What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Fall 2018 After School Program

Enrollment for Fall 2018 Out-of-School Time at the West Suburban YMCA is open. Out-of-School Time (OST) is an engaging after-school care program for grades K-8. The school-year program follows the Newton Public School calendar, including extended hours and Early Release Days, and transportation to the Y is available from most elementary and middle schools in Newton. For more information, visit wsymca.org or contact Jeremy Smith at 617-244-6050 x3068 or jeremys@wsymca.org.


Fall Program Registration – Discover What You Can Do!

Registration is open for Early Fall Programs at the YMCA! Programs begin the week September 4th. Pick up a fall program guide at the Y or view online at wsymca.org/find-a-program. Highlights include:

  • Sports: Discover teamwork and sportsmanship by registering for one of the many sports programs at the Y. The YMCA’s Youth Soccer Association (YSA) League welcomes children ages 4-8 to have fun learning the game of soccer. Saturday NFL Flag Football is another option for kids to learn football skills and positions while playing in a fun league. Teen 3v3 Basketball League is starting up this fall as well. Visit wsymca.org for more sports programs including basketball, gymnastics, lacrosse, adaptive sports and more.
  • Music & Creative Arts: Discover your voice and learn to collaborate with a group in our Rock Band class! Rock Band is a 13-week program for ages 9+. Students have weekly rehearsals with their group in preparation for performances and will explore a variety of genres. The Y also offers private music lessons for guitar, bass, drums, piano and voice. New students can schedule a free introductory lesson.
  • Fitness & Wellness: Discover your strength with new offerings from our Fitness & Wellness Department. Try Run 101, a class for participants who would like to learn the basics of running with a small, supportive training group, Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi, a program to help participants relieve pain and improve balance through gentle, fluid movements, and Y Warriors, a fun class for ages 10-12 that uses games, obstacles and other activities to keep kids active and healthy.
  • Also new this fall is Y Empower, a new free program designed specifically for girls ages 10-14. This program will allow girls to explore their health holistically and be prepared to manage the stress that adolescence often brings. Participants will learn about topics such as nutrition, social media, job preparedness and self care, while also trying fitness activities like yoga, Zumba and swimming in a supportive environment. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information about this program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The next session will begin in late September. To learn more or participate in an upcoming session, contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org.


Swim Lessons for All Ages

Learn and improve upon a lifelong skill so you can be confident and capable in the water. YMCA Swim Lessons are available for all ages – infants through adults – and accommodate all abilities with three categories of lessons (swim starters, swim basics and swim strokes) and eight developmental stages.


For Teens

The Y offers a variety of options for teens at the YMCA. Students in the Leaders Club develop leadership skills through community building and volunteer service, while those interested in participating in a model government and learning how to create change can get involved in the Youth and Government program. The Y also offers regular open recreation hours and teen fitness hours.


Blue Waves Swim Team Try Outs

The Blue Waves Swim Team at the West Suburban YMCA is a nationally ranked competitive swim team for ages 6-17. All new swimmers looking to join the Blue Waves Swim Team for the Fall/Winter Short Course Season are required to try out. Try outs slots are available August 21-23 and September 4-6. Swimmers must pre-register for a try out slot ($5 for members / $10 for community). Try out registration is available online at wsymca.org or by calling 617-244-6050 x3086.


Fall 2018 Preschool

Fall 2018 Preschool is enrolling. The Y’s Preschool Center for Youth Development is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and provides a year-round, high quality early education experience for children 2.9 years to 5 years old. The program features a safe teacher-child ratio, a large, bright and open classroom with secure entrance, a weekly 30-minute swim lesson, and access to the Y’s outdoor playground, turf field and full gymnasium. For more information, visit wsymca.org/preschool or contact Kim Benzan at kimberlyb@wsymca.org.


Pickleball starts up September 4th!

Come to the Y on Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:30am and take up a new sport: Pickleball! Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. All are welcome. Free for members and a $10 drop-in fee for non-members.


Poetry Night – September 7th, 7:00-9:00 pm

Organized by Barbara Helfogtt-Hyett of Poemworks, the event begins with readings by two local poets. Then 10-12 guests participate in the Open Mic portion of evening to share their own written work. This event is free and open to the public.


Family Fun Night –  September 11th, 6:00-7:00 pm

Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.


Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs

The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is our mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Visit wsymca.org to register online or stop by the Y’s Welcome Center at 276 Church Street.