May News: Stay Active and Engaged in May
Mental health for all
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a vital time to challenge the stigmas surrounding mental health, promote understanding, and offer resources to those in need. The YMCA provides many services to help people build a healthy spirit, mind, and body, such as:
- Exercise programs, social clubs, support groups, and volunteer activities.
- Local mental health support for teens and their families who may be facing challenges.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid training, a free two-day course designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, equips participants with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues in youth.
Together, let's build a healthier community that prioritizes mental health. Check out our upcoming training sessions here and join us in making a difference.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
How to stay safe around water
Water safety skills can save lives. As America's leading swim instructor, the Y helps children build competence and confidence in the water through water safety and swim lessons.
During Water Safety Month in May, we invite you to take the Y’s Phones Down, Eyes Up Pledge to learn how you can help keep kids safe around water year-round.
As the days get warmer, children's interest in water activities grows. To ensure their safety, the Y is hiring swim instructors and lifeguards. Find a summer job that's both fun and meaningful. We offer competitive pay, a Y membership, and signing bonuses. Learn more and apply here.
Day camp fun for everyone
Did you know the Y offers a variety of half-day camps for kids? From May 26-Aug. 11, your
camper can spend the summer playing, learning, and making friends.
- Camp Kiddos introduces children ages 3-5 to structured camp through arts, crafts, song, outdoor play, and water safety.
- Sports of All Sorts Camp teaches the fundamentals of the game, sportsmanship, and teamwork in basketball, soccer, flag football, kickball, dodgeball, and more!
- STEM Camp makes learning fun. Campers ages 6-12 will enjoy a week of activities, projects, experiments, and more.
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.
Discover the joy of overnight camp
Ready for an adventure? Experience camp magic at YMCA Camp Watia’s open house on May 18! You’ll walk the grounds, meet our awesome staff, and get a taste of what overnight camp is all about. Whether you're thinking about sending your camper this summer or you're just curious about what makes Camp Watia so special, we’d love to show you around!
Looking to share the camp experience? Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend in nature during Family Camp at Camp Watia! From May 16-18, you can spend time with your family, explore exciting activities, and try new experiences all while creating lifelong family memories. Learn more and sign up here.
When school is out, fun is in
Wrap up the school year and kick off summer with friends, fun, and festivities at the End of School Bash on May 31! In partnership with RE/MAX Living, this free event at the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion will have music, games, food trucks, and activities for all ages – including inflatables and animal petting. Plus, we’ll have tethered hot air balloon rides beginning at 5:30 p.m.! Learn more here.
HEALTHY LIVING
Workouts that work for you
Unlock your full potential with personal training and save! From May 19–31, get 15% off all personal training packages (excluding Jumpstart). Enjoy personalized workout plans, one-on-one coaching, and a supportive environment tailored to your needs. Learn more about personal training options and stop at the front desk to purchase your package.
Celebrate healthy aging
It’s time to celebrate healthy aging and live life to the fullest! Join us on May 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial Y in Marion for Healthy Aging Day. Presented by Hopscotch Primary Care, this free community event will feature group exercise classes, pickleball, informative lectures, health screenings, vendor booths, food and drinks, and giveaways. Celebrate with us and learn more here.
YMCA360 now includes Les Mills classes
All YMCA of WNC memberships include free access to YMCA360, an online service with thousands of on-demand workouts, live group exercise classes, kids' activities, educational videos, and more. And starting this month, Les Mills classes are joining the platform! Click here to get started.
Find more at the Y
Want to find events happening at all of our centers? Click here to find all of our events. We have something for everyone to enjoy!
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Plant for a purpose
We’re calling on local gardeners to Grow a Row and donate homegrown fruits and vegetables to support our Mobile Food Markets. Your harvest can help us bring free, nutritious produce to neighbors in need across the region. By dedicating a row of your garden to growing fresh produce for our community, you’ll help ensure that everyone has access to fresh, healthy food. To coordinate a drop-off, please email [email protected] or call 828-775-7081.
Cook up an amazing summer
Do you love cooking? Are you passionate about making sure everyone enjoys their meal? Then apply to be Camp Watia’s Kitchen Director! You’ll lead with heart, flavor, and purpose as you feed campers, staff, and volunteers all summer long. You’ll also have a private cabin for the season. Learn more and apply here.
You make a difference
As a charitable organization, the Y is more than fitness centers, pools, and afterschool programs. We promote community health and well-being through healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility for all. Donors help ensure that our services are available to everyone in the community, including by ensuring that every child has access to life-saving swim lessons. Your tax-deductible gift supports our efforts to build a better us. Thank you!
Honoring those who served
All centers will close at 1 p.m. on Mon., May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.