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.
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.
At the Y, we understand that 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. The Y’s youth sports programs go above and beyond teaching the fundamentals of the game by emphasizing the importance of teamwork. And, it’s our dedicated sports instructors that help to guide and train our young athletes at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Leading the Morris Hospital YMCA’s sports team are Sports Director Kaeli Ford and Sports Manager Mac VanOudt. They have an exciting summer planned with a variety of summer sports camps, which will kick off on Monday, June 1.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with the Y team?
Kaeli: My journey at the Y started a little over a year ago. One day after I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration from North Central College, I was named the Sports Manager here at the Morris Y and this spring I took on the role of Sports Director. Sports have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. From sitting in on my dad’s practices while he played professionally overseas, to playing in college basketball myself, athletics has made me who I am today.
Mac: I originally got started with the Y a little more than two years ago in the Health and Wellness Department where I served as a personal trainer and instructor. I have loved working for the Y and when an opportunity to become Sports Manager opened up this spring I was excited to become a member of the full time team.
Q: Why do you have a passion for teaching/coaching youth sports
Kaeli: My passion comes from my own experience. I know firsthand how beneficial youth sports can be, and how it’s not limited to athletic skill development. Sports are important for socialization, building self-confidence, and so much more. What kids learn at camp/practice will stick with them for a lifetime.
Mac: I grew up playing sports and I know the impact my coaches had on me at the youth level. I try to bring the same joy and passion that my coaches had when coaching me.
Q: What do you think makes participating in YMCA youth sports programs a special experience for kids?
Kaeli: I think the environment here at the Y is what makes us so special. In sports, it can be hard to look past the concept of wins and losses. At the Y we focus on the importance of a positive environment where kids can learn and grow without getting too caught up in competitive results. Here, everyone plays and everyone wins.
Mac: I think it is amazing that our sports programs bring everyone together. Whether someone has played the sport for many seasons, or if it is someone’s first time playing a sport, we welcome everyone to come play and have fun!
Q: With summer sports camps right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you are looking forward to offering for families?
Kaeli: I’m most excited about our girls basketball camps. With the recent boom of women’s sports it feels like the perfect time to expand those types of programs.
Mac: I grew up playing soccer so I am probably most excited for that camp. I am also looking forward to helping kids in some of our more unique camps like Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, and Badminton.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside the Y?
Kaeli: I really love my coffee, so trying new drinks at local coffee shops is always fun.
Mac: My favorite thing to do outside of the Y is to run. While I prefer outside, sometimes I even run inside the Y on the treadmill.
As a reminder, there is still time to register for sports camps at the Morris Hospital YMCA. To learn more about summer sports camps, click here or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit.
