by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Plainfield and the surrounding communities)

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Valley View School District 365U)

Joliet Community YMCA (Serving children in Grades K-5 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Joliet Community YMCA – Teen REACH (Serving children in Grades 6-8 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Morris Hospital YMCA (Serving Morris and the surrounding communities)

Village of Shorewood YMCA (Serving Shorewood and the surrounding communities)

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, preschool, and specialty camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports, preschool, or specialty camp between March 14-30. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Announces Spring College Tour

Each year, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA helps students broaden their understanding of possible options for their post-secondary education by organizing tours to colleges and universities throughout the Midwest. These events guide students as they set and achieve high educational, professional, and personal goals, serving as a stepping stone for them to discover their identities, embrace their passions, and become their best selves. 

And now, the Y is excited to announce the first tour of 2026!

Location: Western Illinois University
Date: Tuesday, March 31

Participants will depart from Joliet Junior College, located at 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet, at 7 a.m. with scheduled return to the Y no later than 6 p.m. Finalized trip itineraries will be communicated the week prior to the tour.

Cost: $30 (includes lunch and transportation)

Registration is underway! College tours are open to the community and spots are limited, so don’t delay!

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact: 

Darrell Collins, Teen Achievers and Teen REACH Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 361
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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Offering Workshop on Careers in Health Sciences on March 12

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to host a free workshop for area residents looking to learn more about pursuing careers in the healthcare industry!

Date:
Thursday, March 12

Time:
6-7:30 p.m.

Location:
Joliet Junior College, Room U-1024
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

In addition to listening to engaging guest speakers, participants will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of healthcare professionals and academic providers. Attendees will also learn more about scholarship opportunities, tuition reimbursement programs, and educational pathways for careers in the healthcare industry. Refreshments will be served.

Guest speakers will include representatives from Joliet Junior College and the Will County Workforce Development. 

Cost:
Free and open to the community

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more about this event, please contact: 

Darrell Collins
Teen REACH & Teen Achievers Director
[email protected]
(815) 782-0828

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YMCA Centennial Celebration: Help Us Tell Our Community’s Y Story

For 100 years, the YMCA has helped shape the stories of individuals and families living in our community. Each person’s Y story is unique – improving health, supporting children, building friendships, or finding a place to belong.

As we celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite you to share how the Y has made a difference in your life.

Share How the YMCA Has Helped You

Members of all ages are invited to celebrate the Y’s Centennial Anniversary by sharing their Y story:

  1. Pick up a “Because of the YMCA” sign at the Membership Desk during your next visit or download a sign by clicking below.

    BECAUSE OF THE YMCA

  2. Write a few words describing how the YMCA has made an impact in your life.
  3. Email a photo (landscape orientation) of you holding your sign to [email protected].

Together, we’ll celebrate a century of impact by sharing these stories on social media and in our marketing materials throughout 2026!

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Charter Memberships On Sale Now for the New Village of Shorewood YMCA

We are so excited for the future Village of Shorewood YMCA! Located on Route 52 in Shorewood, this wonderful new facility is set to open later this spring. And now, you can demonstrate your support for the Y’s mission by becoming Charter Member! Charter Memberships are currently on sale and can be purchased through February 28.

As a Charter Member, you’ll enjoy unparalleled benefits, special perks, and a front-row seat to our grand opening:

PRIORITY ACCESS IN APRIL 2026
Charter Members will be among the first to experience our new state-of-the-art facility and innovative programs.

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS
Charter Members will receive a welcome kit packed with exciting one-of-a-kind YMCA gear and grand opening gifts.

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Charter Members will be invited to an exclusive preview event during our Grand Opening week in April.

RECOGNITION ON DONOR SIGNAGE
The everlasting legacy of each Charter Member will also be honored on a permanent donor sign, displayed within the new building.

SPECIAL SAVINGS AVAILABLE FOR CURRENT YMCA MEMBERS
Stop by the Membership Desk of your local Y branch during your next visit or contact Membership Operations Director Michele Claysen at (815) 782-0818 or via email at [email protected] to learn more about these savings!

PLEASE NOTE: A Charter Membership is a one-time donation that includes Founding Member status, recognition, and commemorative gifts. To enjoy access to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA when it opens, Charter Members will also need to become Facility Members and begin paying regular monthly dues starting in April 2026. Facility Memberships will be available beginning March 1, 2026.

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TODAY!
To become a Charter Member, please click below:

PURCHASE A CHARTER MEMBERSHIP

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