How many of us have driven by your local YMCA and thought, sure it would be nice, but the Y is expensive and continue on your way? I have to admit, this was me. Until recently when I stopped by the Spring Valley YMCA and learned what the Y has to offer... and boy, was I surprised!
The Y aims to be a "one stop shop for whole body wellness; mind body, and spirit" and I must say, I think they deliver by providing comprehensive programming for the whole family. Between the state of the art gym, indoor and outdoor pool access, workshops, classes (both sports and arts and humanities themed), wellness coaching, Family Fun Nights, and summer camps no member of your family will ever be bored! Best of all? There is an onsite child care center so your little ones are cared for while mom/dad sneaks in a workout or joins a rec league for some all-important grownup interaction! You can feel confident with the child care staff as they are all First Aid and CPR Certified and have had full background and clearance checks.
What's the advantage of becoming a member of the YMCA? You get access to everything I've mentioned PLUS discounted rates on birthday parties, lessons, special events such as Parent's Night Out, and pre-school and your membership gives you access to all other YMCAs as well. YMCA offers preschool, before and after care, 1/2 day kindergarten, and even holiday and snow day care! We all know how difficult it can be when school closes, but work doesn't; rather than burn a vacation day, the Y is here for you! Ever put off running errands because multiple buckling and unbuckling of toddlers, corralling them in the cart, and avoiding a meltdown just makes it too difficult? Not that I'm talking from personal experience here (hello, cereal for dinner!), but I think we can all related to putting off shopping, errands, or even coffee with a friend because it's just not worth the effort... enter Out and About. For $5 per hour (yes you read that right, $5) members can drop off their child at the daycare up until 8PM!!!
Rather than pay separately for a gym membership, pool membership, yoga class, and a basketball rec league you can get them all for one family price, plus the savings in discounts for other services! When combined, a family membership to the Y suddenly goes from an expensive luxury to a cost savings tool. They truly are trying to reach all members of our community and offer financial assistance. Just last year the Spring Valley locations awarded over $500K! To see if you qualify click here. Only need a membership for your child/teen? Youth (12 & under) memberships are just $26/month and Young Adults (13-23) memberships are $35/month.
There are a few other membership deals I need to share with you. Have a 7th grader? The YMCA has a special initiative allowing 7th grade boys and girls to join for FREE! Also new at the Y is the "LIVESTRONG Program" which gives a free 12-week membership to cancer survivors; click here for full details.
So, how do you sign up? Click here to snag your membership today. Questions? E-mail Bridgette, Senior Program Director of Child Care, Camp & Youth at the Spring Valley YMCA bbyrne@philaymca.org; she'd love to hear from you!
