NEWS & EVENTS

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Gym and track are open for members during all open building hours.  Gym use will be limited by practices and league activity but will be open all day and half court use will be available most evenings.

 
REGISTER NOW FOR PRESCHOOL ACADEMIES
PRESCHOOL ACADEMY INFORMATION - CLICK HERE
A B C Arts & Crafts

A B C Arts & Crafts is a once a week class that focuses on one letter of the alphabet at each class. It will encompass letter recognition, letter sound (long, short hard and soft if applicable), writing the letter in different mediums and decorating a large letter. The participants will also complete a simple take home craft, focusing on the letter of the day.

The class is for preschool age children (3 - 5 year olds) and will meet on Thursdays from 4 - 5 p.m. It is taught in a Preschool room by Preschool Teacher, Jamie Gore. Class starts on September 4th and the $10.50 for Primary Plus members, $15 for Primary members and $30 for others. This class is a great opportunity for children who are not attending preschool as well as a supplement to the skills of the preschool student.

If you would like more information, please contact Lindsey Miller, Associate Executive Director, at (219) 762-YMCA(9622). Information on YMCA programs is also available by visiting the website at www.ymcaofportage.org.

CREATIVE COLORS & CREATIVE ART CLASSES

Creative Colors and Creative Art classes provide creative art instruction for all ages at the Portage Township YMCA. The classes are taught by Kelli Hawkins who has her BA in Art with a specialty in illustration. These classes provide the participants the opportunity to explore their creativity and use their imagination while learning to use various art mediums including water colors, colored pencils, oils, pastels and colored ink.

The classes will start in September and the monthly cost for the classes is $10.50 for Primary Plus members, $15 for Primary members and $30 for others.

Creative Colors for Ages 3 - 8 meets on Tuesdays from 4 - 5 pm.

Creative Colors for Ages 9 - 12 meets on Thursdays from 5 -6 p.m.

Creative Art for Teens and Adults meets on Wednesdays from 5 -6 p.m.

Creative Art for Seniors meets on Mondays from 2 - 3 p.m.

If you would like more information, please contact Lindsey Miller, Associate Executive Director, at (219) 762-YMCA(9622). Information on YMCA programs is also available by visiting the website at www.ymcaofportage.org.

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YMCA’s Cardio Center Open

The Portage Township YMCA is pleased and excited to announce the opening of its new Cardio Center. In addition to the equipment the YMCA previously offered, the following new equipment was added - six (6) Precor Elypticals, three (3) LifeFitness 95ci Lifecycles, five (5) Life Fitness 95R Recumbent Bikes and ten (10) LifeFitness 95Ti Treadmills.

The new cardio center also sports six (6) brand new 42" flat screen television monitors which members will be able to view from the numerous machines. They will be able to intercept the audio by merely bringing their own headset, plugging it into the machine they are using and selecting which monitor they which to hear. The exercise equipment faces a wall of windows with a cathedral ceiling. Come experience the feeling of exercising outdoors without having to fight the elements.

Stop by the YMCA to view the new center and get information on membership. Gift certificates are available for programs, services and membership in increments of $5, offering you the opportunity to give the gift of health for any occasion. The YMCA is hoping you will "Resolve to be Involved at the Y".
 

Please complete our Gym Use Questionnaire

Portage Twp. YMCA Collaboration with
Hobart Family YMCA

The Portage Township YMCA and the Hobart Family YMCA are announcing a formal collaborative effort to expand program opportunities for YMCA members. Beginning September 1, 2007 members of the Portage Township YMCA will be able to sign up for specified classes at the Hobart YMCA and pay Hobart YMCA member prices. Currently the classes eligible include Super Sitters Babysitting Training and all aquatic exercise classes. The Hobart YMCA currently offers the following water exercise classes: Water Walking, Aqua Jog, Hydro Step, Aqua Sculpting, Aqua-Fit, Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program, Aquacise and Pilates H2O.

Likewise, Hobart YMCA members will be eligible to receive Portage Township YMCA member prices on the following classes at the Portage Township YMCA: karate, gymnastics, tai chi and yoga.

