What is the first thing you think about when you see the YMCA sign? It’s more than just a building. It’s about community, a sense of belonging and providing stability to the neighbourhood.

More Than a Fitness Facility

The YMCA is not your typical fitness center. It’s a not-for-profit organization that has its communities’ best interest at heart. All YMCA programs and services are designed to help individuals grow in mind, body and spirit. From developing health initiatives with community partners that target chronic disease, prevention and recovery to improving literacy and social isolation, the Y provides a diverse and socially inclusive place. It’s a place where everyone has the opportunity to get active, participate in community programs, volunteer their time, and feel a connection to their community.

A Sense of Belonging

We have members who have been at the Y for 40 or even 50 years. The Y is their home, their family, where their friends are and where they go. It’s also a place where the whole family can visit and enjoy. Children can take swimming lessons or play in the gym while their parents workout or do a lane swim. Activities are scheduled with families in mind – to help build stronger bonds, spend more time together and become more engaged in the community.

Health and Fitness Support for All Members

At the YMCA we want you to use your membership to its fullest and encourage you to use the facility as much as possible. Being a Y member means you have access to the cardio and weight rooms, personal trainers, track, pool, free swim lessons, preschool and youth programs, group fitness classes, open gym to play floor hockey or basketball, child minding and more! Our friendly staff make you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door, with a smile and kind words of encouragement. Our inclusiveness makes the YMCA a safe place for everyone.

Flexible Memberships Tailored to Meet Your Individual Needs

At the YMCA we have flexible memberships tailored to meet your individual needs and budget. We do not have contracts and, you can put your membership on hold or cancel whenever you need to – it’s that easy!

Membership at the YMCA means so much more than just a gym – it’s a community. You belong here! Get inspired by visiting us at www.BelongAtTheY.ca. Join the Y today and pay $0 join fees until October 17th.

What does your Y mean to you? Let us know – we want to hear from you!

Become A Child Development Practitioner with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Apprenticeship Training Program

Are you passionate about working with kids?  Do you want to be involved with an organization that’s committed to improving your community?  The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Child Care team is pleased to announce that they are actively recruiting Child Care staff and apprentices in their over 75 child care centres across Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound.

What Is the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program?

Apprenticeship is a work-based training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade or occupation, like child care. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience. About 90% of apprenticeship training takes place in the workplace, while the remainder consists of theoretical instruction, usually obtained at a college of applied arts and technology or other approved training delivery agency. Apprenticeship training is delivered in partnership by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and the College. Training agreements between apprentices and sponsors, like the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, are registered by the MTCU in accordance with legislation.

Here are four great reasons to choose an apprenticeship program with the YMCA Child Care team:

For more information on becoming an apprentice, visit www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca.

Why the Y?

The YMCA is recognized as one of the top employers of young people in Canada and is the largest non-profit provider of Licensed Child Care in Canada —our staff is the core of our success!

The YMCA offers more than just a job – it offers a career with a future and the chance to make a lasting difference in the community. The YMCA promotes career growth through ongoing training, education and professional development opportunities. Working with the YMCA’s nationally recognized “Playing to Learn” and “A Place to Connect” curriculums, and being a part of a team operating over 75 YMCA Child Care locations in the region, staff members become part of the larger YMCA community. Forming life-long friendships, building healthy communities and maintaining a positive work/life balance are just a few of the benefits YMCA staff enjoy.

Apply Today!

If you’re interested in being a part of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Child Care team, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit www.ymcacareers.ca to search our current positions available and apply online today!

What YMCA Child Care Educators are Saying About the Apprenticeship Program

“As a single mom, already working in the field of child care, I wasn’t sure when I could find the time to complete my ECE schooling. My supervisor at the time saw my potential and told me about the apprenticeship program. What a gift it was! I was able to keep my full-time position with the YMCA and complete my ECE through Loyalist College. The apprenticeship program has been a wonderful opportunity. I went from being an Assistant ECE to Lead ECE to Supervisor and eventually into my current role as a Community Manager. Without the apprenticeship program and Loyalist College, I’m not sure how I could have been this successful in my career with the YMCA.”

~ Jennifer Reynolds, Community Manager of Child Development and Family Support Services, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

“A huge benefit to the apprenticeship program was that I was able to work and get paid throughout the day and then attend school at night. This alleviated a lot of financial stress. The program is quite flexible and allowed me to learn at my own pace. Being a new mom, this was very important to me. I was able to select how many classes I wanted to take at one time, with room to breathe.

