THE FAMILY YMCA NEWS
Registration has opened for several sports and recreation programs at The Family YMCA, including the summer’s Y Earth Service Corps (YESC) program for middle schoolers. Each program has adapted Covid-19 safe protocols.
The Y is hiring two YESC leaders/educators to guide and supervise 8-12 youth in its half-day program, and is also recruiting volunteer coaches and assistant coaches. No experience is necessary for the sports program as training is provided.
Guardians who have completed a current Y child liability and Covid waiver may call the Y at 662-3100 to register, or may complete paperwork at the Y, 1450 Iris Street. All program participants must sign a COVID-19 waiver before participating.
All programs follow COVID-19 safety practices pursuant to current government orders and guidelines. For more information, see the Return to Play Operating Protocol for YMCA Programs and the Y’s Youth programs webpages.
Current ongoing programs:
Kathak East Indian Classical Dance added an in-person beginner class in March, so now all three levels of the class are back live and in-person. They are held Sundays in the Main Y studio where HEPA filters are in place.
Junior Roller Derby is a co-ed program that resumed in March after a winter break. Practices are now twice per week at the Los Alamos County Skating Rink. Skaters practice in small pods thanks to several new volunteer assistant coaches from the Women’s Roller Derby League.
Pickleball is being held half-court at the Y, and outside weather permitting.
Adult Shoshin Ryu meets twice a week at the Y Express. Shoshin Ryu is a Japanese based system of martial arts that stresses self-defense and personal growth. It is being held at the Y Express on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Sports/Summer programs:
Little Youth Soccer (ages 4-5 and 6-7) registration runs through April 12. Instructional practices and games run for 6 weeks, two days per week from 6-7 pm in the evenings in Los Alamos and White Rock. Season runs April 19 to May 28. Teams of 6-8 players allow for easier coaching, more practice time and more game-time for players. Volunteer coaches, assistants, and team parents are needed. Coaches will be provided lesson plans & skills and drills ideas.
Little Youth Basketball (ages 4-5 and 6-7) registration is open runs through May 24. Instructional practices run for 6 weeks, focusing on developing coordination and learning the basic skills & rules of basketball. Mini-sized balls will be used as well as 8-ft. baskets. Season runs May 31 – July 7. Practices held twice per week in Los Alamos or White Rock. Volunteer coaches, assistants, and team parents are needed.
Y Earth Service Corps (YESC) is an outdoor-based skill-building program for youth ages 12 to 15 that runs half-days four days per week during the summer. The program is underwritten by the Delle Foundation. YESC is a volunteer service-learning program that provides environmental education for youth who focus on local community projects including gardening, trail improvements, landscaping and watershed restoration. Two educators are being hired to work with the youth this summer. Registration opens April 1. Space is limited per week. About The Family YMCA: The Y, a charitable nonprofit organization, was established in Los Alamos by volunteers in 1955 who recognized the need for a place where families could recreate together. The Y typically provides 300 individuals (200 of which are children) with $90,000-$120,000 in assistance to be in Y programs. In 2020, due to the pandemic and people’s caution, the Y provided $36,000 in financial assistance to 73 individuals, including 12 youth in childcare programs. Donated funds also supported the Española YMCA Teen Center, and provided financial stability at the Y during the pandemic.