Greater Wyoming Valley Area Ymca

Youth development programs - the wv Ymca's youth development programs offer high quality activities for preschool and school age children from all segments of the community. The wv Ymca offers a variety of state licensed childcare programs, both full and part-time, which provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth can develop self-esteem, good values, and an appreciation of charitable service. Woven into the fabric of the Ymca mission is a commitment to strengthening families. The wv Ymca's childcare programs include counseling of troubled youth and parents, dealing with runaway teenagers, assisting child victims of physical and sexual abuse, and programs that help parents learn more about how to raise children that are happy and healthy in spirit, mind, and body. The wv Ymca partners with other community agencies such as the united way,community foundations, and government agencies so that financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford to pay.

Camping programs - the wv Ymca has an 1,100 acre site located in the pocono mountain Area which is used for its camping programs. The residential and day camping at camp kresge offer adventure and learning activities that provide challenge, education, and promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well being, social growth, and self-respect. The camps provide a reverence for nature and respect for the inter-relatedness of all living things on earth. The camps are open to all regardless of income or special needs, so that children appreciate diversity, become community leaders and develop lifelong values. The camping programs for children ages six to twelve years old include hiking, archery, boating, and outdoor education. Camp kresge also hosts camp for children with asthma and the state police troop "p" camp cadet program. Family weekends and special weekends such as halloween camp are also part of the camp kresge programs.

Health and well being for all programs - the wv Ymca views health holistically: a healthy person has unity of body, mind and spirit. The wv Ymca has identified the growing national obesity rates in this country as a critical social issue that must be addressed and our health and well being programs are designed to help people develop new skills and grow in spirit, mind, and body by setting realistic goals for self improvement and disease prevention through an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education. Wv Ymca programs promote interaction, teamwork, and development of moral and ethical behavior, social skills, and self esteem. The wv Ymca serves all ages, abilities, races, nationalities, and religions and provides financial assistance to those who need it. The wv Ymca is the largest youth service agency in the Wyoming Valley Area of Pennsylvania. It is visited daily by approximately 1,500 people of which half are children. Healthy kids' day activities and youth fitness programs are now part of the wv Ymca activities for children. Youth programs include before and after-school and evening programs that are designed to keep children, ages five through twelve years old, active and healthy. Programs offered include basketball, indoor soccer, t-ball, karate, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, and arts and crafts. Teenagers also have a number of opportunities available from the various leagues and programs offered including gym activities, swimming, exercise, and church youth groups. The wv Ymca also participates in the silver sneakers program, whereas the older adults of the community are able to have access to various exercise programs, swimming programs, and social gatherings.

Student housing programs - the wv Ymca provides high quality apartments to a local college to house students attending the college.

Social responsibility - wv Ymca believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs. Wv Ymca programs are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. We engage wv Ymca members, participants and volunteers in activites that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive.