Ymca of Greater Birmingham

Youth development: The Ymca believes that all children deserve The opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Because of their interaction through The Ymca, millions of youth today are taking a Greater interest in learning, making smart life choices, and cultivating The values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, for example The pursuit of higher education and goal achievement.after school academy is designed to help youth in every community succeed developmentally and academically. The y's curriculum framework, created in partnership with national experts in youth development, offers comprehensive, age-appropriate, and engaging programming. Research has shown that youth who participate in after school programs are more successful academically, maintain better health, and more often exhibit positive behavior. Our innovative after school program is centered on nine research-based components: academic enrichment, health and wellness, global learning, and parent and family engagement.the kindergarten readiness program serves 4-year-old children. This program utilizes a curriculum that teaches english language proficiency, school readiness behaviors, and vocabulary through activities, games, and songs. The academic curriculum is supplemented utilizing age appropriate crafts and guest readers. First class pre-k at The Ymca serves 4-year-old children. The class uses The creative curriculum for preschool. This comprehensive, research-based curriculum features exploration and discovery as a way of learning; enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. It is designed to help educators at all levels of experience plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, content-rich program for children with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.in summer day camp, campers enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities including recreational games, crafts, and swimming. Campers register in their favorite themed camps and complete activities based on that specific camp. To deliver on our commitment to nurture The potential of every child, The y is intentional in fostering achievement, relationships, and belonging through our summer day camp program. Our focus is The infusion of evidence-based activities proven to build dimensions of well-being, including skill building activities to help children realize their accomplishments, passions, talents, and potential, building friendships to demonstrate The role positive relationships play in The well-being of a child, having a place to belong where kids feel safe, welcome, and free to express their individuality, and incorporating social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development activities into summer day camp. The y is equipping children to realize their potential in school and life. With The right building blocks for healthy development, children gain The skills they need to be active, thrive, and contribute as valuable members of society.the Ymca youth and teen leadership development prepares our youth for life beyond high school. It is comprised of two components: y achievers and civic leadership training/youth and government. Y achievers brings middle and high school students together to participate in character development activities, visit colleges and universities, and meet in small groups to explore career options. Civic leadership training/youth and government is a national program of The Ymca. It involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized model-government programs. In youth and government, teens from across The state meet in their local clubs throughout The year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of their state and to propose possible legislation to make state government more efficient. The program culminates with The teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on The floor of The legislature. As a result of The program, Young people learn about The democratic system and are trained in parliamentary procedure, legislative committee process, debate, press relations, and lobbying techniques. Delegates learn by doing and have The opportunity to try their hand at leadership in an open and receptive learning environment.

Resident camping and retreats:as part of The y's commitment to strengthening community by nurturing The potential of youth, Ymca camp programs offer a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens The opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime, all while becoming part of a community. While summer should be a time of exploration, youth are sometimes less involved in activities that stimulate their mind and body. Camp gives children and teens The opportunity to get outdoors and learn about nature, discover new interests, be more physically active, and develop confidence, independence, leadership and social skills.

Healthy living:in communities across jefferson and shelby counties, The Ymca is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, each Ymca branch brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. As a result, youth, adults, seniors, and families are receiving The support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve Greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind, and body. Healthy living programs give participants increased self-confidence to initiate and sustain positive health habits. Surrounded by a community of support and meaningful relationships, participants create personalized, realistic health goals and make progress in achieving long-term change that will last The rest of their lives.the parkinson's disease support group meets at Ymca branches to provide knowledge and support resources in a safe and caring environment to people with parkinson's and their care partners. Parkinson's support group participants meet with subject matter experts to learn general information regarding living with parkinson's. The movement 2 music program is an exercise program for adults with mobility disabilities in The Birmingham area. The program combines elements of dance with exercise physiology to create a structured intervention. Participants have shown significant improvements in walking endurance and mobility as a result of their participation in this program.