General Archives - Page 3 of 7 - South Sound YMCA

Category: General

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.”

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

 

SHELTON FAMILY YMCA

Tumblebugs

  • Tumble on in for high energy fun that teaches basic gymnastic skills in a positive, fun, yet challenging atmosphere!
  • Tuesday at 5:00 PM | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate)
  • Tuesday at 6:00 PM | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate)
  • Wednesday at 6:30 pm | Little Tumblers Ages 3 – 5

Bob Ross Painting

  • 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 4:30 PM | Ages 5 – 10

Homeschool PE

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

Floor Hockey 101

  • Learn basic drills of Hockey and then use those skills in games.
  • Tuesday 5:30 pm | Ages 5 – 10

Big Baller

  • Challenging drills with games at the end of every class.
  • Thursday 6:30 PM | Ages 5 – 9

Commit Dance Fitness

  • Commit Dance Fitness is a dynamic, fun filled HIT (High Intensity Interval Training) style dance workout. Each routine focuses on essential fitness elements created to a variety of popular music from all over the world that will inspire everyone to get moving. It’s for all ages, All fitness levels, ALL abilities. Showing off all the different kinds of music – Bringing in lots of different instruments
  • Tuesday 4:15 PM | Ages 5 – 9

Music Fundamentals

  • Experience all the various kinds of music – Bringing in lots of different instruments. Understand the creativity of music.
  • Monday 5:30 pm | Ages 5 – 10

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 color theory. Each week we will highlight a different art style and different techniques. All experience levels are welcome!
  • Monday 1:15 pm| Ages 3 – 5

 

BRIGGS & PLUM STREET

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 11am| Ages 1-4

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 4:00 | Ages 5-9

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

  • Learn cooking skills, explore new foods, and get empowered to make healthy choices while cooking a meal!
  • Wednesdays at 5:15pm | Ages 5-9; 10-13

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 11am| Ages 3-5

Tumblebugs

  • Tumble on in for high energy fun that teaches basic gymnastic skills in a positive, fun, yet challenging atmosphere!
  • Thursdays at 3:45 PM | Ages 3-5
  • Thursdays at 4:45 PM | Ages 5-9 (Beginner)
  • Tuesdays at 5 PM | Ages 5-9 (Intermediate)
  • Fridays at 3:45 PM | Ages 3-5
  • Fridays at 5:45 PM | Ages 5-9 (Beginner)

Sensory PE

  • Join our sensory inclusive PE program!
  • Fridays at 11:15am| Ages 3-5 (starting April 14th)

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 4:00 PM | Ages 10-13

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 10 | Ages 5-9

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 11:00am | Ages 5-9
  • Fridays at 5:00pm | Ages 5-9
  • Fridays at 6:00pm | Ages 10-13
  • Thursday at 9:00am | Ages 3-5 {not confirmed}

YOUTH DANZAN RYU JUJUTSU

  • Develop fluid, effective, and powerful techniques through proper body dynamics, breathing, and relaxation. In this class you will learn how to do escapes, locks, throwing, grappling, constriction, and self-defense.
  • Please see our website for registration information and program fees
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6-7 PM | Ages 6-14
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7-8 PM | Ages 14+

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 5:00 & 6:00 PM | Ages 5-9

Hip Hop

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

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!
  • Monday at 3:45pm | Ages 3-5
  • Monday 4:45pm | Ages 5-9
  • Tuesday at 9:30am | Ages 3-5 {not confirmed}

Intro to Jazz Dance

  • Beginner friendly jazz dance class! Learn fun dance moves, improvisation, and strength and flexibility training in this faster paced energetic dance style! Learn some moves off Broadway shows, as well as other famous dances from pop culture. Dancers will gain a strong foundation of technique and knowledge of jazz dance moves and positions, so they can choreograph their own dances!
  • Thursdays at 4:45pm | Ages 10-13

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 4:00pm | Ages 3-5
  • Wednesdays at 4:00pm | Ages 3-5 {not confirmed}

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

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 11pm | Ages 3-5

Art Club

  • We will be working all different kinds of mediums, namely clay to start, but will have alternative activities for folks to engage with. We will be focusing on creating Earth themed art, that will be displayed during the Olympia Arts Walk at our Plum St location!
  • Wednesday from 10:00am | Ages 3-5
  • Tuesdays from 4:00pm | Ages 5-9

 

New Youth Programs- April

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!
  • TBD from TBD | Ages 5-9

