Youth programs offered by the YMCA will focus on skill development, strong character, building confidence, and sportsmanship. The YMCA offers a variety of programs for children of all ages, whether they are a beginner or have played sports for years. Youth programs at the YMCA allow children to learn new skills, improve existing skills, and have fun throughout the year. Sign up now and see the difference the YMCA can make!
Youth Program Policies
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Click here for printable version of the program policies.​
- Scan in at the front desk upon arrival.
- Participants are to dress in appropriate attire for the program (shorts, closed toed shoes, comfortable shirt, etc).
- Parents must accompany their child or children to the gym for the start of the program. Parents must be in the facility for the duration of the program. (Sitting in the bleachers, exercising in the fitness center, etc.) Parents are not required to stay in the facility for the Mini Sports Camp Programs.
- If your child is struggling with participation, parents are welcome to join the lesson to help them refocus.
- Only water is permitted inside the gym. There are water fountains located in various areas of the facility that participants may use to refill their water bottles or use in place of a water bottle.
- Only those participants registered for the program will be able to participate in the activities.
- All equipment needed for the class will be provided by the YMCA.
- Parents need to be on court or on site at the end of the program for pick up.
- Make-Up Policy: If you are going to miss a day of the program, please inform your instructor and they will try to find a make-up day for you to participate in. Availability for make-ups will vary.
- Refund Policy: YMCA program refund policy: Cancellations due to medical reasons with a doctor's note will result in a refund of the unused portion of the remainder of the session. Cancellation prior to the start of the first program day will results in a full refund. Cancellation after the first program day will result in a 50% refund. Cancellations after the second program day will not be eligible for a refund.
Basketball
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Ages 4-5
This program will help your child learn the basics of dribbling, shooting and passing through drills, activities, and skill-related games.
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
Ages 6-7
This program will introduce and develop your child's dribbling techniques, shooting form, and the ability to make proper passes through drills and activities.
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
Grades 3 - 5
This 7 week program will help your child improve on the basics of dribbling, shooting, passing, teamwork and sportsmanship through a variety of drills and activities.
Dance
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Ballet
This ballet program is perfect for the ballet beginner. Basic ballet skills, balance, jumps, and turns will be achieved by the end of the session. Ballet slippers or socks are required.
Jazz/Hip Hop Dance
This program will teach the basics of jazz and hip hop as well as some contemporary dance movement. Great for dancers with no experience, and for others looking to improve their skills. Jumps, turns and combinations will be explored every week.
Creative Movement
We will have a similar program structure for each level, but the activities and content will change depending on age. Our goal is to introduce acting, voice and movement techniques for the stage. We will explore movement with a focus on strength, balance and coordination. We will learn vocal techniques to enhance pronunciation and projection, and we will explore theater games and activities to improve acting skills. Together we will create, write and perform original theatrical pieces to perform in a student showcase on the last day of program.
Dance Exploration Level I and Level II
Our goal is to explore creative movement activities, musical genres and dance techniques (including ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop). We will build skills in rhythm and pattern recognition in both music and dance. We will choreograph and perform a variety of dances in multiple styles based on student interest. We will culminate in a student showcase on the last day of the program.
Evening Weekly Sports Camps
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Evening Weekly Sports Camps
The YMCA is offering a variety of hald day sport camps throuhgout the summer. There will also be an ssortment of clinics and programs for participants to learn and develop an understanding of specific sports and activites. Sport Camps offered are: Basketball and Volleyball
Maple - Days, Times, Register.Portage - Days, Times, Register
Fencing
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Ages 10+
This program teaches participants about the sport of fencing, from skilled instructors with Triblade Academy. Equipment is provided; please wear comfortable gym attire. Available only during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.
Flag Football
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Flag Football
The YMCA is offering a variety of Flag Football programming to provide young athletes with a chance to learn more about the finer intricacies of Flag Football. The program will be structured to help develop the skills of both new players and those with prior experience. The skills learned will be taught under the scope of Flag; however, the majority of techniques will be transferable to tackle.
Golf
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Juniors Golf Lessons
Participants will learn to drive (irons and woods), short game (chipping, putting, sand, and pitching), play on a short course. and receive a video analysis. Clubs and balls will be provided. Golf program is taught by golf pro Sharon King at The Dome in Schoolcraft on US-131.
This program is available for new or experienced players.
Gymnastics
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Tumble Just Me Ages 2-3
In this program, children and their grown-ups will discover the fun of gymnastics together. Children will explore gymnastics through jumping, balancing, tumbling, and hanging using mats, beams and bars. Activities will focus on both large and small motor skills, hand-eye coordination and body awareness.
Tumble Just Me Ages 4-5
This program is designed for pre-school youth. Young gymnasts will work on balance, hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and both large and small motor skills. The program will focus on basic gymnastics skills including forward and backward rolls, handstands and cartwheels.
Korean Karate
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Ages 10+
This program is intended to develop the whole person in mind, body and spirit while teaching effective self-defense skills for the practitioner. The practice of this art develops strong character through its five primary tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Available only during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.
Portage - Days, Times, Register
Mini Sports Camp
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Mini Sports Camp - Ages 5-10
The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo's youth sports camps are designed to develop specific sports-related skills for school-age youth. Both the Maple and Portage sites offer half-day sports camps during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Participants will learn new skills, meet friends, and have fun. Be sure to bring a water bottle and snack every day to camp.
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
Contact: Don Seibert at (269) 324-9622 x423
Pint Size Play
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Ages 18-36 Months
This program includes free play, games, music, and parachute time that stimulates cognitive development and physical and social skills. Parent and child interaction throughout the session.
Programs for Homeschoolers
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The YMCA has several active programs for homeschoolers. To learn more, call Don at Portage (269) 324-9622 x423. Available during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.
Homeschool Gym Program
Ages 5-12
Sporties for Shorties
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Ages 3-6
This program develops skills like throwing, catching, kicking, and more. This is a great introduction to football, soccer, gymnastics, baseball, volleyball, floor hockey, and lacrosse.
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
Sports Clinics
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Sports Clinics
The YMCA is offering a variety of hald day sport camps throuhgout the summer. There will also be an ssortment of clinics and programs for participants to learn and develop an understanding of specific sports and activites. Clinic options are: Basketball, Flag Football, T Ball, and Volleyball.
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
Taekwondo
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Taekwondo offers a great way for children & adults to build confidence, self-esteem, respect, discipline, strength, flexibility, and patience in a teamwork setting. Our instructor will teach you to channel energy into a positive attitude in a fun and active atmosphere.
Programs Available:
- Ages 4-6
- Ages 7-11
Volleyball
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Ages 8-12
The Volleyball program focuses on the foundations to improve the various skills of passing, setting, hitting and more.