This collaboration between these two close proximity YMCAs will serve to provide expanded program opportunities for members at each YMCA, while increasing membership value at both YMCAs. For more information on these programs you may call the Portage Township YMCA at (219) 762-YMCA (9622) or the Hobart Family YMCA at (219) 2183.

NOTE:  Portage Township YMCA offers
Home School P.E. during the school year                                                            

The Portage Township YMCA offers home schooled kids the opportunity to exercise, play and compete against other children their own ages and to socialize and interact with one another. Participants  also learn the YMCA four core values (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility) and how to apply those values in their daily life.  If you would like more information, please contact Ryan Penrod, Sports Director, at (219) 762-9622 or ryan@ymcaofportage.org.

 


The YMCA building opens at 4 a.m.
on Monday through Friday
 

 


Portage Township YMCA Wish List

 

K-Care/Y-Care

Craft Supplies: pencils, construction paper, crayons, markers, glue sticks, pipe cleaners and pom poms

Gym Equipment: balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, Board Games, Puzzles, Legos, Toys, Electric Pencil Sharpener

 

Preschool

Board puzzles, age-appropriate toys

Clear Storage Totes, Large jug white paint, CD’s (Preschool music), clipboards, Big floor pillows, circle time rug, Craft Supplies: stickers, tacky glue, glue sticks, foam craft sheets, felt, plastic string, scrap booking paper, ribbon, pipe cleaners, feathers, foam craft shapes, wiggly eyes, glitter

 

Maintenance

Commercial riding lawn mower, snow blower, 10 ft. & 12 ft. ladder, carpet cleaner, floor buffer, upright tool box, heavy duty extension cords, commercial vacuum, 2 garden hoses, 2 garden hose sprayers, post hole digger, bush trimmers, saw horses, work bench, air compressor, nail gun, 12 ft. scaffolding

 

Fun Zone

Craft Supplies, gaming console (Xbox, Playstation, Wii) and games, DVD player and children’s DVD’s, playdoh, paint supplies, coloring books, window clings, craft table, Barbies, baby dolls, play food, balls, baby swing, play yard, excersaucer, bouncy seat, foam play mat

 

Sports

6 NADA dodge balls, 1 mini refrigerator

Aquatics

Goggles, Water Toys, Water noodles,

Life jackets (child), Water barbells,

Kick boards (adult)

 

Gymnastics

Stickers, hemp string, athletic tape, Icy Hot Gel, Ace bandages

Plastic Beads: red, yellow, blue,

green, purple, Stapler, big fans,

Foam Hop Scotch Set, Small Hand Weights (5 lbs or less),Velcro Ankle & Wrist weights, Clear Packing Tape, stop watches, Bungie Cords

 

Fitness

Yoga/Pilates mats, Spin bikes (10-12) Bosu balls (10-12), stability balls (6)

Body bars(15-25), rack for hand weights, step benches (5-10)

 

Teen Programs

Pool sticks, basketballs (2), kickballs (3), soccer balls (2), board games

Video Games system & games

Markers (Permanent & non-permanent)

Storage Containers, construction paper

Computers, Cones (6-10) & Bases (Kickball), Healthy Snacks for Teens

Fun prizes (bouncy balls, yo-yo’s, stickers, drawstring backpacks, etc.), blue pens, pencils, colored pencils, white paint, tables, chairs, flashlights, tents, paper plates, radio, white sheets

 

Seniors

Mini refrigerator, kitchen utensils, crock pot, pots and pans, baking sheets, aluminum foil, saran wrap


 

Questions???? Please contact Lindsey Miller at  lindsey@ymcaofportage.org or 219-762-9622

 


 


Big T.O.E. Award

(Thanking Our Employees)
 

"Because every great achievement starts with the first step"

Employee name: ____________________

Reason for recognition: ______________

_________________________________

_________________________________

 

*Is there a YMCA employee you would like to thank?

*Has a YMCA employee made a difference in your child’s life?

*Would you like to recognize a YMCA employee?

Don’t just thank them, give them the Big T.O.E. Award!

