YMCA associations across the globe are known for their youth and family programming, but do you know everything that we do for youth right here in Calgary?
YMCA Calgary has 5 Health/Fitness/Recreation locations as well as school and community locations to serve the youth with opportunities right in your community. There is a wide variety of youth opportunities that we offer, both free of charge to members and some at an additional cost. Listed below are just a few amazing youth opportunities offered by YMCA Calgary.
Volunteering – Youth can get involved in their YMCA community by applying to volunteer! Taking ownership and pride in their YMCA, youth are accepted for a variety of positions that include clerical, sports programming, and membership services. Volunteer application acceptance is ongoing; we love to see youth getting involved in our YMCA communities.
Leadership – Leadership skills are sharpened in YMCA Leaders, and Leaders In Training programming Youth leadership programs give youth the opportunity to step up and leard to create change in themselves and our community.
Steve Nash Basketball – An association-wide program, taking place at Crowfoot, Eau Claire, Saddletowne, and Shawnessy locations. Open to ages 6-13yrs, Steve Nash Basketball is a national youth basketball program designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love of the game for basketball among Canadian youth.
Active Y Kids – Offers youth a chance to improve and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Designed to improve overall health, Active Y Kids incorporates cardiovascular and muscular conditioning activities, nutrition sessions, and self-development education.
Skip Time – Offered exclusively at Crowfoot YMCA in the NW, Skip Time boasts high energy games, double dutch skipping, partner skipping and individual tricks are used to teach focused jump rope skills, coordination, power, rhythm, fitness development and teamwork. Open to ages 6-16yrs.
Bugaboos Climbing – Introducing youth to the fundamentals of wall climbing. Along with basic climbing skills, Bugaboos (6-8yrs) will learn an understanding of the importance of trust and communication as they develop mental focus and improve muscular endurance and body awareness. Bugaboos can be found on climbing walls at Saddletowne, South Health Campus, and Shawnessy locations.
Parkour – Offered exclusively at Eau Claire YMCA in the heart of Calgary’s downtown, Parkour is all about moving efficiently and effectively. Parkour get youth moving, utilizing movements such as rolls, vaults and climbing in combination with free running; freestyle gymnastics and Martial Arts to navigate through any environment.
Junior Lifeguard Club – Introduces you to lifesaving techniques and first aid skills. Youth will gain experience in accident prevention and dealing with the public. Participants must be aged 10-15yrs, and able to swim 50 metres and tread water for one minute.
For more information on these and other YMCA Youth programming, please contact your closest YMCA branch.