Youth Programs
Afterschool Programs
Y ZONE
(YOUTH AFTERSCHOOL)K – 5th grades
Children ages 5-12 are invited to join us at Y Zone for stimulating, educational days when school is not in session. Activities include: swimming, trips, arts and cooking. Activities subject to change due to availability and enrollment.
After-school MASH Program (My After-School Home)
K to 5th grades (YOUTH AFTERSCHOOL)The Princeton Family YMCA’s “MASH” (My After School Home) program provides kids in grades Kindergarten through Fifth a safe, secure environment in which to grow and learn. Located at the Littlebrook and Johnson Park elementary schools, the Y’s MASH program features a variety of age-appropriate activities that are imaginative, enriching and fun, such as learning new languages, practicing conflict resolution among peers, and participating in community service projects. A daily snack is provided. A broad range of topics and programs in the MASH program include:
NEW! Introducing MASH CLUBS
Aquatics Programs
Swimming Merit Badges
(YOUTH AQUATICS)The Princeton Family YMCA has teamed up with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to provide opportunities for children to earn their swimming badges. The Spring Program Series is a perfect time to schedule pool time and earn merit badges! We also offer additional Boy Scouts of America certifications. For more information, please call 609-497-9622 x201.
S.N.A.P. – Special Needs Aquatics Program
(YOUTH AQUATICS)This class is designed for children beginners through advanced who needs specialized attention to suit their needs. We offer smaller groups with a trained instructor to work with children in a group environment to build swimming skills.
Contact Amanda at x. 201 for more information!
YSplash® Week
(YOUTH AQUATICS)March 24-28, 2008 at Princeton University's Dillon Pool
Children participate in a one-week safety course to learn basic skills in water safety, backyard pool safety, beach safety, boating safety and much more! Prepare your kids for the busiest swim time of the year. This week is FREE for non-swimmers ages 3-12 years of age. Registration is required, and classes fill fast so sign up today! Our goal is to ensure that every child in Princeton knows basic safety skills in and around the water. Mark your calendars for Spring Break Week: March 24-28th. Adult family members are welcome to watch while your children participate in the lesson.
Camp Programs
Discovery Camps
(YOUTH CAMP)4-9 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
YMCA Discovery Camps are the heart and soul of the Princeton Family YMCA Day Camp program. With a focus on values-based and traditional camp activities, children of all ages can enjoy the benefits of a quality day camp experience in a safe and supervised environment among peers. YMCA Discovery Camp is about making new friends, growing in self-confidence and working together. In all activities, we emphasize understanding and acceptance in a happy, healthy and safe environment. Campers have opportunities to explore their world through free play, nature activities, sports & games, arts & crafts, and age-appropriate special events. For example, Explorer campers look forward to special program activities including an annual overnight with a late-night swim. All campers swim daily (see Swim Program notes for more information).
Voyager Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)10-11 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
The Voyager program is designed specifically for pre-teens to understand the importance of team work. They make decisions by planning their games, activities and weekly themes together as a group with coaching from their counselors. They will learn conflict resolution skills, share in team building exercises, play group sports, and develop group projects as well as hike and do a variety of arts & crafts. Occasionally, Voyager Campers may travel with the Teen Adventure Campers when schedules permit.
Specialty Camps
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
In addition to the wonderful Discovery Camp programs, the Princeton Family YMCA offers a variety of specialty camp sessions. The goal of the YMCA’s Specialty Camps program is to give young people something out of the ordinary during the summer months and help them explore and cultivate a curiosity, an interest or a personal passion. Check out the many special adventures your child can have in the 2008 Camp Guide section of this website.
Last Blast Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
LAST BLAST is the ONLY way to end a YMCA summer camp season and we promise to make this year’s LAST BLAST a week to remember! Each day, campers will climb on board the LAST BLAST bus and head off to a favorite destination for one last visit before school begins. Trips will be age-appropriate and based on enrollment. Campers may choose to register for 1 to 5 days for this week only! Pre-registration is required.
Camp M.V.P. Sports Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
Camp MVP is the ideal program for the young athlete who can’t get enough of sports and loves the spirit of competition. At Camp MVP, kids will receive quality instruction and guidance in sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, football, floor hockey and special YMCA group games. Coaches work with campers to challenge them and give them the one-on-one attention they need to grow and learn each sport. Campers divide into groups based on age. Younger campers focus more on having fun while learning sports fundamentals and the importance of teamwork. Older campers focus on expanding their knowledge and athletic abilities. Daily scrimmages help further develop skills through competitive play. At the YMCA, we use sports to teach lifelong skills and values. After a day at Camp MVP, everyone is a winner! Swimming is included four days per week. Younger campers receive swim lessons taught by certified YMCA instructors two days per week and recreational swim two days per week. Older campers participate in recreational swim four days per week. Lifeguards are always present and floatation devices are used for non-swimmers. Camp M.V.P. also features a weekly trip for campers 7-12 years old. Many of the weekly trips are related to the world of recreational sports and games. Younger campers (ages 5 & 6) will remain at the YMCA and enjoy exciting theme days and outdoor water games. Princeton Family YMCA M.V.P. campers will participate in three competitions against other campers from the South Brunswick Family YMCA.
Dance Programs
Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Indian Dance!
(YOUTH DANCE)From 3 to adult - we have a class for you!
Our programs combine the basics of ballet, jazz, and tap with creative movement. It is geared to children and adults starting with no dance experience to children and adults with proficient skills. See our DANCE/Y ARTS page for more information!
Sports Programs
Baseball/T-Ball, Soccer, Basketball
(YOUTH SPORTS)From 4 to 16 years of age, we have many classes for many abilities. WHether you're just learning to throw a ball or can drive to make a basket - we have the class for you. Look on our SPORTS page for more information!
Fencing
(YOUTH SPORTS)10 years old to adult
On Guard! Youth learn to dodge, parry and thrust in this exciting sport that keeps growing in popularity. Learn proper form, technique and etiquette in this methodical yet fast-paced sport. The program meets for ten weeks in the winter beginning on Saturday, January 5.
JW on the Move is Back by Popular Demand
(YOUTH SPORTS)Whether you want to gain strength, stay fit or just have fun, this program is for you! YMCA Coaches will lead after school activities at John Witherspoon School or back at the Princeton Y in the following areas: strength and conditioning/ youth fitness, basketball, soccer, flag football, teambuilding, and dodge ball. For additional program details, contact Kevin Walsh, Youth, Sports & Fitness Director at 609-497-9622 x236.
Sports Birthday Parties
(YOUTH SPORTS)All ages
YMCA coaches will prepare an energetic, exciting program guaranteed to make your child’s birthday event the most talked about for a long time. Parties include an hour of instruction from our trained coaches and the celebration continues in your own party room to enjoy the birthday cake.
Y Programs
High School Musical
(YOUTH Y)10 years and up
“High School Musical” is a performing arts class for kids who can’t get enough of Disney’s top movies! Participants will develop singing, acting, and dance skills while practicing and performing favorites from High School Musical, High School Musical 2, Jump In, and more! The grand finale will be an informal performance for family and friends during the last class!
HomeSchool Fitness and Nutrition Program
(YOUTH Y)Two groups: K–3rd grade and 4th–8th grade
Homeschool Fitness and Nutrition Program: Grades K to 8th grade will combine physical activity with nutrition activities. Classes will depend on number of participants and age ranges. Call 609-497-9622 x236 for more information.
