YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTH

Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. The YMCA believes in youth development, nurturing the potential of every child and teen. At the Y, children and teens explore their unique talents and interests to help them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. The Y believes the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. Key youth program areas at the Y include: Childcare: safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills. Education & Leadership: knowledge, character development, guidance and encouragement to help youth develop and realize their potential. Swim, Sports & Play: positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills. Camp & Adventure: exciting, safe community for young people to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories. Youth development in the Y includes leadership development programs during out-of-school time (such as Beacons School Success and Y Leaders Club), youth civic engagement (like Center for Youth Voice including Youth in Government and Model United Nations), post-secondary educational prep (such as Teen Thrive), competitive swimming and sports, recreation activities, youth swim lessons, day and overnight camps and specialty camp programs. In 2024, more than 13,700 kids went to day camp where they learn, play, make friends and connect with caring counselors. More than 9,300 kids participated in sports programs and more than 17,000 adults, teens and youth took part in overnight camping. Specific programs in youth development also include early childhood learning centers, school-age care and drop-in childcare at our membership locations. Most childcare sites are in YMCA fitness and wellbeing centers, schools, churches and other non-YMCA locations. In 2024, more than 13,400 kids were served in Y childcare.

Healthy Living: Improving the nation's health and well-being. Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where people can work toward that balance by challenging themselves to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through lifelong learning programs, or bringing loved ones closer together through many family-centered activities. At the Y, it is not about the activity people choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside. The Y demonstrates its commitment to healthy living through a variety of focus areas. Health and Wellbeing provides resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, mental health and overall wellbeing. Family Time brings families together to have fun and grow together. Sports and Recreation provides healthy lifestyle activities that unite people with shared athletic and recreational interests. The Y also provides social networking opportunities and activities that connect people who share common passions and personal interests. Specific core programs that promote Healthy Living include group fitness classes, aquatics classes, youth fitness, family activities, personal and group training, open gym and swim times, and ForeverWell senior programs and activities. In 2024, more than 75,500 seniors joined and participated in ForeverWell senior programming. The Y is also engaged in preventative health measures including programs that address youth and adult obesity, diabetes, cancer survivorship and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as holistic wellbeing programs like meditation, acupuncture and other modalities that help the whole person thrive.