The teachers were amazing and very supportive. The program gave me insight and a better understanding of a child’s developmental processes, which I was able to directly apply to my work. There was always a teacher, friend, or co-worker who was willing to support and encourage me. It was a great experience!”

~Alyssa Kingsbury, Supervisor of Child Development and Family Support Programs, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

Our goal at all YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Child Care centres is to keep your children happy, safe and enriched through our nationally recognized YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum. We also feel that it’s important to keep parents informed about what’s happening with their children throughout the day.  We always encourage face-to-face time with parents to review any concerns or questions they might have about their child. Studies show that parental involvement helps foster and improve academic performance, while lessening children’s chances of developing behavioral problems. Simply put, involved parents help children grow into successful and confident adults.

However, we also understand that today’s families are busier than ever. Between child drop offs, work, pick-ups, meal prep, and activities, you don’t always have time to speak with your child’s educators and learn about your child’s day. That’s why we recently introduced the YMCA app WeemarkableTM to all of our full-day child care programs across Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound.

Through the web-based administrative platform, educators are able to send parents and other family members updates on their child’s play and learning. Each day, family members can access personalized updates on their child’s day, pictures of their child engaged in learning, and a direct line to both the classroom and their child’s educator. This functionality allows parents to be connected to their children, all while using a secure platform.

WeemarkableTM provides parents with the following features:

WeemarkableTM is easy to use, secure and available for download for Apple and Android devices. Personal information is stored safely by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka ‐ nobody has access to your child’s information other than you and any followers you choose to add. Communication is the key to a successful child care experience!

About YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Child Care

Collectively, YMCAs are the largest provider of child care programs in Simcoe/Muskoka, dedicated to developing and operating the highest standard in children’s programming. With over 80 licensed Child Care facilities across our region, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka provides exceptional programs focused on children between the ages of birth and twelve years of age.

To learn more about the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Child Care and to inquire about registration, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/child-care.

Did you know that more than 40% of participants drop a fitness class shortly after it begins if they attend on their own? But if they work out with a friend, the dropout rate decreases to 6%. This suggests that social support encourages physical activity. Beyond the benefits of social interaction, working out with a friend is one of the best ways to keep you accountable, work harder, and stay focused on your goals. In fact, having the right workout buddy can often be the difference between failure and success. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider working out with a friend:

Accountability
Scheduling a gym session with a friend holds you accountable for getting your workout in. Meeting someone at the gym not only motivates you to show up, but to work hard as well.

Motivation
Exercising with another person pushes you to do your workout to the best of your ability. Another bonus – if you work out with a friend who is stronger or faster than you, you’ll be more likely to test your own limits.

Try something new
Hitting the gym with a friend is the perfect time to try a new exercise such as strength training or lifting heavier weights. When trying something new, your friend will provide a confidence boost and can also serve as a spotter if you need one.

Save money
Perhaps you’re interested in hiring a personal trainer, but don’t have the funds to cover it. A workout partner can bear some of the cost of hiring a trainer, making group training sessions a more affordable option and more fun!

Have fun

The right workout buddy can make your workouts more fun! In fact, the more fun your workouts are, the more you’re going to look forward to them and be committed. Having that social contact – being able to laugh, encourage and motivate – will make your workouts much more enjoyable.

It is recommended that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Working out with friends in group exercise classes such as Zumba, Yoga and Group Power is a great way to get active and, most importantly, have fun!

Free on the 5th

Try it out for yourself! The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers members the opportunity to bring one guest for free on the 5th of each month. Come for a swim, gather a group for a game of basketball, use our cardio and strength equipment or hire a personal trainer to lead your group. Be sure to take advantage of this great promotion – working out is always more fun with a friend!

For more information about Free on the 5th days, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Did you know Canadian kids spend just under 8 hours a day in front of a screen?  That’s almost the same time parents spend at work! With school almost over, now is the time to start thinking about how your children will spend their summer.

Helping our kids lead healthy, active lifestyles can sometimes be challenging for families – especially during the summer months when kids may not benefit from programs they participate in during the school year.

At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, children are encouraged to take part in activities and camps that not only allow them to build skills in the arts, sports, leadership and recreation, but to also learn soft skills such as listening, cooperation and team building. Our research has shown that there are many positive effects for children participating in organized, summer activities such as making new friends and giving kids a sense of belonging and confidence.

Take a look at what the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has to offer children and youth of all ages this summer:

YMCA Children and Youth Programs – Children of all ages!

