As summer comes to a close and families settle into a new school year, the Farmington Valley YMCA is getting ready for a busy fall. From youth programs and afterschool care to community events, fitness and opportunities to connect with others, there is something happening at the Y for everyone.
The fall session brings back many of the programs that families look forward to each year, including swim lessons, gymnastics, art and music classes, rock wall, archery and Jukido martial arts. These programs give children opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, stay active and, most importantly, have fun while being part of their community. Adults and families can also take advantage of the Y’s fitness, aquatics and recreational offerings throughout the fall.
For families looking for reliable care after school, the Y offers an afterschool program for students from Kelly Lane and Wells Road Elementary Schools. Children are transported from school to the YMCA, where they spend the afternoon in a safe and supportive environment with opportunities for homework, games, crafts, physical activity and time with friends.
Families who register for five days a week of afterschool care receive a free family YMCA membership for the school year, Sept. 1 through June 30. The membership allows the entire household to take advantage of the YMCA’s facilities and programs throughout the year.
When school is out, the YMCA is here to help! Y Vacation Days provide full-day care for children in grades K–5 on select days when school is not in session. Held at the Farmington Valley YMCA from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., children enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, games, outdoor play, rock climbing and more.
Y Vacation Days provide children with a fun and active day at the Y while giving working families a dependable childcare option when school is closed.
One of the highlights of the season is Halloween at the Y on Friday, Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m. Families from Granby and the surrounding communities are invited to join us for a fun, family-friendly evening. The event is free and open to the community, and we ask that families bring a nonperishable food donation to help support those in need.
A sensory-friendly hour, sponsored by the Granby Community Fund, will also be offered from 5–6 p.m. for children and families who may need a quieter Halloween experience with fewer crowds and less stimulation. More information about the sensory-friendly portion of the evening will be shared as the event gets closer.
Thanksgiving will bring another opportunity for the community to come together. We will be hosting a Thanksgiving morning Ride for a Cause spin class, with proceeds supporting the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. LIVESTRONG is designed to help cancer survivors regain strength, improve their physical and emotional well-being and connect with others who understand their experience. Starting Thanksgiving morning with an energy packed workout that supports local cancer survivors is a meaningful way to give back while getting ready for the holiday. Stay tuned for more information on this special event.
The YMCA is always looking for ways to bring members together beyond traditional programs. We are inviting members who have a passion, hobby, talent or special interest they would be willing to share with others to help us create new opportunities for connection and learning. This could be anything from a one-time workshop to an ongoing group or club.
Members might share their love of knitting or crocheting, photography, gardening, chess and board games, painting or other arts and crafts, writing, technology, or even lead a book club. These are just a few ideas, and we know our members have many talents and interests that we haven’t thought of yet. Don’t see your hobby listed? We’d still love to hear your ideas. Our goal is to create more opportunities for members to connect with one another, learn something new and build a stronger community at the Y.
The YMCA has several employment opportunities available. We are currently hiring part-time lifeguards, child care staff, member service representatives and program instructors. These positions offer flexible opportunities for individuals who want to work with children, families and members while making a positive impact in the community. As an employee at the YMCA, you also receive a free membership.
At the heart of everything we do at the Farmington Valley YMCA is the belief that we are stronger when we come together. Whether a child is learning to swim, finding confidence on the gymnastics floor, spending the afternoon with friends after school, a cancer survivor is rebuilding strength through LIVESTRONG, or a member is sharing a hobby with someone new, each experience creates an opportunity for connection, growth and belonging.
As the YMCA celebrates 175 years of strengthening communities, we are reminded that while programs and facilities may change, our purpose remains the same: bringing people together and creating a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The YMCA is more than a place to exercise or participate in a program. It is a place where children can learn, families can find support, neighbors can share their talents, and people can come together to make a difference. We are proud to be part of the Granby community and look forward to continuing to build connections and create opportunities for generations to come.
This year, as we celebrate 175 years of the Y, we are celebrating what makes our community special; the people who show up, support one another and make the Y their own. Because when it comes to community, belonging and making a difference, there really is “No Place Like This Place.”
For more information about programs, events, employment opportunities or ways to get involved, contact the Farmington Valley YMCA at 860-653-5524 or visit us at 97 Salmon Brook St. in Granby.