2008 YMCA Membership Survey

During the first quarter of 2008 the Wilkes-Barre YMCA sent out 1800 surveys to adult members concerning their usage and thoughts of our YMCA. This was a project under the direction of the YMCA of the USA and was completed by a majority of the northeastern Pennsylvania YMCAs. Our YMCA not only had the most responses (over 400), but we were consistently above the national average in the specific categories. In comparison to all of the other “neighborhood” YMCA’s we consistently ranked at the top. One of the highlights of the survey had the Wilkes-Barre YMCA at a 48% overall satisfaction rating compared to the national average of 40%. The Wilkes-Barre average was 10% points higher than the second highest neighborhood YMCA (Hazleton).

The point of any survey is not to find out what you do well, but to improve on things your members feel you should improve to make their membership more valuable. One of the questions on this past survey was to give your opinion on what the member would want to change or improve about our YMCA. We are going to take the top responses of the answers to that question and resurvey our adult members (on our website) to find out some more specific ideas so we can address these issues.

Along the same lines we are working with Penn State to construct a “Family and Program” survey for that population of our “Y”.

Our mission here at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA is to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, and for us to complete this mission we need your membership to be as valuable to you as possible. Any concerns or suggestions you may have…our door is always open.

Wilkes-Barre YMCA Duathlon

“To celebrate the spirit of civic cooperation, athletic competition and health and fitness awareness by organizing, implementing and perpetuating a Wilkes-Barre based and named Duathlon that brings together individuals of all ages, races, backgrounds and interests to participate in an enjoyable, high profile, fundraising event.”

The Wilkes-Barre Duathlon, a USAT sanctioned race, is a 3 mile run, 16 mile bike, and a 3 mile run through the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. (See the course map for details). The Wilkes-Barre Duathlon committees puts countless hours into this race to make sure each year it becomes bigger and better!

This year’s race, held on Father’s Day, June 15, 2008, will begin promptly at 7:30 AM on Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Proceeds will benefit all youth programs held at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA.

For more information call Nicky Pachucki 823-2191ext. 141 or go www.wbduathlon.com.

Group Exercise Schedule May 2008

Please refer to the May 2008 Group Exercise Schedule for dates and times of scheduled classes.

Trivia Question

What Kennedy Administration program was modeled after YMCA World Services?
ANSWER(highlight the text): The Peace Corps

Healthy Living Weight Management Program

HealthyLiving will help you establish a healthy approach to living better and lose weight permanently. If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol this program is for you! Start the summer off healthy and join our class today. It is time to live a healthy life.

Weight Management Program Includes:
3 Month Membership,12 nutrition/behavior change classes with a Registered Dietitian & personalized meal plan, 3 Personal Training Sessions.
Non-members $250 or $83 Bank Draft for 3 months
Members $153
Membership incentives if you reach the program

For Your Wellness

Programs designed for adults
•Leisure Golf Wednesdays!: Starting 4/30 from 4- 6 p.m.. Come and play non-competitive golf at the Blue Ridge Golf Course. For more information contact Matt Sharpley 823-2191 ext. 136

Beverage Bulge

Studies show that Americans now get nearly twice as many calories from beverages as they did in the 1960s. The sheer number and variety of caloric beverage options, the growing portion size of beverages and the way we “count” beverages as part of our diet (we don’t) have combined to make what we drink a major culprit in poor nutrition and weight gain.

The body and mind register beverages differently from food, which is why these calories can sneak up on people. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a drink’s rapid passage through the mouth provides less time for signals to trigger the brain that you are eating. Compared to beverages, solid food takes time to chew and seems to provide a feeling of fullness, which signals the brain to stop eating.

What can you do?
Watch portion size, Slow down, Choose wisely, Count it, Taste test!

YMCA Nursery

Have your children taken care of in the nursery while you work out. Members have a maximum of 2 hours nursery service per child per day. Drop off service is also available for non-members at a cost of $4 per hour for a maximum of 4 hours per day. Ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Hours are: Mon and Wed 8:30-1:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m., Tues and Thurs 9:00-1:30 p.m. and. Fri 8:30- 1:30 p.m. Call 823-2191 Heather ext. 140 or Trisch ext. 118

Focus on the Kids

Programs designed for your children and the children of the Y.
•Day Camp at Camp Kresge: One week sessions.
Week 1: 6/16 - 620, Week 2: 6/23 – 6/27, Week 3: 6/30 - 7/3, Week 4: 7/7 - 7/11, Week 5: 7/14 - 7/18, Week 6: 7/21 – 7/25 **please note, no day camp on 7/4- this week will be pro-rated
Financial assistance is available upon request, first come – first serve basis. Contact Katia 823-2191 ext. 152
•Resident Camp at Camp Kresge
1 Week Sessions: Week 1:6/15 – 6/20, Week 2: 6/22 – 6/27, Week 3: 6/29 – 7/4, Week 4: 7/6 -7/11, Week 5: 7/13 – 7/18, Week 6: 7/20 – 7/25
2 Week Sessions: Session 1: 6/15 – 6/27, Session 2: 6/29 – 7/11, Session 3: 7/13 – 7/25, Session A: 6/22 – 7/4, Session B: 7/6 – 7/18 Contact Katia 823-2191 ext. 152

•Parent Child Weekends at Camp Kresge:
A break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend quality time with your family. Father/Daughter 1: 5/2 – 5/4, Father/Daughter 2: 5/9 – 5/1, Spring Family Weekend: 5/16 – 5/18, Father/Son: 5/30 – 6/1
This all inclusive weekend includes:*Comfortable Overnight Accommodations *Delicious Meals*Staff Lead Activities. Contact Katia 823-2191 ext. 152
•Camp at Frances Slocum State Park Day Camp:
One week sessions available. Week 1 6/9 – 6/13, Week 2 6/16 – 6/20, Week 3 6/23 – 6/27, Week 4 6/30 – 7/3, Week 5 7/7 – 7/11, Week 6 7/14 – 7/18, Week 7 7/21 – 7/25, Week 8 7/28 – 8/1, Week 9 8/4 – 8/8, Week 10 8/11 – 8/15, Week 11 8/18 – 8/22. Contact Katia 823-2191 ext. 152

•Kids Night: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fri nights in May, Ages 6-12. FREE to members. Contact Matt Sharpley 823-2191 ext. 136.
•Gymnastics Camp July 21-26 Day and Resident Camp. Commuters $175 Resident $425. For more information please contact Joelle at 823-2191 ext. 155