The YMCA encourages participation in recreation and community activities from the broadest section of the community as possible and has a proven history of meeting a wide range of community needs. As a result the YMCA provides activities that optimise participation opportunities and a facility atmosphere that encourages socialising and fun. You need only visit a YMCA leisure facility to see this in action.
Each YMCA delivers to the specific needs of their community so not all Y’s deliver the same programmes. What is common to all YMCA programme is the focus on enjoyment, personal development and our four core values of Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Caring. Some examples of what the YMCA is delivering are below. Contact your local YMCA to see what they have on offer.
Y-Gymnastics
Y-Gymnastics training provides fundamental skill learning and conditioning that can be applied to all sports and physical activity. We offer classes for children aged 1-16 year olds who progress through the programme with a series of graded levels. With a focus on fun and personal development, this national programme is a popular choice.
We offer dance classes for 2-16 year olds to teach movement to music in a fun non-competitive environment. Particularly suited to those children who do not want the formality of a dance school, YMC
A classes provide a non-intimidating opportunity for all boys and girls to experience and learn dance. Dance classes for the older children also include leadership development and a specific focus on personal development as well as dance skills. Y We Dance participants have progressed through the programme to do shows at the Auckland Town Hall and compete in overseas competitions.
OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) incorporates school holiday and after school holiday programmes. The YMCA is the largest provider of OSCAR programme in New Zealand. Our holiday programmes operate every school holiday period. After School Care Programmes operate every day during the school term. Our programmes are all CYF approved. Work and Income will provide means tested funding for parents wanting to send their children to our OSCAR programmes.
Adult Sports
The YMCA offers a variety of indoor sport options for adults. YMCA stadiums will have facilities to accommodate most indoor sports and there will be a selection of organised sport activities at each of our stadiums.
Y-Swimming
No matter what your age or swimming ability Y-Swimming has a class to suit. The Y-Swimming Programme has a strong emphasis on water safety and developing correct swimming technique to improve efficiency and speed and fitness all while retaining a fun and friendly atmosphere to make learning enjoyable.
Babies as young as 6 months can enroll in swimming lessons. Y-Swimming runs water babies’ lessons; these classes are especially designed to introduce babies aged 6 months and older to basic swimming skills and water safety techniques in a fun, supportive and stimulating environment.
NEWS
January 10, 2013
For more than 50 years Lynette Thornton has worked with mainly elderly people to help them to better their health. But at 78 she is looking to slow down a bit and "maybe do three days a week" instead of five. Mrs Thornton, who may be New Zealand's most experienced fitness instructor, said she was "flabbergasted" by her Queen's Service Award. It recognises her near six decades in the fitness industry.
August 7, 2012
Congratulations to YMCA Nelson Boxing Gym (Y-Boxing) runner up (to Nelson Arts Festival!) in the Sport and Leisure category.
June 5, 2012
It is with great delight that Claire Ballantyne has been awarded a QSM for services to ophthalmology and to the community.
June 5, 2012
Ric Odom, National CEO, YMCA New Zealand has today announced his resignation. Ric joined the YMCA in September 2003 and has provided dedicated service and leadership since, working tirelessly to promote the YMCA as a significant and trusted community organisation.
