General Archives - South Sound YMCA

By Lesli Baker

Happy Holidays! There are many Holidays this time of year!

I thought that I might share a few with you, as each of our valuable YMCA members may observe a holiday different from each other! A wonderful way to celebrate our diverse community to know and appreciate the Traditions of our neighbors.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt. Those who took part in the re-dedication witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued to burn for eight straight nights.

Hanukkah celebrations revolve around lighting the menorah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown. The ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Typically, blessings are recited and traditional Hanukkah foods such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are fried in oil. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with dreidels and exchanging gifts.

Kwanzaa

The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “mutanda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, families gather and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara, then one of the seven principles, values of African culture, is discussed. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.

Christmas

In the Christian faith, Christmas is the historical celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether celebrated for this religious reason or solely as a cultural celebration, Christmas traditions vary around the world. Americans celebrate with Christmas trees, visits from Santa Claus, and dreams of snowy landscapes.

Other Days of interest that are observed in December are:

  • Dec 1 – World Aids Day
  • Dec 2 -International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
  • Dec 5 – International Volunteer Day
  • Dec 7 – Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
  • Dec 10 – International Animal Rights Day
  • Dec 13 – St. Lucia Day
  • Dec 18 – International Migrants Day
  • Dec 21 – Winter Solstice
  • Dec 21 – National Homeless Persons Remembrance Day
  • Dec 31 – World Peace Meditation Day

Join us to experience new youth programs every month!

Registration Required | $10 for members | $40 for non-members

REGISTER HERE

 

*THURSTON SCHEDULE COMING SOON*

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INTRO TO ART

  • In this class kids will have fun learning new art techniques. A different art medium will be taught every week in a fun and exciting way!
  • Mondays at 4:15pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

HOMESCHOOL PE

  • This is a fun and community building class that will help homeschooled kids get their PE credits! We will learn a variety of different group games and even a couple of sports.
  • Tuesdays at 1:30pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-14

BUILD A LEGO RACING CAR

  • Rev up your child’s creativity and engineering skills with our Lego car class! Your child will learn to build and design their own unique vehicles using Lego bricks and other materials.
  • Tuesdays at 4pm@ Shelton | Ages 5-10

FLOOR HOCKEY

  • Learn the fundamentals of Floor Hockey by learning skills and doing drills. This class will always end with a game of hockey too!
  • Tuesdays at 5pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

TUMBLEBUGS

  • Tumble on in for high energy fun that teaches basic gymnastic skills in a positive, fun, yet challenging atmosphere!
  • Tuesdays at 5:15pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10 (Intermediate)
  • Thursdays at 4:15pm @ Shelton | Ages 3-5 (Beginner)
  • Thursdays at 5:15pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10 (Beginner)

INTRO TO SPORTS

  • In this class we will explore a new sport each week! This class is perfect for everyone whether you want to hone some skills or if you just want to expand you knowledge of different sports.
  • Wednesdays at 1pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

LITTLE SPROUTS GARDENING

  • This class creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening. We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden.
  • Wednesdays at 4pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

PAINTING

  • Come in and enjoy making some new paintings! Some will be watercolor, some will be acrylics, all will be a blast!
  • Wednesdays at 5pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

LITTLE BALLERS BASKETBALL

  • Here we will focus on the basic skills of Basketball such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. This class is great for kids who are new to the sport or those who just want a refresher on the basics.
  • Thursdays at 5:30pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

STEM

  • In this fun and engaging class, kids will have the opportunity to explore the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Through hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, kids will develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills.
  • Thursdays at 6:15pm @ Shelton| Ages 5-10

LITTLE PICASSO

  • This is a fun class that will allow young kids to learn all about art! We will work on all different art styles and techniques. All experience levels are welcome!
  • Fridays at 12pm @ Shelton | Ages 3-5

ART AND SCIENCE

  • Unleash your child ‘s creativity and curiosity with our art and science class! Through hands-on experiments, projects and explorations, your child will learn to observe and experiment while also expressing creativity through art.
  • Fridays at 4pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

