Want to get a head start on the school year?
If you're new to the area, the parent of a rising kindergartener, or just new to the Y, odds are you're hearing unfamiliar words and phrases. We compiled this quick guide to help you and your child navigate the language of the YMCA.
AFTER SCHOOL
YMCA After School starts at school dismissal and ends at 6 p.m. Early release days are included at no additional cost.
BEFORE SCHOOL
The YMCA’s before school care starts at 7 a.m. Children are dismissed to their classroom at the first bell.
COUNSELORS
At the Y, our counselors are great role models, not babysitters. Our caring counselors do everything from jumping rope to singing songs to playing freeze tag on the playground. They also lend a helping hand with homework or quiet time. Our YMCA staff members receive 30 hours of training before working in our youth program.
HUDDLES
We organize children into small groups we call huddles. Each huddle is based on age and grade, and each huddle has a name. Ask your child what their huddle name is. Most importantly, your child will be with children his or her age. Each huddle has one or two counselors to provide supervision.
SAFETY
Keeping your child safe is our top priority. That’s why we maintain low staff-to-child ratios, with a senior staff member always on site and in charge.
We pride ourselves on getting to know each child and parent personally, and we have check-out procedures to ensure that only the people you authorize are allowed to pick up your child.
TEACHER WORKDAY/ HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Kids in grades K-8 enjoy a full-day of fun activities on school holidays.
SUMMER DAY CAMP
The Y loves summer. Check out our full range of summer day camps for kids age 3 - 14. We also have leadership camps for high schoolers.
TRANSPORTATION
YMCA buses are safe, colorful and full of fun. A YMCA counselor, or two, rides on the bus in addition to the licensed bus driver. The counselors on board lead songs or simple games. It’s not unusual for our buses to arrive with all the children singing.
Children in Y programs may ride buses on field trips, or to after school programs, or from before school programs.
If your YMCA After School program is held at the YMCA, your child will ride a YMCA bus to your branch. If the YMCA After School program is held at your child’s school, a Y counselor will walk with your child from his or her classroom to the YMCA program area. A few Before School programs are held at a YMCA. In that case, your child will ride a bus from the YMCA to your school.
TRACKING OUT
Tracking Out (or Intersession) is the YMCA's year-round school program. It's full-day, action-packed fun for elementary and middle school students while they're on break. Full-day programs are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Durham).
Find the YMCA that serves your elementary or middle school.
