Many programs coming up at YMCA

Earlier this month, I was participating in a Zoom meeting where everyone was asked to exchange ideas and tips for planning. Always the planner, I shared that I usually refer back to the prior year to review the calendar, meeting agendas and, in this case, articles, to jog my memory on what is coming up and what tasks need to be mapped out to stay on track.

It’s hard to believe that at this point last year, there wasn’t a preview or heads-up for what was about to unfold. Instead, for all of us, proactive planning took a backseat as we transitioned into a constant state of reacting as we watched the pandemic unfold around us.

Like so many organizations, the YMCA found ways to adapt and continue serving our community. With a goal of keeping residents of all ages connected and engaged, we reinvented the way we delivered programs while our facilities were closed. And when we reopened in late June, we completely revamped our program delivery by making necessary facility and program modifications to keep our members, employees and the community healthy and safe.

Over the past year, the Y’s ability to be flexible and resilient has allowed us to garner experience that we never expected to gain, and it has demonstrated that we always stand ready to serve the community. As we continue to actively monitor updates and navigate changes in our region, we are poised to resume our proactive planning and already have many program updates to share with area residents.

In March, registration will open for our 2021 summer day and sports camp programs. Last summer, these were some of the first programs to resume when our YMCA reopened. While our camp programs looked a little different last summer, they still provided children with a chance to just be kids and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our youth and family and sports teams are anxious to offer these same experiences to children again this summer. I know the experience we gained last summer, combined with the lessons we have learned while safely running our before- and after-school Kid Zone program the past six months, will ensure a fun and safe camp experience for all come June.

Unfortunately, due to statewide COVID-19 restrictions, our beloved Youth Basketball League was not able to run this winter. However, the Morris Y is excited to be offering a new All Star Basketball program that will provide young athletes the opportunity to work on skill development through drills and instruction. This 10-week program will culminate with a skills competition during the final week. Registration is currently underway for this program, which will run in both Morris and Coal City from March 20 to 29.

The Morris Community YMCA also is excited to launch its new youth baseball program this summer. In December 2019, an announcement was shared about the Y’s partnership with the Morris Athletic Association to transition leadership of its 8-and-younger youth baseball and softball programs to the YMCA. Because of COVID-19, the league was not able to enjoy its inaugural season at the Y last spring, but we are looking forward to welcoming families to this program beginning in May. Registration is currently underway, with the season running from May 17 to July 24.

A number of additional spring programs will get started at the Y on March 15. This includes several options for youth sports, including junior all sports, biddy soccer and bass fishing skills. Adult programs for sports and fitness will include pickleball, TRX, group cycling and more.

The health and wellness of area residents is always top of mind for the Y, and we are pleased that our group exercise classes have been able to resume. In addition to in-person classes at our facility, we have maintained flexibility for people to enjoy classes virtually or on demand through the Y’s new On the Go app, which is available for free for all YMCA facility members.

To learn about what the Y can offer you and your family, stop by our downtown Morris location or visit www.jolietymca.org.

• Missy Durkin is executive director of Morris Community YMCA.