March Newsletter: It's your lucky day at the Y

Looking for a new way to build healthy habits? It’s your lucky day! From March 16-April 16, join the Lucky Streak Challenge by visiting the Y 10 days in a row. You’ll keep yourself motivated and get rewarded with prizes.

Missed a day? You can save your progress by completing a streak-saver activity. Registration is open now. Click here to read more about the challenge rules and prizes.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Get in the game
Youth sports at the Y are a fun, safe way for young athletes to stay active, build skills, and learn teamwork. This season, we’re offering:

• Flag football (ages 5-14, in partnership with NFL FLAG)
• Soccer (ages 5-14, in partnership with MLS GO at the Corpening Memorial Y)
  • Kiddie Kickers (ages 3-4)
  • Youth clinics (ages 5-10)
• Volleyball – Girls clinics (ages 8-13)

Registration closes soon, so sign up today. Click here to find all available options.

Explore, play, and learn over spring break
Camp Kiddos Spring Break Camp is a half-day camp designed to keep kids ages 3-6 entertained, active, and learning all week long. Available at the Asheville Y and Reuter Family Y from April 6-10. Sign up here.

We also offer a variety of other summer half-day and full-day camps for campers ages 4-15 to enjoy. Explore all day camp options here.

Want to turn spring break into a trail-based adventure? We’re hosting two epic backpacking experiences along the iconic Appalachian Trail for kids in grades 6-8. Along the way, your camper will explore nature, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. The trip dates are:

• Trip A: April 6-10
• Trip B: April 12-17

Find more information and register here.

Healthy Kids Day is April 18
Save the date for Healthy Kids Day, a free community event on Saturday, April 18. Join us at the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion or the Hendersonville Family YMCA from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for fun games, activities, group exercise demonstrations, healthy snacks, contests and prizes, local vendors and community partner booths, and much more. Stay tuned for more details.

Ready, set, splash
Learning to swim is an essential, lifelong skill. YMCA swim lessons focus on water safety, technique development, and building confidence in the water. Registration for spring youth swim lessons opens March 9. Classes begin in April. Learn more and sign up here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Time to train for a 5k
Get ready for the Chamber Challenge 5k with training designed for all fitness levels by YMCA personal trainer Suzanne Ion. These free training sessions are open to everyone, whether you're registered for the event or not! Training participants have a chance to win a race registration. Learn more here.

Take action and empower yourself
The Y offers several evidence-based health programs designed to help fight chronic disease and make healthy lifestyle changes. From cancer support to falls prevention and Parkinson’s programs, we can help you reduce your risk and reclaim your health. Click here to learn more.

Share the Y
Did you know all Y members have an unlimited number of guest passes? Fitness is more fun together, so invite your friends and family to experience the Y with you. Guests may visit the YMCA of WNC three times a year with a current member. Read our guest policies here.

Learn to lower your risk
Mark your calendar for free diabetes risk testing on Diabetes Alert Day, March 24. You can also check your risk for type 2 diabetes by completing this 60-second risk test and sign up for no-cost HbA1c blood testing.  

Take charge of your health through awareness and early action! Space is limited at select locations. For more information, email [email protected] or call 828-251-5910.

More time for you 
Good news! The Asheville Y now has expanded hours, giving you more time to fit the Y in your schedule.

• Sunday: Open earlier at 9 a.m.
• Monday–Friday: Open earlier at 5 a.m.
• Monday–Thursday: Open later until 10 p.m.
• Friday: Open later until 9 p.m.

Find more to do at the Y
Every month, the Y offers a wide variety of things to do. From clubs and support groups to workshops and classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore what’s happening at the Y here. To check out even more upcoming programs and activities, click here.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Doing our part together
You can make an impact by serving others. Through the Y’s Togetherhood® volunteer program, members can give back, support our neighbors, and make a positive change in our community. Click here to find this month’s upcoming Togetherhood opportunities, including canned food drives, community cleanups, and volunteer meals.

Free, fresh food for all
Our Mobile Food Markets bring free, healthy produce to locations in five counties each month, along with simple recipes and nutrition tips that are easy to understand. Distributions are open to the public, no questions asked. See this month's schedule here.

Give blood and save lives
Join us in helping others by donating blood at one of our upcoming blood drives:

• Black Mountain YMCA: March 5, 1-5:30 p.m.
• Asheville Y: March 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Reuter Family Y: March 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 

One donation can save lives. Sign up here.

Women’s History Month 
In honor of Women's History Month, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female role models who were vital to the success of the YMCA Movement. They continue to empower current and future women leaders. Read more here.

Join us at SoCon 
The Y is teaming up with SoCon for Championship Sunday, and we want to see you in the stands! All YMCA members and staff can get free tickets to the Women's Basketball Championship game this Sunday, March 8 at noon at the Harrah's Cherokee Center. Just show proof of Y membership at the box office. We hope to see you there.