December Newsletter: Celebrate the season

Celebrate the season

The Y is a wonderful place to be during the holidays. Keep reading to learn how you can end the year on a high note and start the new year feeling healthier in spirit, mind, and body!

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Wrap up holiday childcare

• School's Out Camp gives kids ages 5-12 a safe, fun place to be over the holiday break. They’ll enjoy winter-themed crafts and activities, spending time with friends, and learning new things. See options here.
• Let us take care of your kids while you tackle your holiday to-do list, get in a workout, or just take some quiet time. Check our Parents Night Out schedules here.
• Little ones (ages 4-6) will enjoy Holiday Camp Kiddos at the Reuter Family Y on Dec. 22, 23, 24 and 26 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Register here.
• Kids Club is a half-day member benefit. You can leave the facility while your child (ages 1-12) stays for fun. Click here for more. 

Together we rise
The Y’s new Reach & Rise Mentoring Program provides therapeutic group mentorship to youth (ages 6-17) who face challenges such as decline in mental health, low self-esteem, and family or peer conflict. To learn more, sign up to be a mentor, or refer a youth, click here. 

Ready, set, summer camp

• Mark your calendar and set an alarm! Summer day camp registration opens on Jan. 1 at 7 a.m. Camps fill up quickly, so sign up early. Find our camps here.
• Registration for our half-day Camp Kiddos also opens on Jan. 1. Learn more about our half-day camps here. 
• Give the gift of happy memories at YMCA Camp Watia. At our overnight summer camp, kids can unplug from their devices, connect with nature, and make new friends. Register for summer 2026 here.

Jingle and mingle with the Clauses
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town, and they have treats for the whole family! Meet them on Dec. 13 from 12-3 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. This free event features holiday treats and beverages, craft stations for all ages, a letter-writing corner for kids, photo ops, and a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the YMCA. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

HEALTHY LIVING

Keep on crunching
There’s still time to sign up for Holiday Crunch, which runs through Dec. 31. Complete 20 workouts during the crunch period and earn a free T-shirt. Plus, register by Dec. 14 for the opportunity to vote for this year’s Holiday Crunch shirt design. Learn more here.

Find hope and healing
The holidays can be a sad time for those dealing with grief and loss. Find compassionate support at the Black Mountain Y on Dec. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. This free group is designed for adults aged 18+ and is open to the community. Childcare will be provided. Sign up at the Black Mountain Y. Learn more here.

Here for the holidays
Treat your holiday visitors to a guest pass so they can work out while they're in town. Members can share the Y spirit with one guest per visit. Read all of our guest policies here.

Get guidance for your goals
Start 2026 off strong with fitness goals that challenge and inspire you. Coaching Connection is a free member benefit that helps you set goals and make a plan to meet them. Learn more and make an appointment here.

Plan your visits
The Y believes in building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and that includes giving our staff time off during the holidays. Please note these operating hours:

• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Closing at 1 p.m.
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
• Day after Christmas, Dec. 26: Opening at 8 a.m.
• New Year's Eve, Dec. 31: Closing at 1 p.m.
• New Year's Day, Jan. 1: Opening at 8 a.m.

P.S. Be on the lookout for new fitness equipment in our centers later this month!

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

As we move into the season of light, the Y is highlighting moments of joy, connection, and community. Look for small celebrations, simple acts of kindness, and opportunities to brighten someone’s day throughout December.

You make more possible
When you donate to the Y, you help us provide financial assistance to thousands of kids, families, and individuals in our community. Help make a difference and give here.

Feeding our neighbors
Our mobile food markets bring free, healthy produce and nutrition education to the community each month. Our markets are open to all, no questions asked. Markets are on break between Dec. 25-31, so visit early. Find our schedules here.

Nominate a neighbor in need
Do you know someone who could use a helping hand with yard work, projects around the house, or food assistance? The YMCA’s Togetherhood program is now accepting nominations for community volunteer projects. Fill out this form to make a suggestion.

Make adventure more accessible
Brumit Restaurant Group and Arby’s are donating $50,000 to benefit four local youth organizations — and you get to help decide where the support goes. Now through Dec. 15, stop by any participating local Arby’s and scan the QR code or click here to cast your vote for Camp Watia.