May News: Make a splash at the Y

Swim strong at the Y

May is National Water Safety Month, and the Y is committed to teaching the importance of water safety and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills.

Our water safety programs include:

• Swim Lessons for All Ages: From infants and young children to teens and adults, YMCA swim lessons focus on skill development, water confidence, and safety awareness. Programs are designed to help participants progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. 
• Safety Around Water Program: This foundational program teaches second graders critical survival skills, including how to safely reach the water’s surface, float, tread water, and exit safely. This grant- and donor-funded program is provided in partnership with local schools and community organizations. 

Click here to read more about our swim programs and register for lessons.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Summer fun every day
At YMCA half-day camps, kids can spend the summer playing, learning, and making friends, all jam-packed into just the right amount of time. 

Our upcoming half-day camps are: 

• Sports Camps: Campers ages 5-13 will learn the basics of sports including basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball through drills and games. Perfect for aspiring athletes who enjoy a variety of sports and recreational games. Offerings vary by age and location.
• Camp Kiddos: Children ages 3-6 are introduced to a structured summer camp with arts and crafts, songs, outdoor play, and basic water safety. 
• 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. Explore your options and sign up here.

Supporting Mental Health Awareness
May is a time to highlight the importance of mental health, its challenges, and available resources that can help people thrive. The Y offers meaningful programs that meet people where they are and remove barriers to care:

• Reach & Rise® Mentoring Program: This group mentoring program supports young people navigating behavioral health challenges by pairing them with trained adult mentors. 
• EveryDay Strong: Practical, research-based training that equips caring adults with simple tools to support the mental health and well-being of young people ages 8-18. 
• Mental Health First Aid Trainings (Youth, Teen and Adult): These evidence-based classes train participants to identify, understand and respond to mental health or substance use challenges. 

Click here to learn more about our mental health resources and find all upcoming mental health-related events and trainings. 

Discover the joy of overnight camp
Ready for an adventure? Experience camp magic at YMCA Camp Watia’s open house on Sunday, May 17 ! You’ll walk the grounds, meet our awesome staff, and get a taste of what overnight camp is all about. We'll have fun activities for kids and a Q&A session with our camp staff. This free event near Bryson City is open to the public from 2-5 p.m. No RSVP needed. 

Camp Watia runs from June 14-Aug. 14. Spots are still available but filling fast! Click here to find dates that work for you.

HEALTHY LIVING

Live life to the fullest
Celebrate Healthy Aging Day on Monday, May 18 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial Y. Presented by Hopscotch Primary Care, this free community event will feature sample group exercise classes and pickleball, informative lectures, health screenings, local wellness resources, giveaways, and more. Bring a friend and come see how aging well can be active, social, and inspiring! Click here to learn more.

Join us for a Senior Health Fair on June 1 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Ferguson Family Y! In partnership with Hopscotch Primary Care, this free event will feature health screenings, wellness presentations, and health tips from our community partners. Come learn, connect, and take simple steps toward a stronger, healthier you.

Outdoor wellness is here
Outdoor functional fitness zones are now open at the Asheville Y, Black Mountain Y, and Hendersonville Family Y. Members and guests will enjoy new ways to build strength, move freely, and train outside. These are basically extensions of the wellness floor, so here you will find free weights, resistance bands, and more! No reservations required (with the exception of a group exercise class being held in this space).

Find out what you're made of
Go beyond the scale with InBody 380. In less than a minute, this quick, non-invasive scan provides detailed analysis of your health and fitness. Our coaching staff will teach you how to interpret your results to reach your fitness goals. Stop by the front desk to schedule your 30-minute appointment. The first scan is free for members. Click here to learn more about the benefits of InBody. 

Bonus: All active personal training clients receive one free additional InBody 380 scan per quarter. 

Know the signs of a stroke
This month, we’re hosting multiple Stroke Awareness & Prevention workshops, presented by Stronger Together Wellness. Learn how to recognize stroke warning signs, understand risk factors, and take practical steps to help protect your health and the health of those around you. Find all workshops here:  

• Black Mountain YMCA: May 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. 
• Reuter Family YMCA: May 13, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 
• Asheville YMCA: May 18, 3-4 p.m. 
• Ferguson Family YMCA: May 19, 10:15-11:15 a.m. 
• Woodfin YMCA: May 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Discover something new to do at the Y
Whether you're interested in crafting, games, learning new things, or finding a supportive community, the Y offers a wide array of activities for different interests and needs. Find our current events here.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Join our team
Looking for a fun summer job? Work at the Y! You’ll make a difference in your community while learning how to work as part of a team, and develop important life skills. Plus, we offer benefits including flexible schedules and a free Y membership. 

Want to work around the water? We’re hiring lifeguards and swim instructors! Hiring bonuses are available. Apply today! 

Feeding our community
Our Mobile Food Markets visit dozens of locations each month, pairing free healthy produce with tasty recipes and valuable nutrition information that's easy to understand. Distributions are open to the public, no questions asked. Find this month's schedule here.

Volunteer for good
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to the community. The Y offers a variety of ways for you to get involved. Click here to find upcoming volunteer projects and opportunities.

Honoring those who served
All centers will close at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Centers will also close at 1 p.m. on the following dates: 

• Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth 
• Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day 
• Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day