YOUTH LIFT LAB

  • Get ready to build strength, confidence, and a healthy body with our youth weightlifting class! Our expert trainers will guide you through safe and effective weightlifting exercises that will help you develop proper technique and form. Whether you’re a beginner or have some lifting experience, we’ll challenge you to push your limits and achieve your goals.
  • Saturdays at 1pm @ Shelton| Ages 8-10

BUST A MOVE

  • Bust a move is a fun class where your child will learn new dance techniques and will learn a Hip-Hop dance! This is a fun opportunity for anyone interested in dance and all experience levels are welcome!
  • Sundays at 1pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

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YOUTH CAMPS

Registration Required | $50 for members | $75 for non-members

Each youth camp this summer will be something new and exciting for kids to learn! They will last 2 hours a day and will go for a whole week! Check out what camps we are offering in June!

DANCE CAMP

  • During the week of dance camp your child will learn several different forms of dance. Each day will highlight a different type of dance for the first hour. The second hour of each day they will learn a choregraphed dance and Friday there will be a performance put on for the parents.
  • June 19-23 from 12-2pm @ Shelton| Ages 5-10

SURVIVAL CAMP

  • During the week for survival camp your child will get many opportunities to learn different survival techniques. They will learn everything from how to make a shelter outside, some first aid, and even get to try MRE’s.
  • June 26-30 from 10am-12pm @ Shelton | Ages 5-10

This month, our Health and Well-Being Director Lesli Baker highlights the work of instructor Heather Sundean!

Heather specializes in strength training and intuitive eating. Heather loves to introduce people to lifting weights and help them feel comfortable and confident at the gym. She enjoys working with a diverse clientele, and has worked with youth, adults, seniors, and those with disabilities. Because we live in a world that puts a lot of pressure on us around diet and exercise, Heather strives to support clients in carving out their own relationship to food and movement. She believes each of us should get to decide what’s best for our own body!

Heather facilitates StrengthLab on Saturdays at the Plum Street YMCA! StrengthLab is an intermediate level, small group weightlifting class focused on building muscle and strength. If you’ve ever been curious about how to incorporate barbells into your workout or want to improve your form and technique on your barbell lifts, this is the class for you! Ask for more information about training with Heather at our Welcome Center at Plum Street or Briggs on your next visit!

 

Join us to experience new youth programs every month!

Monthly registration is required. All programs are $10/month/class for members, and $40/month/class for non-members.

REGISTER HERE

 

Art Club

  • We will be working with all different kinds of mediums and will have alternative activities for kids to engage with. This is an opportunity to allow the creativity to shine through guided activities and direct feedback and instruction! The kids will have the chance to keep their creation or allow it to be displayed in the facility.
  • Wednesdays at 10am | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Tuesdays at 4pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Art & Science Camp

  • Unleash your child’s creativity and curiosity with our art & science class! Through hands-on experiments, projects, and explorations, your child will learn to observe, hypothesize, and experiment while expressing their creativity through art.
  • Fridays at 4pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Ballet

  • Learn a ballet excerpt from a famous ballet! In this class you will be learning beginner ballet moves and body positions, and a small excerpt from a famous ballet. (Nutcracker, swan lake, sleeping beauty, don quioxte, coppelia, etc.) Beginner friendly ballet class, to learn ballet concepts, ideals, and variations, and some ballet history!
  • Mondays at 3:45pm | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Mondays at 4:45pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs
  • Tuesdays at 9:30am | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Saturdays at 11:30am  | Ages 3-5 | Plum Street
  • Saturdays at 12:15pm  | Ages 5-9 | Plum Street

Big Baller (Basketball Skills)

  • The camp typically focuses on basic skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense, and is designed for children who are new to the sport or have limited experience playing basketball.
  • Thursdays at 6:30pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Bob Ross Painting Style

  • Beginning painting is good for the soul. Come have some fun, make new friends, and learn the basics of Bob Ross style painting.
  • Mondays at 4:30pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Broadway Dance

