Opportunities to Play

Engaging in safe, active play should be part of every child’s life. However, financial limitations, a lack of transportation and cultural barriers are just some of the issues that can stand in the way of kids getting the physical activity, social engagement and community adult role modeling they need to grow up healthy. Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund has partnered with the YMCA to award “Kellogg’s Opportunity to Play Grants” of $10,000 each to YMCAs located within 25 miles of a Kellogg Company manufacturing location to provide underserved youth opportunities for physical activity beyond what is available to them. These competitive grants enhance a partnership between Kellogg and Y-USA that supports YMCA Activate America®, the YMCA’s response to the nation’s growing health crisis that helps children and adults in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body. Programs supported by these grants include: Physical education classes, The development of basketball and swim leagues, A camp program for kids infected with or affected by HIV, Extended after school programming, A new playground for toddlers in subsidized child care, Supervised recreational activities in housing complexes and schools, An adult-child fitness and nutrition program. These programs take a practical, caring approach to enhancing the lives of youth—eliminate fees, provide transportation, bring the programs to the kids, provide equipment, accommodate cultural values—so that kids can run around, have fun and play organized games in a safe and enriching environment.

Time for … After School Programming

After school hours are prime opportunities for kids to relax, hang out, get extra help on academic subjects, indulge in their hobbies and enjoy organized or less structured sports and recreation activities. YMCAs offer more than 1,300 programs nationwide ranging from Youth and Government and karate to tutoring and drama clubs. An important aspect of all YMCA youth programs is character development and “developmental assets.” Character Development is based on the four YMCA core values—caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—that we ask staff and members to model, and that our youth staff in particular work to instill in all of our program participants. “Developmental assets” refers to competencies that young people need to have—positive identity, restraint, decision-making—to be healthy and successful. Regardless of the program your child is involved in, the YMCA takes seriously our responsibility to nurture all youth. For information contact Matt Sharpley at 823-3191 ext. 136

Backyard Pool & Hot Tub Safety Information

Never leave a child alone near a pool or hot tub for any reason. Constantly watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the pool vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is “on duty.” Avoid distractions while supervising–no reading or speaking on the phone–and stay alert.
Establish pool rules and enforce them. Never play breath–holding games. Only allow appropriate personal flotation devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (no water wings or other inflatable devices).

Keep children who cannot swim within arm’s reach of an adult in the water. Never allow diving in water less than 9 feet deep. If you discover a broken, loose or missing drain cover, clear the pool or hot tub until it is repaired. Educate children to stay away from pool and hot tub drains where hair or clothing can get caught. To guard against drain entanglement, have all long hair tightly secured. Do not allow swimming in an unlit pool at night. Have multiple barriers to any pool, including a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing and self-locking gates and a latch that is out of children’s reach. If the home forms one side of the barrier to the pool, have an audible alarm for the house. Keep rescue equipment and a phone on the pool deck. Knowing child and infant CPR can be a lifesaver. Ask about CPR at your YMCA. In case of an emergency call 911. Visit www.nsc.org/nsm/ for information on emergency and safety preparedness.

YMCA Duathlon

Father’s Day turned out to be a windy day for the duathlon, but that did not stop the fun or sportsmanship. Family members cheered for their loved ones around Public Square, as racers battled the wind.

This was the scene of the annual Wilkes-Barre Duathlon sponsored by the Jewish Community Center and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA located on Franklin Street which drew an estimated 160 participants. The first female to cross the finish line was Kelly Ochreiter of Shavertown with a time of 1:23.46. The first male to cross the finish line was Jeff A. Miller with a time of 1:08:09. Miller, who works as an electronic technician and a professor at Penn College, has dominated the duathlon by winning three consecutive years.

The duathlon is a tri-race, consisting of a 3 mile run, 16 mile bike ride and a second 3 mile run, ending at Public Square.

Let’s Play Hockey NEPA, Interest Form Available

If your child is interested in playing Floor Hockey, and you did not attend our open house, please fill out the information form located in the front lobby and return it to the front desk. We will contact interested members when more information about clinics and the league become available. For more information contact Matt S. at 823-2191 ext. 136

Camp is for Everyone

The adventure, challenges and camaraderie of a camp experience build confidence and memories that last a lifetime. This is particularly true for those who deal daily with a mental or physical handicap or disease. The opportunity to try new things, to test limits, to enjoy the outdoors, to be among others who can appreciate your experience but ultimately to just be a camper, is a precious one.

Focus on the Kids

Programs designed for your children and the children of the Y:
Day Camp at Camp Kresge: One week sessions.
Week 4: 7/7 - 7/11, Week 5: 7/14 - 7/18, Week 6: 7/21 – 7/25
Financial assistance is available upon request, first come – first serve basis. Contact Katia 823-2191 ext. 152

Karate for Kids!: Instructor Renee Weiss of the American DoJo Karate School of Wilkes-Barre, Focusing on Goshin Jutsu Karate, Ages 3-12 years old. Sessions are 4 weeks long, monthly. Session 1 Ages 3-5, Mondays 4-4:30 p.m. 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28. Session 2 Ages 6-12, Mondays 4:30-5:30 p.m. 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28. Contact Matt S. for information 823-2191 ext. 136

Backyard Pools

The program is designed to have a Certified Swimming Instructor come to a privately owned pool and teach children or adults how to swim. The instructor will come to your pool and teach swimming pool safety for 45 minutes. You are responsible for gathering students for the class and for following the guidelines set by the YMCA. Pool requirements: Temperature 82 °F, Pool chlorine around 2.0, and Pool pH 7.4-7.6. For details pick up the form at the front desk or call Tamara Lutz at 823-2191 ext. 151.