BROWSE PROGRAMS & CLASSES
There's something for everyone.
Membership
It's more than a call to action on our website. It's a promise from us to you and your family that when you find your local Y, you'll find something more. A passion, a purpose and... your why. Because when you find that thing that helps you and your family thrive, you strengthen all of us.
My Y Account
Register for programs, classes and more! SGA Pulse is our new member account management system designed to make your YMCA experience more seamless. With Pulse, you’ll enjoy an easier check-in process, streamlined program registration and class sign-ups, and improved communication with your Y.
Kids Programs
Kids learn, build friendships, confidence and social skills while enjoying these programs alongside their peers in a safe environment at the Y.
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Adventure Guides
Adventure Guides provides opportunities for families to engage in activities that promote nature, family, fun, and community. Service projects, gatherings, and campouts are some of the activities parent/guardian-child pairs do together.
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Enrichment & STEAM
Through enrichment programs at the Y, your child will form lasting friendships, build character, and strengthen core values through a variety of activities designed for all ages and interests. The YMCA offers a diverse catalog of enrichment programs across locations including art, music, STEAM learning, and more!
Spring 1 Session Begins March 1, 2025
Feb. 10-12
Family Memberships at Sussex County and West Essex YMCAs
Family and Individual Memberships at East Orange and South Mountain YMCAs
Open to All at New Milford YMCA Program Center
Feb. 14
Facility Members at Sussex County and West Essex YMCAs
Feb. 17
Open to Community*Programs vary by age, availability, and location.
Art
Explore and create with age-appropriate arts and crafts projects.
Programs include:
- Preschool-Age Art
- School-Age Art
- Adult/Child Art
Cooking
Children learn how ingredients come together to make fun and tasty reactions.
Programs include:
- Preschool-Age Cooking
STEAM
Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) programs prepare children for the world through hands-on learning in a variety of skill sets, setting a foundation for critical thinking and innovation.
Programs include:
- School-Age STEAM
- Science
- A Trip to the Farm (Sussex County YMCA)
Register for STEAM
Music
Music can help children develop and refine their social skills, motor skills, express emotions and improve balance and coordination. Research shows that exposure to music can also improve children’s ability to learn.
Programs include:
- Infant and Toddler Music Classes
- School-Age Music
Family Wellness
Children and adults strengthen their bond while participating in structured classes that encourage movement and creative expression. Classes could include, but are not limited to, music, art, gymnastics, and tumbling.
Programs include:
- Adult-child classes for infants and toddlers
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Competitive Basketball
Kids practice core basketball skills such as ball handling, defense, offense, rebounding and shooting. As they develop their athletic talents, children also build character, values and confidence through teamwork and discipline.
The following branches offer basketball teams or leagues:
East Orange YMCA
The East Orange YMCA’s Hawks Travel Basketball program is designed to aid in the physical and emotional development of children through competition. Tryouts are held in three divisions (Intramural, 12U, and 14U) for both the winter and spring seasons. Open to youth in grades 3-12.
South Mountain YMCA
Ducks Basketball In-House League
The South Mountain Y’s Ducks Basketball In-House League & Practice is open to children in grades 1-4. This fun, low-intensity league is about teamwork and good sportsmanship, not competition. Everyone plays at least one half of a game and no standings are kept. Players will practice once during the week and play games on weekends.
Ducks Travel Basketball
The South Mountain YMCA’s Travel Basketball program for grades 5-8 is designed to aid in the physical and emotional development of children through competition. Tryouts are held in two divisions (12U and 14U) for both a winter and spring season.
West Essex YMCA
West Essex YMCA Sharks Basketball
Join the West Essex YMCA Travel Basketball Team and compete against top YMCA teams! Open to all skill levels, this is a great way to improve your game, build teamwork, and have fun.
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Competitive Gymnastics
Build on skills learned in our youth gymnastics programs. The following branches provide opportunities for young gymnasts to compete while emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork.
South Mountain YMCA
The South Mountain Y Gymnastics Teams include a Pre-Team for ages 5-13 and A&B and C Teams for ages 7-17. Members must be recommended for the team level before placement.
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Performing Arts
Creative play is more than just fun and games. Our Ys offer arts and education classes to kids and teens, including dance, music, theater, and much more.
