Category Archives: School Breaks

What’s Happening at the Y

Try the Y – Thursdays in December are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day. Plus, if you sign up for a Y membership in December, your first month is free.

Program Registration for Winter Session – Registration for Winter Programs at the West Suburban YMCA is now open to all members and non-members. The Winter Program Session starts the week of January 2nd. Some program highlights include:

  • Aquatics: Swim lessons for all ages, water polo, Masters Swim Team
  • Youth Sports Leagues & Classes: Basketball, flag football, tumbling, karate for all ages
  • Creative Arts: Rock Band class, dance classes, private music lessons
  • Fitness & Wellness: TRX classes, tai chi, personal training and small group training

Pick up a Winter Program Guide at the YMCA or visit wsymca.org for more information and to register for programs. More Info

Resolutions Fitness Challenge – New year, new you! Sign up for the Y’s Resolutions Fitness Challenge to jumpstart your health and fitness goals for 2019. Join a team led by one of the Y’s certified personal trainers, and compete against other teams to see whose team can lose the greatest percentage of weight and body fat during the eight week challenge.

School Vacation Week Programs – Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for winter vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options December 26th -28th. Sign up for a program from either our Child Care Department or our Sports Department, to ensure your child has a fun vacation and you have peace of mind! More Info

Winter Camp Extravaganza – Celebrate summer in the winter! Bring the whole family for this exciting event at the West Suburban YMCA. There will be three live shows from comedy magician Steven Craig, musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll, and Curious Creatures! In addition to the performances, there will be raffles, door prizes, auction items, face painting, balloon animals, Henna tattoos and more!

This event is open to the community – not just YMCA campers – and a suggested family donation of $20.00 is welcome at the door. All proceeds will go toward 2019 camper scholarships. More Info January 5th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Y Empower – free program for 10 year old girls. Y Empower is a new free program geared toward 10 year old girls. It is intended to provide a small learning community for them to explore their health holistically and be prepared to manage the stress that adolescence often brings. Half of the time is spent in a classroom setting with expert speakers about topics such as nutrition, social media safety, and self care. The second half of the time is spent trying specific fitness activities such as yoga, Zumba, and swimming. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information or to register for this program. Starting January 2019, Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm

The Body Project – free program for high school girls. The Y is proud to partner with MEDA (Multi-service Eating Disorder Association) to offer a six-week program that provides a forum for girls to confront unrealistic beauty ideals and engage them in the development of a healthy body image through verbal, written and behavioral exercises. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information or to register for this program.  Starting January 2019, Mondays, 4:30 – 5:15 pm

Pickle Ball – The West Suburban YMCA hosts drop-in pickle ball on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and $5.00 drop-in fee for non-members.

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. Great benefits, FREE membership, professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow, Director of Human Resources, at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/about/work-here.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs – The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

What’s going on at the Y?

Run the Boston Marathon for the YMCA – Apply by November 9th

The City of Newton has provided the West Suburban YMCA with one charity bib number for the 2019 Boston Marathon! The Y is seeking one dedicated runner to lace up and raise $7500 for the West Suburban YMCA. Runner will receive a free membershipto the Y while training, support for fundraising, team apparel and more. Deadline to apply for the bib number is November 9th. Visit wsymca.org/boston-marathon for more information.

Registration is open for YBA-Youth Basketball Leagues

YBA League is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league runs on Saturdays, November 17th – February 9th, and is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed. For more information and to register, visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Lifeguard Training Class

Become an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certificationsare included in the course. This class meets from 11;00 am – 7:00 pm on November 11th, November 18th, December 1st, and December 8th. Students must be present for ALL days. Visit www.wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Pickle Ball Added on Thursdays

Starting November 8th, the West Suburban YMCA will host drop-in pickle ball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and a $5 drop-in fee for non-members.

“A Night Under the Stars” Annual Gala –  November 10th,  6:00 – 11:00 pm

The Y’s Annual Gala, “A Night Under the Stars” features dinner, cocktails, silent & live auctions, dancing and entertainment and will highlight the life-changing impact of YMCA summer camp. Returning as emcee for the night is Jenny Johnson,co-host of NESN’s Dining Playbook. All proceeds will support financial assistance for local families.

School Vacation Day Programs on November 12th

The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options on November 12 (Veteran’s Day Observed).

  • Child Care Department – A well-rounded program that includes time for floor games, arts and crafts, snack, lunch and the option to swim. For more information or to sign up for this program, call 617-244-6050 ex. 3022.
  • Sports Department – For kids who like to be active and moving all day, sign up for the Y’s sports program. Activities include soccer, basketball, baseball, floor hockey, flag football, capture the flag and more. For more information or to sign up for this program, contact Ray Isales, at 617-244-6050 x3131

Winter Clothing Drive and Swap – November 12th and 13th

Tired of replacing winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves every year? The West Suburban YMCA invites members and the community to participate in a Winter Clothing Drive and Swap. Drop off gently used winter clothes on November 12th and 13th and the swap will take place on November 18th. Those who donate their gently used winter clothes will be able to participate in the swap at an earlier time on the 18th.

Family Fun Night –  November 13th, 6:00 – 7:00pm

Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation and occur on the second Tuesday of every month.

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in child care and youth development, human resources, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit www.wsymca.org/about/work-here.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs

The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

School vacations camps

Worrying about what to do during school vacations? Don’t worry, JCC Greater Boston School Vacation Camp has you covered. Camp runs during the weeklong break for December, February, April and Passover vacations. Kids get to choose up to three electives daily, including sports, swimming, arts & crafts, board games and more.

Enrollment is always flexible to fit your family’s plans. Kids can join for a single day, several days or the entire week. Don’t delay in registering, as early bird pricing ends on December 7th.

Registration is currently open for all four weeks of School Vacation Camp. Each day children play and learn through a variety of different activities. Options include swimming, art & crafts, cooking, dance and so much more! A Kosher lunch is available for purchase. Also, during the week, there is a different special highlight each day!

Special Highlights for December:
• Wednesday – Bingo
• Thursday – Talent Showcase
• Friday – Carnival
• Monday – New Year’s Eve Party

Register here https://www.bostonjcc.org/schoolvacation

Food for Families: Free backpacks filled with breakfast and lunch essentials

Weekends and school vacations can be a significant hardship for families without access to school-supplied breakfast and lunch. The City is offering FREE backpacks to families filled with breakfast and lunch essentials at community locations to help ensure that all our families with need have adequate food on the table throughout the school year. Here is a list of the locations to pick up a free backpack:

Newton Health and Human Services, City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Fire Station 10, 755 Dedham Street
Newton Boys & Girls Club, 675 Watertown Street
Newton Free Library,  330 Homer Street

The FUEL program will also be providing FREE backpacks of breakfast and lunch essentials at some Newton Public Schools this year. The backpacks are designed for a child to have breakfast and lunch on the weekends. To request to have FUEL backpacks at your school, contact fuel@redeemerchestnuthill.org or call the Health Department at 617-796-1420.

For more information on food programs or for additional services offered by the City of Newton Social Services division, visit www.newtonma.gov/food or call 617-796-1420.

Newton Family February Ski Vacation to the Alps

Newton dad, Randy Friedman, of Seven Travel has lined up a family ski vacation to the Alps over February school break. Come join other Newton families and friends as you head to Innsbruck, Austria February 15-22, 2019!

Great skiing, scenery, sightseeing, shopping and much more. Skiers and non-skiers alike will have a blast visiting this historic cultural Capital of the Tirol.

Click http://www.seventravel.org/ and go to Trips.

What else is Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Pickleball
Join on Tuesdays from 9:30 -11:30 am and take up a new sport: Pickleball! What’s Pickleball, you ask? Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. All are welcome to come and try this up-and-coming sport. $5.00 drop-in fee.

