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As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. With National Water Safety Month in May, now is the time for parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of equipping their kids with essential water safety skills. As “America’s Swim Instructor,” the Y typically teaches more than 1,000,000 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. With…

May is Older Americans Month, and as a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the nation’s health, the Chambersburg YMCA offers the following tips to encourage older adults in Chambersburg to live healthier lives. Have fun with your food. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Have fun with your fruits and vegetables by trying them fresh or frozen. Find a new recipe that uses a different source of protein or find a way to incorporate fish or beans into an old favorite. Remember as you age…

Many parents and caregivers find speaking to their children about abuse to be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety conversations you have may help you work through some of that uncomfortableness. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about boundaries and preventing abuse. Young Children Parents can start these conversations simply by ensuring young children know the correct names for their body parts. Children who know the proper names are able…

At the Y, creating safe spaces for youth to learn, grow and thrive is our top priority – especially following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids need a safe space now more than ever, and we take pride in the measures we’ve taken to help keep your kids safe. Here are some important tips for parents to know as we work together to keep kids safe from abuse. Offenders seek three things in order to abuse: access, privacy and control. What does this mean for a parent? Know who has access to…

Throughout April we’ve addressed the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations and how to talk with your children about abuse. Now, it’s important that all parents and caregivers know how to respond to boundary violations and warning signs if children tell you about abuse. At the Y, we are mandated reporters, so we have procedures in place for responding and reporting suspected abuse. As a parent, you can follow these 5 steps: 1…

The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at the Chambersburg YMCA follow our Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Y wants to make sure that all members understand this Code of Conduct. A key tool in abuse…

Did you know we are one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This year thousands of people, of all ages, will come to us to learn, grow and thrive. Adult role models nurture positive values and life lessons in children through sports, summer camps, structured child and afterschool care, and leadership building programs. Our Y offers quality time for families to be together, resources for…

Every year, around the country, hundreds of thousands of kids learn the Ys core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility by participating in a sports program for the first time.  Y Sports not only help kids get active and stay healthy, they create the foundation for well-balanced life.  At the Y, your kids can enjoy soccer, basketball, swimming, dance, cheer, gymnastics, football and more.  Call us today to learn more!