Youth Programs
Youth Programs for Health & Fitness at the YMCA
The YMCA offers a variety of programs designed specifically for youth, providing opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and have fun. Our programs encourage healthy living, teamwork, and personal growth, helping young people develop lifelong habits of fitness and well-being.
Program availability may differ by location, so we recommend checking your local branch schedule to see what’s offered near you. Every program is created to support youth in a positive and engaging environment.
Drop-In Programs
Badminton
Come to the YMCA and join other participants in a friendly game of badminton. It’s a great way to stay fit, meet other youth in the community, and have fun. Teams are made up on arrival and games are self-refereed. Friendly staff are on-site to answer questions and provide instruction if needed.
Basketball
Come to the YMCA to shoot some hoops or play an informal game of basketball – the game that was invented at the YMCA. It’s a great way to stay fit, meet other youth in the community, and have fun. Teams are made upon arrival and games are self-referred. Friendly staff are on-site to answer questions and provide instruction if needed.
Floor Hockey
Bring your friends or make new ones while you participate in a friendly game of floor hockey at the YMCA. It’s a great way to stay fit, meet other youth in the community, and have fun. Teams are made up on arrival and games are self-refereed. Friendly staff are on-site to answer questions and provide instruction if needed.
Soccer
It’s time to burn some energy! Come to the YMCA and join other participants in a friendly game of soccer. It’s a great way to stay fit, meet other youth in the community, and have fun. Teams are made upon arrival and games are self-referred. Friendly staff are on-site to answer questions and provide instruction if needed.
Volleyball
Want to meet new friends and hone your volleyball skills? Come to the YMCA and join other youth members in a friendly game of volleyball. It’s a great way to stay fit, meet other youth in the community, and have fun. Teams are made up on arrival and games are self–refereed. Friendly staff are on-site to answer questions and provide instruction if needed.
Youth Allsport
In the Youth Allsport program, participants will take their fitness to the next level as they branch out and play a variety of different sports each week. This cardio-focused program is instructed by a YMCA staff member and incorporates various intervals and drills, balance & core training movements. Experienced participants will have the opportunity to put their skill levels to the test, while beginners will be provided with expert support and instructions to learn and develop new skills.
- Prerequisite(s): Available to children ages 12 years old to 16 years old.
Youth Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing paddle sports in North America. It is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Through play, participants develop strong hand, eye and foot coordination, which is necessary for all facets of sports and fitness. Pickleball is fun for players of all activity levels.
Youth Wellness
The Youth Wellness program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge to safely work in the Wellness Centre and to responsibly share the space with adult participants. The course is taught by YMCA fitness professionals and is divided into three levels. Each level takes approximately 5 weeks to complete. Successful completion of each level will grant participants with access to use various parts of the Wellness Centre and its equipment.
Youth Zone
The YMCA Youth Zone is a dedicated, safe and inclusive space for youth. This is a space where youth ages 10-17 years old can come to, relax and hang out with friends. It is a place where youth can build positive connections with youth leaders and peers allowing them to expand their support system. Youth are exposed to YMCA programs, services and staff allowing them to understand all of the resources that are available to them through the YMCA. The Youth Zone is equipped with board games, ping pong, foosball and more!
Registered Programs
Youth Badminton: Skills & Drills
The Youth Badminton Skills & Drills program is led by YMCA staff and geared towards participants with beginner or intermediate level skills. Participants are required to bring their own racquet in order to learn the fundamental skills and strategies of the sport.
Youth Basketball: Skills & Drills
The Youth Basketball Skills & Drills program is led by YMCA staff and focuses on learning the basics of basketball in an active, inclusive and safe environment. A variety of fun, age-appropriate activities will be facilitated each week allowing participants to build on both basketball and fundamental movement skills. The skills will then be applied during an exhibition game near the end of each class. The program is also designed to emphasize sportsmanship and team play. Youth from 12 to 16 years old are divided into different classes based on age.
Youth Floor Hockey: Skills & Drills
The Youth Floor Hockey Skills & Drills program is led by YMCA staff and emphasizes physical literacy, aiming to help youth develop and build upon their fundamental movement skills and movement vocabulary. This is achieved through a variety of fun, age-appropriate games, and activities that promote skills such as passing, shooting, and ball handling. The skills will then be applied during an exhibition game near the end of each class. The program is also designed to emphasize sportsmanship and team play.
Youth Karate
Karate is a martial art that combines the use of punches, kicks and defensive techniques. It is a great way to get fit while learning important life skills such as self-defense, discipline, and respect for self and others. As a result of learning this moving art form, they will also build core stability, agility, balance, flexibility, and endurance. This program includes one structured Karate lesson per week, led by a trained professional instructor.
Youth Leaders: Advanced
Learn leadership skills, volunteer, and earn certificates in either the Aquatics Leadership or Recreation and Fitness Leadership stream. Participants will attend two overnight leadership retreats at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana in the Spring. Advanced Youth Leaders may be eligible to participate in a YMCA Canada Youth Exchange if they have not participated before. Advanced Leaders going into Grade 11 are encouraged to apply to be a part of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Youth Advisory Committee which contains many exciting opportunities including an International Youth Exchange and High School course credit equivalencies.
Youth Leaders: Intermediate
Learn leadership skills, volunteer, and earn certifications in either our Aquatics Leadership or Recreation and Fitness Leadership stream. Participants will attend two overnight leadership retreats at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana in the Spring. In addition, Intermediate Leader’s may be eligible to participate in a YMCA Canada Youth Exchange.
Youth Leaders: Junior
Learn leadership skills, complete volunteer training and pick an Aquatics Leadership or Recreation and Fitness Leadership stream. Junior Youth Leaders will attend two overnight leadership retreats at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana in the Spring.
Youth Leaders in Training
Our Youth Leadership Program combines leadership training, teamwork and volunteer opportunities to help participants build self-confidence and meaningful connections with peers and members of the community. As an introductory to the program, participants will make new friends, develop valuable skills and learn the basics of leadership through fun, hands-on activities during a 45-minute session.
Youth Bootcamp
The Youth Bootcamp program is led by YMCA staff who will provide participants with a series of exercises that are designed to enhance fitness levels while having fun. The workout consists of sports drills, lightweights, jump rope, circuits and body weight exercises to help improve strength and stamina for any activity. Using a combination of cardio and strength training, it is a great way to burn calories, get fit and make new friends.
- Prerequisite(s): Available for participant’s ages 9 to 13 years of age.
Youth Run Conditioning
In the Youth Run Conditioning program participants will learn about the health benefits of running, the importance of proper warm up and cool down exercises and the impacts on endurance and speed. Participants will also learn and develop proper running form, speed work, full body conditioning, and strength training all while having fun and getting a few kilometers in! The program will focus on helping participants develop the skills required to support long distance running goals.
Youth Soccer: Skills & Drills
The Youth Soccer Skills & Drills program is led by YMCA staff and focuses on learning the game of soccer in an active, fun and safe environment. Participants will be exposed to basic soccer skills (i.e. passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting and more) through a variety of activities that will be facilitated each week allowing participants to build on fundamental movement skills. The skills will then be applied during an exhibition game near the end of each class. The program is also designed to emphasize sportsmanship and team play. Youth from 12 to 16 years of age will be divided into different classes based on age.
Youth Triathlon Club
The Youth Triathlon Club promotes a lifelong passion for physical activity while focusing on swimming, biking, and running. While the program focuses on the fundamentals and techniques of triathlon training it also aims to build endurance and enhance fitness skills. A larger goal of the program is to develop self-esteem, teamwork, goal setting and self-discipline. The program strives to create a healthy and safe environment for kids to learn, laugh, and grow. This drop-in program runs year round and can include pool and land components as well as outdoor training. Participants should comfortably be able to swim the width of the pool.
Youth Volleyball: Skills & Drills
The Youth Volleyball Skills & Drills program is led by YMCA staff and emphasizes physical literacy, aiming to help children develop skills such as serving, spiking and bumping through skill-focused play in a supportive non-competitive setting. This is achieved through a variety of fun, age-appropriate games, and activities that promote this development. The skills will then be applied during an exhibition game near the end of each class. The program is also designed to emphasize sportsmanship and team play. Youth from 12 to 16 years of age can enjoy the fundamentals of volleyball.
