April News: Springtime is fun time at the Y

Come out and play! 

Healthy Kids Day is a free community event that encourages kids to stay active over the summer. Join us on Saturday, April 18 at the Hendersonville Family Y and the Corpening Memorial Y in Marion for games, arts and crafts, healthy cooking demonstrations, contests and prizes, and more. Get details here.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The place to be after school
The Y’s Afterschool program is a safe, fun place for your student to play with friends, eat a healthy snack, and get started on homework before you pick them up. Registration is now open for the next school year in Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, and McDowell County Schools. Financial assistance is available. Reserve your child’s spot today!

Half-day, all play
Need a flexible summer schedule? Try one of our half-day camps:

• Camp Kiddos: Children ages 3-6 are introduced to a structured summer camp with arts and crafts, songs, outdoor play, and basic water safety.
• Sports Camps: Campers ages 5-13 will learn the basics of sports like basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball through drills and games. Offerings vary by age and location.
• Camp Explorers at the Corpening Memorial Y makes learning fun for kids ages 6-12 with a week of activities, projects, and experiments.  

All half-day camps run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Financial assistance is available. Learn more and sign up here.

Take the whole family to camp
Experience the magic of camp together at YMCA Camp Watia Family Camp, May 15-17. Your group will create lifelong memories during a weekend filled with exciting activities and quality time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Find more details here.

Be the difference to a teen
The Y supports youth mental health with a variety of resources, including free trainings for teens and adults.

• teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA): This training teaches teens in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. The next sessions are on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reuter Family YMCA. Click here to sign up.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid: This training is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. This free two-day course is an opportunity to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues in youth. The next session is April 8-9. Learn more and sign up here.

Find all of our mental health resources here.

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders 
Looking for a place where your teen can build confidence, make a difference, and connect with peers? Leaders Club helps teens reach their full potential and ensure they are equipped for success in life after high school. With the support of mentors, teens develop the skills to lead and serve in their communities. Leaders Club is offered at the Asheville Y on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. Find all locations and sign up here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Aging well
Celebrate Healthy Aging Day with us on May 18 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial Y. This free event will feature group exercise classes, health screenings, giveaways, wellness resources, local community organizations, and more. Bring a friend and come see how aging well can be active, social, and inspiring! Presented by Hopscotch Primary Care. Learn more here.

Get ready to run
The Asheville Chamber Challenge 5k is made for everyone. The Y can help you prepare with free training sessions designed for ALL fitness levels. Sessions are open to the public. Join personal trainer Suzanne Ion every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Asheville Chamber (36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) from now until Apr. 21. Learn more and sign up for the race here.

Movement matters
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The Y offers several PD programs -- including Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Rock Steady Boxing, and PWR!Moves -- to help people with PD build strength, improve mobility, and creating connections with others. Click here to explore all of our upcoming programs.

Prevention starts with you
Our 10-week Type 2 Diabetes Empowerment program empowers you with education and support. You’ll also get practical tools to help you manage diabetes and reduce complications. Led by certified diabetes coaches, these free sessions meet weekly for 90 minutes beginning Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Asheville Y. Open to anyone age 18+ living with type 2 diabetes. For more information and to register, email us at [email protected] or call us at 828-209-5012.

Connections and community
The Y offers a variety of groups to help you navigate different aspects of life. These groups provide a safe place to share experiences, have meaningful conversations, and find community. We’re hosting two new groups this month: 

• Postpartum AVL Support Group: Fridays from 9-10:15 a.m. at the Asheville Y. 
• Dementia Partners Support Group: First and third Mondays of every month from 6-7 p.m. at the Reuter Family Y.  

Find all of our support groups here.

More insight, more progress
New this month: All active personal training clients receive one free additional InBody 380 scan per quarter. Ask your personal trainer or visit the front desk to learn more.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Make a splash and a difference
Looking for a summer job where you can work around the water? We’re hiring lifeguards and swim instructors! You’ll maintain a positive environment while learning how to build relationships, work as part of a team, and develop important life skills. Plus, you’ll be eligible for a summer hiring bonus and get a free Y membership. Apply today!

Free, fresh food for all
Everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious food choices. That’s why our Mobile Food Markets visit dozens of locations each month, bringing free, fresh produce and nutrition education to the community. These food markets are open to the public, no questions asked. Find this month's schedule here.

Get involved, give back
April is National Volunteer Month, and we want to give thanks to all of our volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to make our community thrive. Their dedication and efforts help us care for our neighbors and create lasting change for all. If you’re interested in volunteering, explore all of our opportunities here.

Vote for us as Best of WNC
Voting is officially underway for MountainX’s annual Best of WNC awards. We’re asking for your support in a variety of categories, including Best Place to Work Out, Best Afterschool Program, Best Parents Night Out Program, Best Overnight Camp (YMCA Camp Watia), and more. Your vote helps us offer more services to all. Click here to start your ballot.