Youth Development — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

YMCA All Star Basketball Programs Set to Start Activities in March

January 25, 2021

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce new All Star Basketball programs for this spring! As part of this 10-week program, players will work on skill development through drills and instruction. During the last week of All Star Basketball, all athletes will participate in skills competitions.

All participants will receive a YMCA t-shirt and participation medal, and the top 3 finishers in the skills competitions from each grade division will also receive trophies. Find more information about All-Star Basketball programs at your local Y below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Dates: March 15-May 29*

* All Star Basketball will not be held the week of March 29 due to Spring Break.

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

Grades: Pre-K, K-8
All age levels will meet for 60-minutes each week.
Pre-K and Kindergarten: Saturday mornings, tentatively between 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Grades 1-8: Monday-Thursday evenings between 5-9 p.m.

Cost:
Facility Members – $110
Community Members – $220

Morris Community YMCA

Dates: March 20-May 29*

* All Star Basketball will not be held on April 3 due to Spring Break.

Locations:

Shabbona Middle School
725 School Street
Morris, Illinois 60450

Grades: Pre-K, K-8
Saturdays between 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
All age levels will meet for 60-minutes each week.

Coal City Intermediate School
305 E. Division Street
Coal City, Illinois 60416

Grades: Pre-K, K-6
Saturdays between 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
All age levels will meet for 60-minutes each week.

Cost:
Facility Members – $65
Community Members – $130

Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs

Dates: March 15-May 29*

*All Star Basketball will not be held on April 3 due to Spring Break.

Location:
Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, Illinois 60431

Grades: K-8
Saturdays between 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
All grade levels will meet for 1 hour each week.

Cost:
Facility Members – $65
Community Members – $130

Registration Underway for Morris Community YMCA Youth Baseball and Softball Programs

January 25, 2021

The Morris Community YMCA is excited to announce our T-Ball, Pinto, and 8U Girls Softball programs for this spring. Program details can be found below:

Dates: May 17-July 24

Practices will begin the week of May 17, with games getting underway the weekend of June 5. Games will be played on Fridays and Saturdays at Goodwill Park.

T-Ball
Ages: 3-5 years old
Cost:
Facility Members – $90
Community Members – $100
Register Today!

Pinto Baseball
Ages: 6-8 years old
Cost:
Facility Members – $90
Community Members – $100
Register Today!

Girls Softball
Ages: 6-8 years old
Cost:
Facility Members – $105
Community Members – $115
Register Today!

REGISTER BY MAY 1 AND SAVE

Registration fees will increase by $25 after May 1, 2021. Uniforms will not be guaranteed by the first game for those players who register after May 1.

For more information, please contact:
Sports Director Chris Interial
Phone: (815) 513-8080 ext. 514
Email: [email protected]

Winter 1 Programming at the Morris Community YMCA Set to Begin January 18

January 15, 2021

On Friday, January 15 Governor Pritzker announced that Tier 2 mitigation efforts aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in Region 2 (Grundy County).

We are very excited to share that Winter 1 Programming at the Morris Community YMCA will get underway on Monday, January 18.

The following facility and program modifications will also go into effect beginning Monday, January 18, 2021:

UPDATED HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Masks and Face Coverings
Masks or face coverings will continue to be required at all times for members.

Facility and Group Exercise Class Reservations
YMCA members will be required to make reservations to use the wellness center. YMCA members will also be required to make reservations for group exercise classes. Capacity limits in line with Tier 2 mitigation efforts will remain in place.

Reservations can be made up to 24 hours in advance through the YMCA On the Go App, by calling the Y, or by visiting the Membership Desk.

As a reminder, all YMCA Facility Members receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership. Facility Members who haven’t already downloaded the YMCA On the Go App, will receive an invitation from the YMCA later this afternoon to download the App for free. This email will be sent to the email address you have listed on your membership account in Daxko. Please be sure to check your junk and spam folders for this activation email.

Kids Corner
Kids Corner will reopen on Monday, January 18 at the Morris Community YMCA. Kids and staff in Kids Corner will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times.

New Hours – Effective January 18, 2021

Monday-Thursday:
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday
8-10 a.m.

Open to kids ages 3-10 years old.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Winter 1 Programming Will Begin on Monday, January 18
Registration is underway for the YMCA’s Winter 1 Session. Program fees will be prorated to reflect the shortened three-week session.

The following Winter 1 session-based programs will resume the week of January 18:

Youth sports classes
Specialty group fitness classes
Youth enrichment classes

Group Exercise Classes
All in-person group exercise classes will resume on Monday, January 18. Our health and wellness team will also continue to offer a number of virtual classes in the coming weeks. These schedules will be available on our website and in the On the Go App.

A catalog of more than 90 group exercise classes is also available here. Y Members will also find free workouts in the On the Go App.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER
We thank our members in advance for their continued cooperation as we work together to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. For more information on the Morris Community YMCA’s health and safety guidelines, please click here.

Because this situation is ever-changing, please watch your email, follow the Y on social media, and visit our website for additional updates.

Helping You Live Better: Take Advantage of the Y’s Winter Programming Special Offers

December 30, 2020

Although the start of traditional winter session programming has been delayed, the Y is here to help you and your family stay active this winter:

January Personal Training Sale
The Y is excited to offer 3 personal training sessions for $99 during the month of January!

When registering online use promo code:

3FOR99PT

Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires 1/31/21. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Dance Instruction
A 3 for $99 special offer is also available for private dance lessons at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.

When registering online use promo code:

3FOR99DANCE

Offer expires 1/31/21. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Swim Lessons
Save 15% when you purchase a package of four private or semi-private swim lessons. Sale runs through January 11.

When registering online use promo code:

PRIV15OFF

Valid at the C.W. Avery, Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Lessons must be used by February 7. Contact the Y for more details.

Private Sports Lessons
Save 15% when you purchase a package of five private sports lessons. Sale runs through January 11.

When registering online use promo code:

PRIV15OFF

Valid at all Greater Joliet Area YMCA locations. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Lessons must be used by February 7. Contact the Y for more details.

Families Fitness Special
Families looking to exercise together in the New Year are invited to sign-up for the Y’s Family Fitness Special. Families can choose to complete a variety of activities during these 50-minute sessions, including TRX, circuit training, and more. Classes are limited to 2-4 people within the same household.

Cost: 5 sessions for $175

Virtual Group Exercise Classes

At this time, all in-person group exercise classes will continue to be paused. Our health and wellness teams will be offering a robust schedule of virtual classes in the coming weeks. This schedule is available on our website and in the On the Go App. A catalog of more than 70 group exercise classes is also available on the Y’s here.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Winter 1 Session Delayed

December 30, 2020

Tier 3 Mitigations Remain in Effect

Due to continued Tier 3 Mitigations, which went into effect across the state of Illinois in November, the YMCA will be delaying the start of its Winter 1 session, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, January 4. Winter 1 programming will begin promptly once Tier 3 mitigations have been lifted.

Program participants will be contacted in the coming days with information about alternative program opportunities. System credits and refunds for delayed programs will also be available.

In accordance with Tier 3 mitigation efforts, all previously announced facility and program modifications, including facility reservation requirements, will remain in effect at all Greater Joliet Area YMCA facilities.

We are very excited to share that all Greater Joliet Area YMCA facilities and program sites will remain open.

However, in accordance with the statewide mitigation efforts, we will be required to make adjustments in our facilities and pause many of our program offerings.

The following facility and program modifications are currently in effect:

FACILITY MODIFICATIONS

Masks Requirements
Masks or face coverings will be required at all times for members, except when using the pool.

Reservations Required for Facility Usage
In accordance with Tier 3 mitigation efforts, members will be required to make reservations to use the wellness centers, pools, and gymnasiums. Reservations will be available through the YMCA On the Go App or by calling your local branch.