  • High energy dance class, learning Broadway dance moves in an amazingly fun atmosphere. Kids will learn to get comfortable moving their body, exploring the difference dance moves, and gain some skills that be grown!
  • Thursdays at 4:45pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Build A Lego Racing Car

  • Rev up your child’s creativity and engineering skills with our Lego car class! Your child will learn to build and design their own unique vehicles using Lego bricks and other materials.
  • Tuesdays at 4pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Combat Arts

  • Welcome to our beginner kickboxing class! Kids will learn the basic movements of kickboxing, safety techniques, and will be in community with other martial arts lovers!
  • Wednesdays at 4pm| Ages 5-9; 10-13 | Briggs
  • Tuesdays at 4pm| Ages 5-9; 10-13 | Briggs

COMMIT 4 Kids

  • COMMIT Dance Fitness – KIDS Edition will incorporate dance fitness into your kid’s everyday movement. We will focus on cardio, strength, and stretching but most importantly FUN! Kids may learn self-confidence, build friendships, and strengthen their bodies by improved balance and coordination. They will have the freedom to express themselves and show their creativity as we move & groove to popular kid friendly music!
  • Wednesdays at 4pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs
  • Tuesdays at 4:15pm | Ages 5-9 | Shelton

Creativity Club

  • Enjoy fun and diverse activities while letting your creative imagination go wild! This month, we’ll be making Earth Themed puppets!
  • Wednesdays at 4pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Explore Dance

  • In this program, kids will be introduced to basic dance concepts and will get used to being in a classroom setting learning how to move and wiggle their bodies! Emphasis will be on fun and getting some energy out!
  • Thursdays at 4pm | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Fridays at 4pm | Ages 3-5 | Briggs

Family Pollinator Gardening Series

  • For families who are interested in learning what it means to plant a pollinator garden and learn step by step instructions for planning your garden, germinating your seeds, and actually putting plants in the ground- this is for you! Kids as little as 3 years old may participate with their parent or guardian.  Parents must be present and engaged in the activities with their kids.
  • Sundays at 12:30pm | Ages 3+ | Briggs

Floor Hockey 101

  • Learn the fundamentals and basics of hockey. Will always finish with a real hockey game.
  • Tuesdays at 5:30pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Garden Crafters

  • In this program, we will be learning how to upcycle different bottles, egg cartons, and other things that will be able to be used in our community garden! For the littles, we will be doing rock painting and other ways to engage our young ones in the garden creation!
  • Mondays at 11am | Ages 3-5 | Briggs

Hip Hop Dance

  • This is an intro to hip hop dance where kids will learn to move and feel comfortable in their bodies!
  • Saturdays at 11:15am | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Homeschool PE

  • Learn a new sport or play a fun active game. This catered to our homeschool community, but we invite all who are available to come join and build new relationships!
  • Tuesday at 1:30pm | Ages 5-13 | Shelton
  • Thursday at 1:30pm| Ages 5-13 | Shelton

Jujutsu

  • This is a very basic, introductory access to point to the many varieties of jujutsu. Here, we will basic movements, warm ups, and techniques. We hope to have fun, build relationships, make friendships, and most importantly- get kids started with a program that can build confidence, skills, and mobility.
  • Saturdays at 9am | Ages 5-9 | Briggs
  • Mondays at 4pm | Ages 10-13 | Briggs

Little Picasso Camp

  • Little Picasso is a fun class where kids get to learn all about art! We will work on everything from painting to drawing to creative thinking. Each week we will highlight a different art style and different techniques. All experience levels are welcome!
  • Wednesdays at 4:45pm | Ages 3 – 5 | Shelton

Little Sprouts Garden Club

  • This class creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening. We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden.
  • Mondays at 4pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton
  • Wednesdays at 4pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Music Fundamental Jam Sessions

  • Music jams class is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, so that individuals with varying levels of experience can participate and learn from each other. The class provides a supportive environment where participants can experiment with different styles and genres of music and build their confidence as musicians.
  • Mondays at 6pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Pickleball