The YMCA offers programming year round specifically designed for preschool and youth. From child minding to swim lessons, parent & tot programs, Y Kids and youth conditioning, these programs help keep kids active, engaged and having fun this summer! And, for the older kids, the summer is the perfect time to enrol in aquatic leadership programs such as Bronze Medallion or National Lifeguard training.

YMCA Summer Kids Club – Children ages 4-6

Conveniently located in community schools and YMCAs across Simcoe/Muskoka, YMCA Summer Kids Club is a licensed and regulated program that offers children ages 4 to 6 engaging and interactive indoor and outdoor experiences that develop their minds and bodies. With weeklong sessions and small class sizes, Summer Kids Club is the perfect setting for kids who want to embark on thrilling adventures while staying close to home.

YMCA Summer Camps – Children ages 6-16

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka youth leadership, day and overnight camps provide fun, developmentally appropriate experiences for children and teens of all ages.

The highly qualified YMCA camp staff tell parents that camp isn’t just about fun and games. It’s a unique place where invaluable life skills are acquired and nurtured. It not only allows kids to build skills in the arts, sports, leadership or recreation but to also learn soft skills such as listening, cooperation and team building. Often times, parents will be amazed at the growth and positive changes that occur while their kids attend camp.

Nature-Based Camp – Children ages 6-12

Research tells us that when children are connected to their environment, they are healthier and happier. That’s why the YMCA is pleased to offer a “nature-based” day camp located at Springwater Provincial Park in Midhurst, Ontario. Children have the opportunity to get connected with nature, gain independence, and create new memories. It’s a great way for kids to unplug from technology and explore the great outdoors.

For a full list of YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka summer kids programs and to register online, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca or call your local YMCA.

Professional development in the non-profit sector is a vital tool for strengthening organizational effectiveness. That’s why the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, in partnership with Lakehead University have made it a priority to offer new leadership training opportunities to the community leaders of Simcoe County. While business and community leaders may have access to skills-based leadership training, the YMCA’s Not-For-Profit Professional Development Certificate program focuses on the leadership capacity of the individual. The program explores what it takes to be an effective leader using academically sound research supported content. The program provides quality, cost-effective training that is distinctly suited to the needs of our leaders in the area.

Over 165 participants have completed Level 1 of the program from such organizations as – City of Orillia, Children’s Treatment Network, Canadian Red Cross, RVH Foundation, County of Simcoe, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Ontario Provincial Police and more. Since the launch of the program in 2014, the Professional Development Certificate Program has made a positive impact in the not-for profit world.

What Participants Are Saying

 “Participating in Level 1 of the program really helped me reframe my personality traits in a positive light and helped me understand my leadership qualities. The speakers offered a great deal of insight into many pertinent issues, such as employer and donor relations, time management, group development, conflict resolution, mission based prioritization and many other topics. I would recommend the course to anyone.”
~ Nathan Sykes, Coalition Member, Youth Haven

“I have been to a number of trainings and fully believe the YMCA/Lakehead Leadership Program was the best, most honest and practical training experience that I have taken part in.”
~ Sarah, Level 1 Participant

“I just wanted to convey my appreciation for such an awesome learning experience! The expert panelists were from a variety of work sectors allowing us a glimpse into how they became leaders in their fields. Many similarities existed and we were free to ask question of them. This greatly enhanced our processing of the three days, and there were many opportunities to explore and reflect on our own practices. The experience left us wanting more and I’m looking forward to levels 2 and 3!”
~ Carolyn Walsh, M.Ed., Children’s Services Program Supervisor

Upcoming Dates

Level 1 of the certificate program is being offered from June 20 to 22, 2018 at Lakehead University Orillia campus and February 6-8, 2019 at YMCA Geneva Park and will focus on how personal strengths as a leader can contribute to a team and the goals of your organization. Participants will learn boundaries to manage stress and how to apply tools and concepts of communication that can improve processes and teamwork. The implementation of solutions to everyday problems will also be discussed.

The faculty and panelists combine academic rigor with real world experience and infuse the curriculum with fresh perspectives. For a list of the program’s faculty and panelists, click here.

Register Today!

For more information about the YMCA Professional Development Certificate Program and to register, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/not-for-profit-registration/.

For Immediate Release

YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Announces Official Site of the New Barrie Y

‘We are building a new kind of Y in downtown Barrie. With our partners, we will create a centre of community where everyone belongs and thrives.’

Barrie, Ontario – May 15, 2018 – Last night, Barrie City Council approved a deal that will see city staff include a new Barrie YMCA in site plans on the Barrie Central Collegiate site. As well, staff have been directed to begin negotiations for a land use agreement with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for this site. 

Based on several years of community consultation, YMCA CEO Rob Armstrong says the organization is committed to building a “new kind of Y.” This new facility will be a “hub” that will house community partners providing a wide variety of programs and services, as well as traditional YMCA programs – creating what Armstrong calls a “centre of community.”

“The Y’s vision for a community hub will support neighbourhood growth and development in Barrie’s rejuvenated downtown core. Both the development plan for the Grove Street site and the vision for the new YMCA will bring positive changes to Barrie,” said Lynn Strachan, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Board Member and former Ward 2 City Counsellor.

“Last night was a great step towards us being able to officially announce plans for a new Barrie Y on the former Barrie Central Collegiate site. We are encouraged by council’s decision,” says Armstrong.

The new Y will be funded through a combination of funds generated through the redevelopment and sale of the YMCA’s Grove Street property and a Capital Campaign, to launch later this year. The development will be phased and the existing facility on Grove Street will remain open until the new Barrie YMCA is built.

“This is the Y we need today for a vibrant and healthy tomorrow,” said Andrew Lorriman, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Board Chair.

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About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is an Imagine Canada accredited charity serving Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. In keeping with our commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers financial assistance to those unable to afford program fees, providing over $1,000,000 in financial assistance to 15,000 children, youth, adults and seniors to access to YMCA programs annually. For more information, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Media Contact

Louise Picot
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Communications
Phone: 705-606-1549
Email: [email protected]

We are ecstatic that Rania El Mugammar will be joining and providing an address to the May 10th Not-for-Profit Leadership Institute session (with the program’s second graduating class receiving certification).

Rania is a Sudanese Canadian NPO Director, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity and Anti-oppression Educator & Consultant , performer, speaker and published writer.

As a writer, Rania’s work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight, exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania’s primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is deeply interested in poetic form and the auditory texture of words as well as the visual/aesthetic impact of language and form.

She is a member of the St. Jamestown Collective Impact Steering Committee, a member of the Leaders Panel for the Economic Development and Culture Strategic Plan at the city of Toronto. Rania is the also the lead equity consultant for RECENTRE, Equity director of B Inc at Bcurrent Performing Arts and co-founder of the How to be an Ally Series at the Centre for Social Innovation.

Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. She has worked extensively with contemporary arts institutions, STEM based enterprises, media organization, educational institutions and community/grassroots spaces. Rania has worked with hundreds of organizations, collectives and institutions including VIBE Arts, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Ministry of Canadian Heritage, Daniels Spectrum, Trinity Square Video, Toronto Cultural Music Lab, Canadian Art Magazine, Bcurrent, Toronto Arts Council, the University of Michigan, Canadian Art Magazine, TPW Gallery, Peel Dufferin Catholic District School Board, Regent Park Focus and beyond.

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www.raniawrites.com
Facebook: /raniawrites
Twitter: @raniawrites
Instagram: @rania.writes

We ask our doctors about health care, seek guidance from financial advisors when making investments, we ask for support and guidance for raising our kids, maintaining our cars and sometimes even selecting the latest fashion. So why not ask the experts when it comes to reaching our fitness goals? Working with a personal trainer is informative, motivating and proven to lead to success. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is staffed with certified personal trainers ready to get you on track towards your fitness goals today. Still not sure? Take a look at what the Y’s highly sought after personal trainer, Shelley Everitt, has to say about hiring a personal trainer:

Q: Why should someone hire a personal trainer? 

A: Hiring a personal trainer can help alleviate the stress of working out. It can help streamline your goals and create a solid path to achieve success. It can help educate you on your physical literacy and determine where your strengths and imbalances lie. My clients often say that I help keep them committed to try new things and to have fun!

Q: What happens in the first session?

A: This completely depends on the individual needs of each client. Some of my clients want to spend time discussing their goals, needs, past injuries, fears, barriers or to simply put their mind at ease and begin their preparation for their first workout. Others will want to jump right in and do something new, fun and invigorating! No matter what your needs are  – we will ensure they are met and you succeed in reaching your fitness goals!

Q: How many weeks is ideal to hire a personal trainer and start seeing results?

A: Again this varies and is very much dependent on the individual’s ability to self-motivate, stay on track, their knowledge and comfort of the facility and their fitness program. Consistency is the KEY to success. However, individual results are tough to predict. If you start celebrating the small “wins” like “making it through the first workout” or “I did my first push up” or “I can lift WAY more than I though I could” – then you will see progress form day one! Getting bogged down with “when will I see results,” can sabotage all the progress that you make. Be kind to yourself, and let your trainer take you on the journey to success!

