Announcements
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Do you have what it takes to be a camp counselor?
Posted April 30, 2012 in
{image_1} By Greg Dodd, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin
As our Camp Manitou-Lin staff reviews this year’s crop of camp counselors, I am struck by how many return year-after-year and how many were at one time campers themselves. The qualities and personal commitment of a camp counselor goes way past just wanting a summer job outdoors on Barlow Lake.
A counselor’s role in a camper’s life goes to the heart of what I call, “Whistles and Wisdom”. The whistle symbolizes structure, the... Read More
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Annual Suits From Suits Program Kicks Off!
Posted April 23, 2012 in
Grand Rapids, MI – The Paul Goebel Group has joined with the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids for the fifth year in a row to sponsor Suits From Suits, an innovative program to collect and distribute gently used swimsuits for boys and girls, ages 6 to 10, so that children will have the proper swimwear needed to participate in YMCA aquatics programs. {image_1} Meg Goebel, President of the Paul Goebel Group, states, “It’s estimated that the approximately 15,000* children, ages 6 to 10, who live in the core city of Grand Rapids, have never taken a... Read More
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Boot Camp for Bridal Parties: Getting In Shape for Summer “I Do’s”
Posted April 16, 2012 in
{image_1} By Megan Rich, Health Wellness and Outreach Director, Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA
When I walked down the aisle on my wedding day in 2010, I remember looking up at how well my bridal party fit into those dresses. It took tough workouts to get my bridal party to feel and look their best on the most memorable day of my life.
So as the health and wellness director for the Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA, I decided after seeing the positive results from my... Read More
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The Y Welcomes Tom Rademacher!
Posted April 11, 2012 in
Dear Friends,
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to one of the newest members of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, although you’re just as likely to see him with a pen and pad in hand as you are a basketball or set of weights. Tom Rademacher is one of the most respected writers in all of West Michigan and beyond, and throughout the rest of this year, he’ll be penning stories for The Y to help create an awareness of how our organization is so... Read More
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Daycare: Accreditation VS Licensing
Posted April 09, 2012 in
{image_1} By Heather Walczewski, Child Development Director, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
When I attend a party with my husband and I tell parents I operate a child development center at the Y, the questions start flying at me from all directions; they want the inside scoop that goes past the flyers and website tips. Parents love their children so entrusting them to a child care facility is fraught with concerns.
Far and away the number one question parents ask me is, “What is the... Read More
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Member Attire
Posted March 21, 2012 in
As a reminder – Shirts and shoes throughout the building except the pool areas. Members and guests must wear exercise apparel that covers the midriff. Clothing or accessories must have appropriate graphics and/or language reflective of a family focused facility. T-shirts, tank tops, and sleeveless t-shirts are all permissible. Athletic and/or closed toe shoes must be worn at all times. Boots, hardsurfaced shoes, flip flops, or open toed shoes cannot be worn in any exercise area. Shoes that have been worn outside are not allowed in the pool areas. Swimsuits... Read More
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Pool Rules Addendum
Posted March 21, 2012 in
Children under the age of 8 who have not passed the swim test must have an adult in the water, no further than arms-length away. Children under the age of 8 who have passed the swim test must have adult/guardian supervision on the deck. Children age 8 and older who have not passed the swim test must wear a life jacket and remain in the shallow end of the pool. If parent/guardian is accompanying the child, they must remain within an arms reach of the adult/guardian while in the pool. Children age 8... Read More -
GRYMCA Launches the Best Y Website in U.S.
Posted February 27, 2012 in
For the past 18 months, the Grand Rapids Y teams have spent 1,700 hours collaborating with local vendors to develop and launch what has come to be one of the most sophisticated and user-friendly YMCA websites in the world. This is one of the most interactive websites ever launched by any Y anywhere in the 129 countries the Y’s are located.
Cyndy Vogt, Marketing & Communications Director, for the Greater Grand Rapids Y said, “Y teams collaborated with local vendors to develop and launch what has come to be one of... Read More
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Spartan Stores Y February Q&A
Posted February 22, 2012 in
General FacilityComment: Extend weekend hours to 5am and 9pm every day please! Staff Response: The YMCA provides hours based on the community and also our other branches in the association. Currently, the David D Hunting YMCA provides additional hours on the weekend beyond the hours we choose to operate. We do pay attention to our members need so I appreciate this comment.
Comment: It would be better if all the clocks showed the same time. It’s difficult to be on time... Read More
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Camp to implement Let’s ALL Play—Inclusion in Recreational Programs
Posted February 13, 2012 in
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The National Inclusion Project has partnered with YMCA CAMP MANITOU-LIN to implement Let’s ALL Play—Inclusion in Recreational Programs. The partnership will allow children with disabilities to enjoy successful camp experiences in an inclusive setting. As part of this initiative, the National Inclusion Project provides a program model, training, expertise, and an award of $10,000.
The National Inclusion Project was co-founded in 2003 by entertainer Clay Aiken, and works to bridge the gap between young people with disabilities and the world around them by opening... Read More