South Mountain YMCA
The South Mountain Y’s youth performing arts classes and shows are created to encourage curiosity and creativity as well as to develop self-confidence and art appreciation in an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive environment.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are personalized based on your individual needs, desires, and goals, adjusting our teaching style to your ability, personality, and expectations. Private lessons include piano, acting, and dance.
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Youth Sports
Our Youth Sports Programs cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Youth sports help children to grow personally, appreciate diversity, develop leadership skills, and have fun. We incorporate our core values: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Caring into all our classes.
Our sports programs include clinics, skill-building classes, and leagues.
Teen Programs
Teens build friendships, confidence, and leadership skills while enjoying these programs alongside their peers in a safe environment at the Y.
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Babysitter Training
Become a certified babysitter with Red Cross Training that will help participants provide safe, high-quality child care.
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Family Swim
This time is reserved exclusively for families to enjoy the pool together. Schedules vary by location; contact your local Y for times or view the pool schedule online.
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Lifeguard Training
A great opportunity for teens looking to gain part-time employment as a lifeguard at the Y or elsewhere. The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel arrive.
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Middle School Membership
A free program for kids in grades 6-8 to support and encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices.
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Summer Camp
Create new memories and friendships while attending our exciting day or sleepaway camps, or gain professional experience working with youth in one of our Counselor-in-Training programs.
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Teen Leaders
In 1970, the South Mountain YMCA was created to fulfill a need in the Maplewood/South Orange communities for teen programming. Our organization is committed to serving this population with programs designed by our youth, for our youth. We believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.
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Teen Membership & Fitness
Open gym is an opportunity for members to shoot hoops, play pick-up games, or enjoy time with their family. Schedules vary by location; contact your local Y for times or view the gym schedule online.
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Volunteering
Teens spend time serving the community by volunteering their time to support special Y events and programs. Opportunities vary by location.
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Youth & Teen Nights
Enjoy a night of social and recreational activities with friends, under the safe supervision of Y staff.
Senior Programs
At the YMCA, we believe staying active, connected, and engaged is key to healthy aging. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs just for seniors—from low-impact fitness classes like yoga and water aerobics to social clubs, workshops, and enrichment activities. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, make new friends, or learn something new, there’s something for you at the Y.
For a full schedule of classes and events, just ask at the Welcome Desk!
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Enrichment Programs
From cooking classes and language courses, to computer classes and financial workshops, our programs are designed to help seniors continue to grow and learn throughout their lives.
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Fitness Classes
From low-impact exercise classes like yoga and Tai Chi, to water aerobics and strength training, our fitness programs are designed to help seniors stay healthy, active, and independent.
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Special Events
From social clubs and game nights, to educational seminars and volunteer opportunities, our programs are designed to help seniors stay connected and engaged with their community.
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Water Exercise
A low-impact workout using the natural resistance of the water with various types of equipment like noodles, barbells, dumbbells, paddles, and jogger belts.
Learn More
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Wellness & Disease Prevention
• Delay the Disease™ is an evidenced-based fitness program designed to optimize physical function and help delay the progression of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
• LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. The free 12-week program offers small class sizes to provide personalized attention to each participant.
Family Programs
The Y knows that with today’s busy schedules, families still need opportunities to spend quality time together, meet other families, and develop healthy habits at all ages. Many of our programs and activities are included as part of a Y membership, or at a reduced cost for Y members.
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Open Gym
Open gym is an opportunity for members to shoot hoops, play pick-up games, or enjoy time with their family. Schedules vary by location; contact your local Y for times or view the gym schedule online.
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Family Swim
This time is reserved exclusively for families to enjoy the pool together. Schedules vary by location; contact your local Y for times or view the pool schedule online.
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Family Wellness
Get moving together in family group exercise classes or discover new skills and interests in a variety of enrichment classes.
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Parent/Child Swim Classes
Adults help introduce children to the water and learn swim readiness skills in developmentally appropriate classes led by experienced swim instructors.
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Adventure Guides
Adventure Guides provides opportunities for families to engage in activities that promote nature, family, fun, and community. Service projects, gatherings, and campouts are some of the activities parent/guardian-child pairs do together.
Learn More
METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS
