C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
June 26-July 6SAVE $10 when you register for Summer Sports Camps during this special sale!
Valid for a July or August 2026 summer sports camp at any branch of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Use promo code: SPORTSCAMPS26 when registering online. Register today by clicking below.
PLEASE NOTE: Camps vary by location.
YMCA sports programs not only provide opportunities for children to stay active, in many instances they serve as a foundation for strong family relationships. In the case of Joliet Community YMCA volunteer Rayvan Richardson, becoming a Youth Basketball League (YBL) coach has opened the door to rewarding experiences with her sons – Corey (age 11), Glenn (age 9), and Josiah (age 7).
“The most rewarding part is being able to bond with my sons and connect with them. Basketball is a sport that I played and now they have a passion for it,” Rayvan said.
Rayvan, who served as a volunteer coach for the first time last season, said her decision to get involved at the Y was inspired in part by a conversation with her son, Corey.
“I don’t know if he was joking at first when he said ‘Mom you should coach my team,’ but I thought to myself ‘You know what, I should. I take you to practice anyway.’ And because volunteering is very important to help our youth, I felt I should give back.”
Rayvan said building confidence in children is the most important aspect of YMCA sports programs.
“I feel like the Y brings kids together in a positive environment and allows them to be active. I always use my kids as an example. They stay busy, have fun, and make new friends. It’s important to start them young so as they grow older they’ve had some positivity in their lives,” she said.
She also believes coaching provides an outlet for personal development.
“It does teach you a lot more patience and I learned what helps is being an active participant in practice. Sometimes I’ll get into the drills with them because I feel like, if you put yourself out there, they have a little more fun and a little more inspiration to get the work done. And I end up feeling like a kid again myself.”
The impact of volunteering goes beyond Y programs, as Rayvan said it has strengthened ties to the community in her day-to-day life.
“You meet new people and sometimes I’ll see a family at the store and they go ‘Hey that’s coach!’ It’s a joy to make those connections outside the Y,” she said.
Overall, it’s an experience that has Rayvan already looking forward to next season.
“I love the kids and being around them. I’m so excited to come back next year,” she said.
We are so proud to have Rayvan as a volunteer and thank her for her efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer coach in the Y’s fall youth sports leagues, you can sign up by clicking here.
Summer is in full swing and the Y is celebrating with a special one-day membership sale! Join the Y on Monday, June 22 and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!*
* Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
The Y offers a wide variety of classes and programs for members of all ages, and is the perfect place for individuals and families to feel welcomed in a strong community.
Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:
Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The On the Go App will provide Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.
Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll 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.
Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
Village of Shorewood YMCA
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404
This fall, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will introduce an all-new sideline dance program – Illuminate – bringing fresh energy, new opportunities, and an enhanced experience for young dancers in our community.
Illuminate is designed for co-ed youth dancers of all skill levels in grades K–8 who love to move, perform, and be part of a team. Participants will learn dynamic choreography that blends pom, jazz, and hip-hop from experienced YMCA dance instructors, all while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Dancers will showcase their skills by performing high-energy sideline routines at YMCA youth flag football and basketball games throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
With the launch of this new program, the YMCA will restructure its Thrive Dance Team. More advanced dancers will continue to have the opportunity to audition for the Thrive Competition Team, which practices at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA and participates in competitions and community events throughout the year.
The YMCA will also continue to offer a wide variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Current offerings include classes specializing in pre-ballet, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. Summer dance class participants can also take part in the YMCA’s annual summer recital, held each August.
REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR ILLUMINATE
Registration for Illuminate’s fall season is now underway. Team members will practice once per week and perform during YMCA NFL FLAG football games. Practices will begin the week of August 17 and will be held on weeknights at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Game day performances will primarily take place on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning the week of September 7. The outdoor fall season will run through late October.
To learn more, please contact Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowksi at (815) 267-8600, ext. 224 or via email at [email protected].
When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups. Youth sports programs at the YMCA teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.
And now, registration is underway for YMCA fall youth sports leagues! Register by June 22 during our early bird registration period and save!
As a reminder, members from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are welcome to participate at any of our league locations. Learn more about fall sports leagues available at your local Y branch by clicking below:
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football, Soccer, and T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball
REGISTER ONLINE
Joliet Community YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE
Morris Hospital YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and T-Ball/Pinto Baseball/8U Softball
REGISTER ONLINE
Village of Shorewood YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE
If you have any questions, please contact:
Maria Freeh, Sports Director
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217
Zach Jarosz, Sports Director
Joliet Community YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 782-0813
Kaeli Ford, Sports Director
Morris Hospital YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 523
Chris Interal, Sports Director
Village of Shorewood YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 763-5900, ext. 605
The YMCA’s Junior Wolves program is excited to offer a new youth softball program this summer. This program is designed for girls, ages 6-8, who are looking to strengthen their game!
Athletes will practice key skills, including catching, throwing, hitting, and base running. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or working to develop their fundamentals, this program is the perfect way for kids to have fun and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship!
Participants may attend programming at both of the following locations:
Dates:
May 26-27
June 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29
July 1
Location:
Joliet Junior College Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
Program will run from 5-7 p.m. each week and include 60 minutes of practice and 60 minutes of gameplay. All participants must bring a glove and are encouraged to bring a helmet, face mask, cleats, and a bat.
Cost: $25, includes a t-shirt
If you have any questions, please contact Sports Director Zach Jarosz at [email protected] or by phone at (815) 782- 0813.