Additional information about the reservation process can be viewed here.

As a reminder, all YMCA Facility Members receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership. If you haven’t already downloaded the YMCA On the Go App, you will receive an invitation from the YMCA later this evening to download the App for free. This email will be sent to the email address you have listed on your membership account in Daxko. If you don’t receive an email in the next 24 hours, you can request that a new activation email be sent to you by emailing [email protected]. Please be sure to check your junk and spam folders before requesting a new activation email.

Wellness Centers
Members will be required to make reservations to use strength and cardio equipment in the Wellness Center. Members can also reserve use of the aerobics studios and cycling rooms. Reservations will begin on the hour and last for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Lap Pools
Use of the lap pool will be by reservation only. Lap lane reservations will be limited to one household* per lane. Fifty-minute reservations will be available, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

*One household may consist of up to 6 swimmers from the same residence.

Family Pool at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Use of the family pool during open swim time will be by reservation only. Reservations will be limited to one household per zone (Zone 1-Catch Pool, Zone 2-Zero Entry Pool, and Zone 3-Cove and Vortex), with no more than 6 swimmers per household. Reservations will begin on the half hour and will run for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Gymnasiums
Use of the gym during open gym time will be by reservation only. Gym reservations will be limited to one household, with no more than 4 persons per hoop. Fifty-minute reservations will be available and can may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Indoor Walking Track at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Use of the walking track will be by reservation only. Reservations will be limited to one household, with no more than 6 walkers. Reservations will begin on the half-hour lasting for 50 minutes, and may be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Locker Rooms
Locker rooms will be open for restroom use only.

Kids Corners and Activity Centers
These spaces will be closed until further notice.

PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS

School-Based Programs
At this time, Kid Zone PLUS and Pint-Size Pupils will run, as-scheduled.

Program participants will be contacted in the coming days with information about alternative program opportunities. System credits and refunds for canceled programs will also be available.

Group Exercise Classes
At this time, all in-person group exercise classes will be paused. Our health and wellness teams will be offering a robust schedule of virtual classes in the coming weeks. This schedule will be posted on our website and in the On the Go App in the next few days.

A catalog of more than 70 group exercise classes is also available on the Y’s website.

JETS Swim Team
Practices will be paused. Private coaching sessions will be available. Athletes can also reserve lap lanes to stay active. Coaches will be contacting all team members with additional information.

Thrive Dance Team
Practices will continue virtually. Instructors will be contacting all team members with additional information.

For more information on the Y’s health and safety guidelines, please click here.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

We thank you in advance for your continued cooperation as we work together to keep our members and staff safe and healthy. Because this situation is ever-changing, members are encouraged to watch their email, follow the Y on social media, and continue to monitor our website for additional updates.

Hometown National Bank Donates $5,000 to YMCA Mission Strong Fund

December 9, 2020

Although the Y has been challenged to adapt the way it serves the community during the COVID-19 public health crisis, it has remained dedicated to working with local partners to offer health and wellness opportunities for area residents, provide families with child care and support for remote learning, and promote social responsibility throughout the community. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of organizations like Hometown National Bank, which recently provided a $5,000 donation to the Great Joliet Area YMCA in support of the Y’s Mission Strong Fund.

This generous grant was donated through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Targeted Impact Fund, which was created to provide relief for populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and promote racial equity in communities across Illinois and Wisconsin.

These funds will provide assistance to multiple Y initiatives, including:

Providing much-needed financial assistance for children, families and seniors who are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
Providing valuable health and wellness programming for YMCA Facility and Community Members.
Providing additional resources and support for YMCA employees.
Implementing facility enhancements and new safety and social distancing guidelines at our YMCA locations.

The Y would like to thank Hometown National Bank for this donation and the role it will play in providing important services to community members this winter.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund or to pledge your support, please click here.

Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Galowich Family YMCA Executive Director Patty Hall, Hometown National Bank Senior Vice President and Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Member Marc Gorsch, and Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts.