Nurturing the potential of every child and teen We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around our community are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.
Child Care With so many demands on today’s families, parents need all the support they can get. That’s why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. It’s about nurturing their development by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Education and Leadership All kids have great potential. At the Y, we help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. They gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. Through leadership and academic enrichment programs such as mentoring, Youth and Government and Model United Nations, we make sure that every child has an opportunity to envision a positive future and to take an active role in strengthening the community.
Swim, Sports and Play The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.
Camp Overnight, day or specialty camps at the Y share one thing—they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.
This class is appropriate for children who struggle with aspects of social participation (i.e.conversation skills, transitions, flexibility, dealing with winning/losing and compromising). This group will also target understanding and/or dealing with emotions for those children who experience difficulties with self-soothing, coping, as well as those children who struggle with identifying emotions in themselves as well as others. This group is appropriate for children who struggle with high functioning autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing difficulties, as well as children who just need to improve social participation skills and/or emotional regulation skills. Please contact Marci at the New Britain YMCA at 860-229-3787 or Missy Olson, Pediatric Occupational Therapist at 860-798-8638 for more information.
Y sponsored latchkey program for school age child. Program runs from school dismissal until 6:00pm.
This co-ed basketball league is for children ages 8-15 yrs. The league is divided into four divisions:
NCAA (ages 8-11) CO-ED CBA (ages 11-13)
CO-ED NBA (ages 13-15) WNBA (girls ages 9-15)
The league operates on Saturday mornings from December to March. Fee is $45 to join the league and will include a YMCA Membership. Please contact Lily Ziegler, Youth & Family Director, if you have any questions.
Y sponsored latchkey program for school age child. Parents drop child off at the Y beginning at 6:30am and a bus will pick your child up at the Y and transport child to school. When school dismisses your child after school, a bus will transport the child back to the YMCA and parent must pick child up by 6:00pm.
Y sponsored latchkey program for school age child. Parents drop child off at the Y beginning at 6:30am and a bus will pick your child up at the Y and transport child to school.
An AWESOME new program for students in our Middle Schools to LIVE, LEARN & GROW! Students will work on team building activities,community service, homework tutoring, and taking part in all the physical activity options that comes with a Y membership, such as climbing wall, swimming, and exercise.
This program is offered to those individuals who have already taken the beginner Karate class. Participants will train 2 days per week and register monthly for the program. This program provides training in self-defense, basic kicking, blocking, punching techniques and situation awareness.
EEL (3 - 5 years old) This is the second level for preschool children. Participants should be able to swim the paddle strokethe width of the pool independently. The emphasis of the class will be back stroke and properrhythmic breathing.
It’s not a whole school vacation week, but school’s out for a few days this February so let’s ski! Join us for 2 fun-filled days of skiing/snowboarding on the slopes of Mt. Southington. Perfect for the beginner or experienced skier/snowboarder. Register for one day or both (depending on what town you live in). Chaperones are provided. Transportation to and from Mt. Southington will be provided. Various packages are available. For detailed information, please contact the Berlin YMCA office (860) 828-6559. Information will be available the first week of February.
FISH (6 - 12 years old) Student should be able to swim 50 yds of front crawl, back crawl, and side stroke in good to very good form. Breaststroke should be more refined and Butterfly is introduced. Endurance and stroke refinement are the emphasis of this class. Tuesday 6:30 - 7:15 pm
This 45 minute group will include a short activity to promote healthy eating habits followed by a gross motor movement group set to music to encourage exercise, coordination, cooperation, and most of all FUN!
FLYING FISH (6 - 12 years old) This is the highest level offered by the Y. To make it in this class 50 yds off each stroke need to be completed successfully and without a great deal of rest.The focus of this class is to become proficient in each and every level and to learn competitive starts and flip turns.
Our Four program will focus on kindergarten readiness. The children will be engaged in activities that will teach alphabet and letter sounds, they will learn numbers and master early writing skills. Educational activities will consist of science, music, arts and language, recognition of site words and more. This program is available in half-day, 3 day and 5 day sessions.
GUPPY/MINNOW (6 - 12 years old) This class is for those who are able to swim the width of the pool on their front, back and side independently. Emphasis is on front, back and sidestroke.Stroke development is necessary with successful rhythmic breathing. Student should be comfortable in deep water.
The New Britain-Berlin YMCA will get a kid friendly Halloween makeover for all our members! Parents and children come in costume if you dare! Walk through our “haunted” Robert C. VanceYouth Center or enjoy spooky games and crafts with our program staff. This event is open to members along with their guest. Pre-registration is required.
(minimum of 20 participants) The New Britain-Berlin YMCA invites you to join us on a bus trip to see the Harlem Globetrotters at the XL Center in Hartford on Saturday, February 25th for the 2 pm show! The YMCA has reserved a section of great seats to see the exciting world famous Globetrotters. Tickets are limited. Members and non-members are welcome! Transportation is provided and is included in the ticket price. A detailed flyer will be available in January. For questions, contact the Berlin YMCA (860) 828-6559.
(ages 3-5) This program is designed for our younger soccer stars with an emphasis on fun! Participants will learn soccer skills through an age appropriate curriculum that promotes teamwork, friendship, and socialization. Participants will be introduced to warm up techniques, dribbling and shooting drills, general fitness, and of course games. Parent participation is encouraged and parents must be present! Participants are encouraged to bring their own size 3 soccer ball.
(ages 6-8) Our older program builds on the fundamentals of the Rookies program with a more technical approach to the game with a shift towards conditioning, dribbling, proper footwork, and shooting. This age appropriate curriculum is not all drills but will also feature fun activities and scrimmages.Perfect atmosphere to refine skills or learn new ones! Participants are encouraged to bring their own size 3 soccer ball.
Our program will allow your baby to develop at their own pace and help them build strong bonds with caregivers and friends by using positive and supportive interactions, which builds trust and self-esteem. This program is available in 3 day and 5 day sessions.
This beginner class for adults or children emphasizes “when to use” the self-defense skills taught. Situation awareness and recognition of potential danger is coupled with basic Karate blocking and striking technique to help the students become “street safe”. Parents are welcome to view classes any time. This class is taught by certified Black Belt instructors from the Butch Marino’s Shorin-RyuKarate Institute.
Come join this exciting new class and learn to make easy food recipes while having fun! Participants will learn kitchen safety, how to prepare ingredients, measure, and other useful cooking tips. A great class for the beginner cook! At the end of the session, all participants will get to take home their very own cookbook with the recipes taught from class! This class runs for 7 weeks and is held at the Marjorie Moore Child Development Center, 362 Main Street, Berlin. Offered for the Winter and Spring Sessions.
Our Five-year-old program will focus on the development of responsibility and independence that will result in self-confidence and a positive outlook on learning. This program will host many hands on activities that will engage the children in areas of learning in science, arts, sports and fitness, themed activities and more.
Are you at least 15 years of age or older and looking for a great year round job or a challenging career? Lifeguarding lets you work as part of a team to help people safely enjoy the water. You could even save a life! Lifeguarding will help you develop skills and experience that will be valued by colleges and future employers. You'll earn the respect of your peers because you'll be making a difference to others and yourself. Colleges and employers look for applicants who can deal effectively with people, who have a take charge attitude and who are willing to work to develop new skills. Through videos, group discussion and hands-on practice, you’ll learn patron rescue and surveillance skills, first aid and CPR/AED. There are prerequisites, please inquire with the Aquatics Director if interested.
Arts and crafts have long been a medium for children to express themselves and to develop skills (i.e. hand skills, coordination, visual skills, and creativity). Themed art projects will have your children engaged in meaningful tasks with a fun trinket to take home. Embedded into this group will be opportunities for sharing, turn taking, cooperation, and communication. A great group for your little artists.
If your child has a desire to participate in organized sports, but struggles with motor planning, coordination, strength or all of these, this group is designed to help. Our 45 minute sporty kids group will incorporate strength, endurance, and cardiovascular activities with skill practice for improved participation in organized sports. This is a 4:1 ratio class. Child must be able to follow directions with minimal prompting, be easily redirected and display no negative behaviors.
March Madness 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament - Join us Sunday, March 25, 2012 at your New Britain-Berlin YMCA, 50 High Street, for our 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament! There are 3 divisions, with 16 teams maximum per division. T-shirts will be given to the first 30 teams registered. Non-members are welcome! Trophy awarded to the top team in each division. Pre-registration is recommended, Game Day registration (if space is available) is 30 minutes before the division tip-off. Registration will begin at the end of February.
Designed for youth ages 11-13. An introduction to the proper use of cardiovascular and strengthtraining equipment, as well as proper etiquette. Supervised by a trained fitness instructor,individuals progress at their own pace. Upon successful graduation from the program, youth will receive a special card that will allow them use of the Fitness Center when accompanied by a parent.
A great way for parent and child to interact while learning about a variety of sports and recreational activities. Hand-eye coordination, motor skill development, listening to directions, and teamwork will be emphasized. This program meets for 7 weeks at Mooreland Hill School, 166 Lincoln Street in Berlin. Offered for the Winter and Spring Sessions.
Our dynamic music therapy services will allow the children the opportunity to express themselves through musical play and social interaction in a safe, nonthreatening environment. Our board certified music therapist will design and implement music sessions in small group settings that are tailored meet the needs of the children. Within the structure of the sessions, the music will address the development of behavioral, social, psychological, communicative, physical, sensory-motor, and/or cognitive functioning. In each session, the children will play instruments, sing songs and learn through both structured and improvisational activities. Similar to other well-established health services, music therapy strives to foster the development of skills that will generalize into their daily lives.
PARENT & CHILD (6 months - 3 years old) No previous water experience needed. Children and parents are introduced to basic water skills together in a fun, safe, learning environment. Songs, games and toys will be used. (No Maximum Number of Participants)
PARENT’S NIGHT OUT (K -5th Grade) Held at the New Britain YMCA. Let us provide activities for the children while parents take a night our for themselves! Dinner and snacks, as well as evening activities, swimming, Rockwall, Wii and games will be provided. Parent’s Night Out is held on the last Friday of the month from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm on scheduled nights. Children must be school-aged. Registration is accepted up to the Thursday before.
A great introduction to a variety of sports! Participants will get to play a different sport each week, including soccer, basketball, and more! This program meets for 7 weeks at Mooreland Hill School, 166 Lincoln Street in Berlin. Offered for the Winter and Spring Sessions.
PIKE (3 - 5 years old) This is the first class for children without a parent in the water. They will be introduced to basic water skills: kicking, blowing bubbles, floating,submerging their face, and proper arm strokes.
Come check out this cool new class! Pillo-polo is a variation of floor hockey, played with nerf-type equipment and a large ball. Basic skills will be taught the first few weeks, and games will follow the remaining weeks of the session. This class runs for 7 weeks at Mooreland Hill School, 166 Lincoln Street in Berlin. Offered for the Winter and Spring Sessions.
POLLIWOG (6 - 12 years old) This level is for beginner swimmers. No previous water experience is needed. This class is perfect for those who might be nervous in and around the water. Focus of the class is on water safety and basic swimming skills.
This 6 week class will give kids an opportunity to paint 4 pottery pieces and create their own masterpieces! Pottery will be picked out ahead of time by the instructor. Class fee includes the pottery, use of all supplies, and firing fee. Class is held at the Marjorie Moore Child Development Center, 362 Main Street, Berlin. Offered for the Winter and Spring Sessions.
RAY (3 - 5 years old) This is the highest level of the preschool classes. In order to participate in this class, children should be able to paddle stroke with rhythmic breathing and successfully backstroke. This class focuses on rotary breathing, crawl stroke and underwater swimming.
The New Britain YMCA will remain open on select Saturday nights from 6 - 8:30 pm to allow our middle school members an opportunity to use the pool, rock wall, gym and other program areas exclusively. Each night there will be a variety of programs for participants to take part in. Participants will be able to help plan activities with guidance from our staff members. Participants must be a member to take part and may elect to bring guests. Guest and participants must pre-register 1 day in advance.
(ages 3-5) This program is designed for our sports stars of the future! Having trouble deciding on a sport or looking for a great way to stay active with your child? This program includes many sports such as T-ball, floor hockey and soccer. Participants learn the fundamentals of each sport and then play the game. Emphasis is placed on fun and team work. Parent participation is encouraged and parents must be present!
(ages 6-8) Our older program builds on the fundamentals of the Rookies program with a more in-depth look at the rules of each game. The sports will include basketball, T-ball, whiffle ball, soccer and more.
Our three-year-old program will focus mainly on the social and cognitive development of the children. The children will begin a journey of learning through play. They will learn self–help skills, and self-expression as they spend their days engaged in music and movement, circle time, arts and crafts, science and more. This program is available in 3 day and 5 day sessions.
Our program provides a safe, nurturing learning environment allowing each toddler to develop naturally, as an individual. Through the use of music, stories and games, toddlers learn to participate in activities that help expand their interest in learning, develop self-help skills and teach the concept of sharing. This program is available in 3 day and 5 day sessions.
(minimum of 8 participants) - A great introduction to this popular sport! This class focuses on basic skill development and game experience. Fair play, sportsmanship, and FUN are emphasized. The first few weeks are spent developing skills, with games throughout the remaining session weeks. Volunteer parent-coaches are welcome. This program meets for 7 weeks at Mooreland Hill School, 166 Lincoln Street in Berlin.
WHO : Members & Non-Members (Parent/Guardian is required to attend all activities with their children) WHAT: Family Swim, Arts & Crafts and MORE! WHERE: New Britain-Berlin YMCA, 50 High Street, New Britain WHEN: Sunday, 12-3 pm January 15th - Theme: Winter Wonderland February 19th - Countdown to summer pool party March 18th - Going Green
Come have fun on the slopes of Mt. Southington this winter! This 5 week ski/snowboard club will include transportation to and from Mt. Southington and your choice of ski/snowboard lift and lesson packages. Participants will attend on the same day each week, for 5 consecutive weeks in January and February. Perfect for the beginner or experienced skier/snowboarder. YMCA chaperones are provided. For detailed information, please contact the Berlin YMCA office (860) 828-6559.