  • A social sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton—Pickleball is FUN! Grab your paddles and hit the pickleball court!
  • Saturdays at 10am | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Pre-School Sports

  • Tie up your shoelaces and run on over to have some fun playing soccer-style sports! Energize your brain while developing your motor skills and learning about teamwork.
  • Thursdays at 10am (soccer)| Ages 3-5 | Briggs

Rock Climbing

  • How high can you climb? Our youth climbing class is for the young climbers eager to advance their skills and knowledge of rock climbing. This class covers the basic skills and ideas of both indoor and outdoor climbing. Have fun while you increase strength, endurance, and confidence!
  • Saturdays at 11am | Ages 5-9 | Briggs
  • Fridays at 5pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs
  • Fridays at 6pm | Ages 10-13 | Briggs

Science Club

  • We will focus on age appropriate and fun science based activities to help kids expand their curiosity and even help with upcoming school projects- science fair anyone??
  • Fridays at 5pm & 6pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Seed Starters

  • In this program, we will be getting our hands dirty and starting to learn about seed starts, and planning for summer gardens!  Yes- we will actually be planting seeds and planning to put them in the ground!
  • Saturdays at 12pm | Ages 5-9 | Briggs

Tabletop Games

  • Come and embark on epic adventures and explore fantasy worlds with our engaging and interactive Table-Top gaming group! The story you will encounter is only limited to your imagination!
  • Fridays at 4pm | Ages 10-13 | Briggs

Toddler Gym

  • Children will have FUN while focusing on age-appropriate activities to enhance motor skills, game play and get creative while playing with other kids in an open gym environment. [Registration and fee not required for Toddler Gym]
  • Tuesdays at 10am | Ages 1-4 | Briggs

Tumblebugs

  • Tumble on in for high energy fun that teaches basic gymnastic skills in a positive, fun, yet challenging atmosphere!
  • Thursdays at 3:45pm | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Thursdays at 4:45pm | Ages 5-9 (Beginner) | Briggs
  • Tuesdays at 5pm | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate) | Briggs
  • Fridays at 3:45pm | Ages 3-5 | Briggs
  • Fridays at 4:45pm | Ages 5-9 (Beginner) | Briggs
  • Tuesday at 5:15 PM | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate) | Shelton
  • Tuesday at 6:15 PM | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate) | Shelton
  • Thursday at 4:15 PM | Little Tumblers Ages 3 – 5 | Shelton

Youth Lift Lab

  •  Get ready to build strength, confidence, and a healthy body with our youth weightlifting class! Our expert trainers will guide you through safe and effective weightlifting exercises that will help you develop proper technique and form. Whether you’re a beginner or have some lifting experience, we’ll challenge you to push your limits and achieve your goals.
  • Saturdays at 1pm | Ages 8 – 10 | Shelton
  • Saturdays at 2pm | Ages 11- 14 | Shelton

Zen Ninjas

  • Calling all adventurous kids! Are you ready to stretch, move, and breathe your way to a peaceful mind and strong body?Join us and become a Zen master in no time.
  • Mondays at 6:30pm | Ages 5 – 10 | Shelton

Our Personal Trainer Matsimela Ajani is a weight room floor fixture at our Plum Street location. Our Health and Well-Being Director Lesli Baker asked Matsimela to share a bit about himself and about why he loves working at, AND working OUT at, the Y!

“My name is Matsimela Ajani, I am a certified Personal Trainer, spanning over a period of about 13 years in Washington DC and Washington State. I love how being fit and healthy can truly transform a person not just physically but also mentally. Whether it’s “general population clients with goals to improve their daily lives, or competitors looking to optimize their performance, I will wholeheartedly put my best efforts towards working with you. I love being a Personal Trainer at the YMCA because you get to see a full spectrum of clientele, varying in age and abilities. If you’re looking for an experienced, and very passionate PT, I’m your man. If you have a fitness related question feel free to ask, you’ll probably see me on the gym floor chasing that pump, because Fitness is Life.”