Since November 2017, the Portage Township YMCA has undergone a significant amount of changes that have them on track to offer the best fall programming the organization has seen in several years. Under the direction of CEO, Shannon Burhans, the YMCA has been the recipient of grants and donations. This funding has aided the Y in reviving and enhancing existing programs, allowing creation of new programs and permitted for the acquisition of new strength training equipment.
As the new school year kicks off, working parents might wonder what they are going to do with their children before and after school. The Y offers Y-Care: before and after school care for Portage Township School children in grades K-8th. While this program is not new, they have added some noteworthy enhancements. During the early morning hours, Y-Care students will engage in Yoga led by Y-Care staff to stimulate their minds and help to prepare them for their busy academic days. After-school and in addition to helping students complete their homework, Y-Care students will be engaged with fun, interactive, S.T.E.A.M activities. To top it off, Y-Care will now serve Super Snacks: after-school meals. Their goal is to remove the financial burden and time constraints on families.
In the Spring of 2016, the Portage Township YMCA was forced to close their aquatics program due to extenuating circumstances. Fast forward to the present day and the Y’s aquatics program is flourishing thanks to a partnership with Best Western Plus Portage Hotels & Suites as well as a YMCA of the U.S.A. grant. Aside from the traditional swim lessons, in which the Y is commonly known for, a new program called Safety Around Water is offered. Safety Around Water aims to reach kids 4 -12 years in age that are at-risk for drowning. The Portage Y offers this program for just $10 per segment; membership is not required. Do not forget about Aqua Zumba; making a return in September.
It is no surprise that Portage is saturated with youth sports offerings for children of all ages, but the Portage Y is honing in on activities not commonly offered. This fall, the Y brings you Cross Country for children 4 - 12 years and they could not be more excited! With practices one evening per week and meets on select Saturdays during the season, participants will have friendly competition with the Valparaiso and Duneland Family YMCA’s as well as the Valparaiso Parks Department.
Gymnastics has been offered at the Y for some time and their program is strong, offering progressive gymnastics for children 18 months and older, both in the morning and evening. For those seeking a more competitive edge, “The Sparklers,” team gymnastics enables children 5 years and older to compete at the non-sanctioned level. For team, try-outs must be scheduled with Cathi Srednoselac, Head Gymnastics Coach.
They are not done yet! The Preschool Academy at the Portage Township YMCA offers affordable early childhood education for the tiniest of learners. Kiddos aged 3-5 years, not yet in kindergarten, are welcomed to attend morning or afternoon preschool classes, two, three, or four times per week. The Preschool Academy works closely with Portage Township School Corporation kindergarten teachers to ensure their curriculum accurately prepares students for kindergarten. And you cannot forget the end-of-year graduation ceremony! Classes begin the week of September 4, 2018.
Healthy Living is an area of focus at the Y and this season, they are bringing big things! Balance & Flex Together is a new, licensed, group exercise class, free to members, that promises a perfect way to improve balance, mobility, flexibility, and strength. It puts back all that we take out and really centers your energy. It’s ideal to be your workout of choice or add it once a week to your current workouts to reinvigorate the mind and body.
As if that is not exciting enough, the Y has partnered with EnhanceFitness to bring an evidence-based program geared toward older adults, and those with a chronic condition, such as arthritis. EnhanceFitness begins in September and research has shown participants have more energy, better balance, are shown to have increases in upper and lower body strength, more flexibility & range of motion, better sleep, more feelings of happiness, and a reclaimed sense of independence. EnhanceFitness has been nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging.
Additional programming such as Drop & Go Child Care, CPR, AED, and 1st Aid classes offered monthly as well as Officiating Training Classes will begin in September and Adult Volleyball League begins in October. For additional information about any of the Portage Township YMCAs programs or to register, visit their website, www.ymcaofportage.org. The Portage Township YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization committed to Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen, Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being and Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.