 

Spring Break camps April 3-7

Rockwall Camp

  • Sign up ahead of time to participate in this camp!
  • Tues/Thursday 10-11am| Ages 5-9
  • Tues/Thursday 11-12pm| Ages 10-13

 

Pickleball Camp

  • Sign up ahead of time to participate in this camp!
  • Wednesday/Friday 10-12pm| Ages 5-13

 

 

Family Programs

  • 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+

 

Easter Egg Dying

  • For families who would like to spend their evening at the Y dying easter eggs together for an affordable price, we welcome YOU. We will provide the space, eggs, and dye and we just ask that you bring your smiles and energy and come have a great evening with us! The eggs will be hard boiled by our very own kids in the kitchen!
  • April 7th from 5-7pm at Briggs- Upstairs MPR

Flick N Float

  • MOVIE NIGHT IN THE POOL! Come join us for a super fun, creative way to spend quality time together as a family, watching Dr. Suess’ The Lorax in the pool as we gear up for warmer weather on the horizon!
  • April 21st from 6-8pm at Briggs- Activity Pool 

Kids Yoga

  • [Registration and fee not required for Kids Yoga]
  • This is a free group exercise classes provided for kids! Parents can participate if they want to, OR, parents can go across the hall and get a little cardio workout during. Starting on March 11th
  • Saturday at 12:15pm

Kids Candy Making Class {not confirmed}

  • Learn how to Detail and mold chocolate suckers, Dip and decorate Oreo cookies, Make cake pops, Dip & decorate (with candies) Rice Krispy treats, and make a Simply delicious creative candy bark. Class participants will have the opportunity to make and take home all items demonstrated, in addition to a folder with complete recipes and instructions.
  • Sundays at 3:00pm | Ages 5+ (Parents must stay with kids under 7)

Earth Day Volunteer

  • [Registration required, though it is free!]
  • Tumwater Parks & Recreation is teaming up with the PARC Foundation to celebrate Earth Day with a fun and rewarding volunteer work party. Help us add mulch to plant beds and remove invasive plants and debris at Tumwater Historical Park. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for working outdoors. This event will be held rain or shine! Pre-registration is required.
  • Saturday April 22nd 9am-12pm

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women leaders in the Y. Here, we’re sharing a few of those stories.

ADDIE HUNTON

  • As part of the YMCA’s massive World War, I support effort, Addie Hunton was one of only three African American women assigned to serve over 200,000 segregated Black troops stationed in France. Hunton was also YWCA secretary for Black student work and vice president of the NAACP.

ELLEN BROWN

  • Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department!

WILLIE AVELING

  • Wilhelmina “Willie” Aveling began her YMCA career as a physical director in Atlantic City. In 1933, she joined the staff of the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA to find ways to improve programs for women and girls. For the next 28 years, she helped develop policies and recruit women leaders within the YMCA movement. She was the first woman to be inducted into the YMCA National Hall of Fame.

VIOLET P. HENRY

  • After holding various executive leadership roles in the Newark and Chicago YMCAs, in 1976, Violet P. Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position at the Y’s national office. She provided leadership for numerous national and international commissions and committees that worked for the rights of women and people of color.

XINIA BRENES JENKINS

  • One of the founding members of the San Jose YMCA, Xinia Brenes Jenkins was deeply involved in the Costa Rican Catholic youth movement. The Latin American Confederation of YMCAs reached out to Jenkins for her assistance in instituting a national Costa Rican YMCA. Jenkins’s work for the Costa Rican YMCA focused on providing programs for refugees, relief for those affected by housing shortages, and offering vocational skills training for women and agricultural skills training for Costa Rican natives.

WINIFRED COLTON

  • Fighting to improve the status of women in the YMCA, Winifred Colton began her extensive YMCA career as women’s and girls’ work secretary at the YMCA of Metro Chicago. In 1957, the YMCA’s National Council’s statement of purpose no longer applied to “males only,” and Colton became the first woman professional on the national staff.

MARGUERITE COCKETT

  • Marguerite Cockett graduated from Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1905. In 1916 she bought a car and brought it to France where she worked as an ambulance driver under the American Fund for French Wounded. She spent three months in Serbia establishing a French-Serbian hospital and served on a hospital ship in the Mediterranean. In 1917 she established the first canteen under the YMCA American Expeditionary Forces.

SUZANNE MCCORMICK

  • In 2021, Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as CEO of the YMCA of the USA.