Specialty Programs
Respite
The Respite program is available for families with a child or children with special needs. Children can participate in creative play, sensory games, gym activities, and swimming programs. The program provides an opportunity for caregivers to take a break from the tiring work of caring and have an opportunity to take a moment for themselves to recharge and relax. It also provides children with an opportunity to participate in fun activities, meet other children in the community, and a break from their everyday routine. YMCA staff support is offered at a ratio of 1 staff: 2 children.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean art form that promotes full-body physicality with a focus on flexibility. Children will learn hand and foot techniques, patterns, self-defense, and sparring. In addition to learning self-defense and basic fighting techniques, kids also learn focus and discipline, improving their confidence and self-esteem.
YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada
Unlock your true potential. In the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program, you can develop leadership skills, meet new people, and become immersed in a new culture. Groups of 10-30 teens aged 12 to 17 years old are matched with a similar-age group from another province or territory. Each group will travel to the other’s community for at least five days to experience a new culture and discover new traditions. As part of this great adventure, both groups will work together on a project that will have a significant impact on that community.
Youth Basketball: League
The Youth Basketball League is for youth of all skills and abilities looking for an organized Basketball experience. The game schedule depends on the number of participants/teams entered. Leagues occur over a number of weeks. For team sports, participants may register individually and be placed on a team or a whole team can enter. Led and refereed by YMCA staff. Registration required. Fee applies.
Youth Floor Hockey: League
The Youth Floor Hockey League is for youth of all skills and abilities looking for an organized Floor Hockey experience. The game schedule depends on the number of participants/teams entered. Leagues occur over a number of weeks. For team sports, participants may register individually and be placed on a team or a whole team can enter. Led and refereed by YMCA staff. Registration required. Fee applies.
Youth Leader Retreats
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers leadership retreats for youth enrolled in Junior, Intermediate and Advanced Youth Leader programs. The retreats provide youth with an opportunity to connect with their peers and share stories, consolidate their leadership learning’s and make new friends.
Youth Metafit
Youth Metafit is a high-intensity workout that includes a series of body-weight exercises with interval style training that is designed to target large muscle groups and have a positive impact on your heart health. One session keeps your metabolism working rapidly for up to 24 hours, so you’ll still be burning fat long after your training session is complete.
Youth Night
On YMCA Youth Nights, participants can have fun at the YMCA in a variety of ways, in a safe and inclusive environment. From swimming, cooperative games, youth leadership and open gym – there is something for everyone. Every Friday night a new theme is showcased so be sure to come out, meet new friends and get active together!
Youth Soccer: League
The Youth Soccer League is for youth of all skills and abilities looking for an organized Soccer experience. The game schedule depends on the number of participants/teams entered. Leagues occur over a number of weeks. For team sports, participants may register individually and be placed on a team or a whole team can enter. Led and refereed by YMCA staff. Registration required. Fee applies.
Youth Volleyball: League
The Youth Volleyball League is for youth of all skills and abilities looking for an organized Volleyball experience. The game schedule depends on number of participants/teams entered. Leagues occur over a number of weeks. For team sports, participants may register individually and be placed on a team or a whole team can enter. Led and refereed by YMCA staff. Registration required. Fee applies.
Together as Girls (TAG)
Be strong! Be courageous! Be you! Join TAG and meet some amazing girls and mentors in a safe and supportive environment. Each class will contain both physical activities as well as an end-of-class discussion. During the discussion part of the class, we will explore the topics that matter to you. We’ll discuss topics such as positive body image, healthy eating, female empowerment, positivity, self-esteem, confidence and much more.
Join the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Being a YMCA member gives you access to motivating programs, expert support, and a welcoming community. You’re part of more than just a gym: you’re joining one of Canada’s oldest charities, dedicated to helping you thrive and building a healthier community.
How do I join?
- Take a look at our membership options to determine the membership that’s best for you.
- Choose which of our YMCA locations is closest to you for your convenience.
- Purchase a membership through our YMCA Online Portal, or visit one of our locations to sign-up in person.