Q: What do you love the most about being a personal trainer?

Q: Oh, that’s an easy one – the smile I see on my client’s face when they do something they never thought was possible! Seeing clients embrace their journey and celebrate their wins makes me very happy.

Shelley’s 30-minute Total Body Workout

Short on time? Here is a workout that Shelley recommends to keep you on track when you only have 30 minutes to spare.

5-minute warm up (on treadmill, bike or elliptical)

4 super fun Tabatas  – A tabata is an interval training that consists of 20 second BURSTS of work, and a 10 second recovery. This happens for 8 rounds. (*Hint – you can download tabata timers on your phone to help you!)

Tabata #1 – Use a step and 2-3 risers per side – Run ups! Do 20 seconds of run ups leading with your right leg, 10 second rest, then 20 seconds on the left leg. Continue for the 8 rounds. This will take 4 minutes to perform.

Tabata #2 Jump squats (or regular squats) 20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds

Tabata #3 Jump Lunges (or regular lunges) 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds – alternating legs each round

Tabata #4 Push ups / crunches – 20 seconds of push ups, 10 seconds rest, 20 seconds crunches, 10 seconds rest – alternating for the 8 rounds.

Plank – put 30 seconds to 1 minute on the clock (depending on your plank ability) and hold your plank as long as you can with good form.

Take some time to stretch!

Whether you’re new to working out, or you’re an athlete looking to get to the next level, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka certified personal trainers can help you reach your fitness goals.

Invest in YOU. Take advantage of the Y’s Personal Training Promotion!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER:  For the month of April, you can enjoy 2 FREE personal training sessions when you purchase 5 or buy 10 sessions and get 3 FREE. That’s less than $25 per hour!

For more information, visit us at www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/personal_training or drop by your local YMCA.

By Teresa Zacharias, Personal Trainer, Barrie YMCA

One of the reasons I became a personal trainer was to help others. I know from personal experience that leading a healthy lifestyle is a never-ending journey that requires commitment, self-discipline and a burning desire that keeps you from quitting.

My job as a personal trainer is to assess your fitness level, help you set realistic goals, set up a personalized fitness program, and keep you motivated.  I will make sure you reach your goals by teaching you new techniques and pushing you past your comfort level, something that many find difficult to do on their own.

I can think of a number of reasons why you should work with a personal trainer – here are a few!

You don’t know where to start

A trainer can provide you with a customized exercise program that includes all the necessary fitness components to get you into shape, while keeping within your limits.  We can even tailor a personalized schedule so you know what you will be doing and when.

You’re bored with the same old workouts

A trainer can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas to help challenge you, especially when you hit a plateau. A trainer can teach you new workouts and different methods of exercising such as circuit or HIIT training and show you different options in strength training.

You need to be challenged

A lot of people tell me they have a hard time motivating themselves and sticking with a schedule. A trainer can motive you and push you past your limits – encouraging you to lift heavier, go longer and challenge yourself. It’s hard to slack off when someone is watching over you!

You want to learn how to exercise on your own

I often create programs for my clients who are looking for quality workouts they can do on their own. A trainer can show you the appropriate way to execute the exercises so you know you’re getting a challenging and safe workout. They can help you learn more about the muscles in your body, exercises that target those muscles and how to execute them with good form. It’s a great investment in keeping your body healthy and fit!

You need accountability and motivation

A trainer should not only know how to effectively train your body but inspire your mind as well. If you want to succeed, you need to have the proper mindset. Having a standing appointment to workout often helps people stick to their routine. And remember – the only workout you’ll regret is the one you don’t do!

You have a specific illness, injury or condition

Working with an experienced trainer can be beneficial if you have specific health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, injuries, or mobility issues. An experienced trainer can help customize a program to avoid further injuries.

You’re training for a sport or event

A trainer can help you determine what you need to do to stay strong and train smart. A trainer can create a personalized training program that maps out a plan for your upcoming event and make sure you reach your full potential!

Whether you’re new to working out, or you’re an athlete looking to get to the next level, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka certified personal trainers can help you reach your fitness goals.

Invest in YOU. Take advantage of the Y’s Personal Training Promotion!

 

EXCLUSIVE OFFER:  For the month of April (2018), you can enjoy 2 FREE personal training sessions when you purchase 5 or buy 10 sessions and get 3 FREE. That’s less than $25 per hour!

 

For more information, visit us at www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/personal_training or drop by your local YMCA.