Fall 2018 After School Program Registration
Enrollment for Fall 2018 Out-of-School Time at the West Suburban YMCA is open. Out-of-School Time (OST) is an engaging after-school care program for grades K-8. The school-year program follows the Newton Public School calendar, including extended hours and Early Release Days, and transportation to the Y is available from most elementary and middle schools in Newton. For more information, visit wsymca.org or contact Jeremy Smith at 617-244-6050 x3068 or jeremys@wsymca.org.

Have the Best Summer Ever
The West Suburban YMCA wants kids to have the best summer ever, so attend a camp open house and find your perfect fit:

Camp Pikati Open House
May 12th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and May 30th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
276 Church Street, Newton

Camp Chickami Open House
May 12th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and May 31st, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
139 Boston Post Road, Wayland

Camp Frank A. Day Open House
May 20th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and June 3rd, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
125 South Pond Road, East Brookfield

Registration for summer camp is ongoing, but sessions are beginning to fill. For more information, visit wsymca.org or contact Camping Services at 617-244-6050 ex. 3008 or email campingservices@wsymca.org.

April Vacation Programs at the Y

Spend a fun and engaging April Vacation week at the Y!  Vacation programs from the Sports and Child Care Departments offer fun and safe environments for students in grades K-8. Featuring a mix of activities to keep kids happy and healthy all day – including free swim periods throughout the day. Full and half day options and daily rates to accommodate your needs!

April Vacation with the Sports Department (Ages 6-12). Sports activities include soccer, basketball, baseball, floor hockey, flag football, lacrosse, golf, tennis, capture the flag and more! Registration form is available online at wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050 x 3131.

April 17th – April 20th, Full day 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Half day 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

April Vacation with the Child Care Department (Grade K-8) Kids will participate in fun and age-appropriate structured activities including recreational games, creative arts, free swim and more! Registration form is available online at wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050 x 3068.

April 17th – April 20th, Full day 7:00 am – 6:00 pm,  Half day 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

April Vacation week drop-in program

Exploring our past, unfolding our future…

Visit Historic Newton this week for a family program. Step into the shoes of your 19th century counterpart and walk through key events and inventions from a 100-year period of transformative change in Newton and the nation at large. Then, zoom to the present to talk about changes you have experienced in your lifetime and envision the changes you will see and make in your future. This activity is appropriate for children of all ages.  Admission is Free. For information, call 617-796-1450.

April 18th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm,  Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street.
April 19th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue

April School Vacation Programs

Join Newton Parks and Recreation for an April School Vacation Program. All programs run April 17th – 20th. Register online at activityreg.com, check out the website at www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks or call 617-796-1500 for more information.

Programs include:

Burr Park Vacation Camp for grades K – 3. Enjoy a fun field trip each day including Dave and Busters, Wooden Toys and Crafts, One Stop Fun and Launch. Standard day from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm or extended day from 8:15 am – 5:30 pm are available. Register by day or for all 4 days.

Lower Falls Community Center special event camp for grades K – 6 and field trip camp for grades 3 – 6. Special event camp features activity choices during the day and a fun special event each day. Events include a Game Show Day, Lego Party, New England Aquarium Touch Tank, and Freestyle Frisbee Show. Field trip camp features a field trip each day including Fun World, Lil Folk Farm, Mystic Aquarium and Launch. Standard day from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm or extended day from 8:15 am – 5:30 pm are available. Register by day or for all 4 days.

Thundercat Sports at Pellegrini Park for ages 6 – 12. Play a variety of sports throughout the day. Camp runs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Register by day or for all 4 days.

April vacation and Summer learning opportunities

Leadership and Public Speaking Workshop. Lumos is running a 2-day Debate Workshop during April Vacation Break. Your child will study public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership with experienced instructors. The class is lots of fun and very active – a good class even for shy or quiet kids. The class is open to students Grades 6-9. Register at camp.lumosdebate.com/workshop/

Lumos also offers a 2-week summer program that teaches all these skills and more! Get summer info at lumosdebate.com. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 617-901-4564.