Fill out the coupon and drop it off at the YMCA or email your recognition to  dave@ymcaofportage.org

 

 

PRESS RELEASE - - -

          Portage Township YMCA Offers FREE Family Swim Nights

Spring swim hours are in effect at Portage High School West pool and the pool opens for Y programs at 4:00 p.m.  The first Wednesday of each month  the Y holds Free Family Swims. Membership is not required. This is unstructured swim time for families to play, exercise, or practice swimming skills. Swimmers are encouraged to bring their own water toys (no snorkels or rafts) and spend time getting to know and enjoy our safe aquatic environment. Children under the age of ten must have adult supervision on the deck while children age six and under must have direct adult supervision and contact in the water. Current pool hours are from 5:00 - 8:45 p.m (MTWTh) and from 4:00 - 8:45 p.m (F).

The pool has 6 lanes and is 25 yards long. The water temperature is typically kept between 79 F and 84 F while the air temperature is variable. The pool is handicapped friendly with easy access stairs for those in need. Locker rooms and showers are available for 15 minutes before and after pool hours. Swimmers need to provide their own locks.

The Family Swims are guarded by the YMCA aquatics staff who are certified in life guarding, first-aid, CPR, universal precautions and AED.

For more information please contact Lindsey Miller at 764-9622 (YMCA) or check the Y website for more information on our swim lessons and other aquatics programs the Y offers – www.ymcaofportage.org.

PRESS RELEASE - - -

Families Who Make Play Part of Every Day

Will Reap Benefits

 

Demands of work, school, homework and never-ending to-do lists often make play time a luxury that does not always make it into the daily schedule.  But experts agree that making play a priority brings a multitude of benefits for kids, including improved health and emotional well-being and increased positive academic performance.

 

“Families are under increased stress and struggle to balance work, family and health and to find supportive communities,” says Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA.  “More physical activity through play helps children and parents better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce frustration, build energy and, most of all, learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity.”

 

Recent studies suggest children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.  As many schools reduce their focus on physical education and activity in order to meet academic goals, it is increasingly important that families ensure their children’s physical activity needs are met.  YMCA experts believe it is important for kids to enjoy a balance between structured activities or sports and relaxed free play and offer the following tips to help parents put more play in their kids’ days:

 

o        Avoid TV, video games and computers for at least 30 minutes after school.  Taking a bike ride, walk or just playing outdoors not only gets bodies moving, but also helps kids decompress before homework time. 
 

o        Lose the guilt and do not think of free play as wasted time.  Play is as much a part of a healthy day as eating nutritious foods and brushing teeth.  A regular dose of play can boost test scores, self-esteem and metabolism.

 

o        Commit to spending time outdoors almost every day—rain or shine Just getting out the front door greatly increases the opportunities for physical activity through play.
 

o        Make play a part of family ritualsShooting hoops before dinner, walking the dog, taking a Saturday morning bike ride to the park gets everyone moving and provides great opportunities for building family connectedness.
 

o        Get creative and incorporate play into “necessity” activities.  Visit a park for 30 minutes on the way home from a doctor’s appointment; walk or bike to nearby errands like the bank or post office; crank up some music and engage the family in a Saturday morning clean–the-house dance party.

 

Leading national companies dedicated to improving the health and wellness of American kids and families are joining with YMCA of the USA to support YMCA Healthy Kids Day events.   Sponsors include Disney Channel, Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Tropicana.

 

YMCA Healthy Kids Day also is supported by leading health organizations including the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Public Health Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors.

 

PRESS RELEASE - - -  

Portage Township YMCA Family Fitness Nights

The Portage Township YMCA is hosting a Family Fitness Night program at Aylesworth Elementary school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6 - 8 p.m. at Portage High School Field House (FIELD HOUSE WILL NOT BE OPEN IN MARCH). This program is part of a grant awarded to the Portage Township YMCA and the Portage Township school system to address the childhood obesity epidemic in our community. The program is absolutely free and open to all families in the Portage community. Activities include basketball and soccer as well as a walking program with free pedometers for the adults and age appropriate activities for the children. Stop by a Family Fitness Night site or contact Lindsey Miller 762-9622 (YMCA) to see what this fun filled fitness program is all about!

Portage Township YMCA Child Care
and Development Center

Effective June 23, 2006 the Child Care Center is
able to accept CCDF Vouchers