The Greater Holyoke Y loves helping kids realize their potential. We believe the skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. We’d love to have your child join us!
Youth Programs
Our programs provide participants with a positive sports and recreation experience. All classes stress the importance of the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Greater Holyoke Y offers a variety of programs for children ages 12mo-17 years: instructional sports, swim lessons, tumbling, dance, karate, babysitting classes, and more. We’re sure to have a program for your child. Download program details by clicking the links below.
Land-Based Early Spring Session Programs
- Winter Vacation Activities & Events
- Learn to Swim Week Feb 2012
- Winter Family Dance
- Winter Fun Camp!
- Kids Programs – Early Spring (page 1 of 2)
- Kids Programs – Early Spring (page 2 of 2)
- Leader Club
- Teen Club
- Fit Girl Program
- Quick Start Tennis Program
- Safe Sitter Program – Feb. 18th
Youth Aquatics Programs
YMCAs have been successfully teaching youth to swim for more than a century. Y aquatics offer classes for every phase of childhood: Parent/child introductory programs, pre-school and youth progressive swim lessons, swim team, boy & girl scout badges, lap swimming and family fun! The Y view swimming lessons as a way to build character, self-confidence and skills that last a lifetime.
Childwatch
For ages 4 weeks through 7 years. Allow your kids to play for up to two hours while you enjoy the Y. Parent/Guardian must be in the building at all times. Our Childwatch center features an indoor playground, creative toys, and engaging activities. This program is free to members who hold a family or one-parent family membership. A $3 per child/per visit fee applies to all other membership types.
Childwatch Hours:
- Monday-Friday 8:30 -11:30 AM
- Monday-Thursday 4:30 – 7:30 PM
- Friday 4:30 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday 8:00 – 11:00 AM
Fit Zone
The Fit Zone was designed to help our youth members become more active and engaged at our YMCA! The Fit Zone includes two treadmills, two cross-trainers, an Exerdance Machine and a Wii Gaming System. During the Youth Only hours, the room is staffed with caring Y staff who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Youth Only Times (7– 13 Years):
- Monday – Thursday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Family & Adult Hours: The Fit Zone is available to families and adults during all other operating hours. The Wii can be checked out at the front desk upon request. Come as a family and let the Fit Zone meet all of your workout needs. During non-staffed hours, children must be supervised by a parent/guardian. Children under the age of 7 are permitted in the Fit Zone during family hours.
Parents Night Out
For our adult family members, we offer Parents Night out once a month. This is your chance to have a date night, finish a project, run errands, or just relax. Drop your kids off at the Y and allow our staff to provide fun and safe activities. Registration is required. Our next Parents’ Nights out are February 18th and March 24.
Birthday Parties
Members can rent the Y pool or gym for their child’s birthday! Party includes one-hour use of pool or gym followed by one-hour room use. All parties are hosted on Saturday or Sundays. Our coordinator will assist you in running games and kid wrangling. For more information on rates and available times please call 413.534.5631.
Before and After School Care
The Greater Holyoke Y is the largest provider of after school care in the area. We have decades of experience providing safe, high-quality child care. Our mission is to provide age appropriate activities that strengthen the family and develop the whole child socially, physically, and academically. Our programming includes literacy and homework help, thematic curriculum, arts and crafts, physical activities, outside play and snacks. Our dedicated staff is trained in child development, positive behavior, First Aid and CPR. All of our sites are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and serve children ages 5 thru 13.
After School Program: Programs begin at school dismissal and run till 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Sites are open on half days of school. Sign up for full-day programs during school vacation weeks for an additional fee. We offer After School programs in the following locations:
- Holyoke Sullivan School
- Holyoke YMCA – Serving students in all schools in Holyoke including Charter. For an additional fee, enrolled children may take Y program classes including swimming, soccer, etc.
- South Hadley Plains School
- South Hadley Mosier Elementary
- South Hadley High School - serving students from Michael E. Smith Middle School.
Before School Program: We offer two before-school programs in South Hadley. The Plains School program serves children enrolled at Plains Elementary School. The Mosier School Program serves children enrolled at Mosier and Michael E Smith Middle School. Staff walks the Middle school students over to their school at the appropriate time. Program staff will assist with homework and facilitate group activities. A light breakfast is served.
Before and After School Forms:
School Vacation Week Programs
During school vacation weeks, we offer programs at the Greater Holyoke Y and Mosier Elementary School. Children can enroll for one day or the whole week. Enriching activities, physical play, and field trips are part of the daily programming. To participate, stop by our Member Service Desk to fill out the necessary forms.