Child Care and Development Center (full time child care): We currently have openings for ages 2-5. The Center fills fast so please ask for a tour by calling 219-792-9622. “The Child Care Center is not just a place where parents take their kids while they are at work. We provide a safe environment to nurture the potential of every child through creative learning and teaching techniques lead by caring nurturing teachers and support staff. New enrollments will receive ½ off the first week of care. CCDF Vouchers and assistance available.
Before and After School - Y-Care-The Y offers before and after school care (Y-Care) for children in grades 1 thru 8 enrolled in one of the six Portage Township Elementary Schools that are located in Portage. The program provides guided, structured and educational activities in a safe and secure, fun environment with low child to staff ratio. Children can be dropped off before school as early as 6:30 a.m. and picked up after school as late as 6:00 p.m. Y-Care is held at Aylesworth (serving Aylesworth, Willowcreek, Central, Myers and Fegely) and Jones (serving Jones, Crisman and Kyle). Program fees vary according to hours of usage. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y. The Portage Township YMCA also accepts CCDF vouchers.
Preschool Registration- Preschool registration for the 2013-2014 school year will be open Feb. 1 for current students and siblings. Beginning March 1, 2013 registration will be open to the public. Register early to receive a spot. Financial assistance scholarships are available to those who qualify. Please call the Y at 219-762-9622 or e-mail cathi@ymcaofportage.org for details or questions.
Pee Wee Prom- Join us for Pee Wee Prom on Friday, March 1, 2013 6-8 pm. Daddy/Daughter, Mommy/Son, Fun Loving Adult/Child. Children ages 7 and under can attend. Tickets are $15 per couple, $7 additional person. After Feb. 26: $20 per couple, $7 additional person. Tickets may be purchased at the Y February 11 thru March 1.
Gymnastics- Jump off the beam, flip off the bars, follow your dreams, and reach for the stars. As part of the Y’s focus on Youth Development the Y offers gymnastic for ages 2 through their spectacular “Sparklers” gymnastics team. Gain confidence, strength, and balance and learn the importance of teamwork with Y gymnastics. Stop in for details or go to www.ymcaofportage.org.
Beyond the Classroom-
Kids Fit and Fun (ages 3-8 yr) Participants will take part in a high energy mix of sports and fitness activities to get them moving for the first half of the class. Different hands on activities such as crafts, cooking, games and songs for a fun filled second half of class. Minimum of 5 participants to run class. Wednesday’s: 5:30-6:30p.m. Monthly Class Fees: $15.50 Primary Plus, $21 Primary, $42 Non-Members
Stay & Play (ages 18 months-3 yrs) Part of this interactive class will consist of a mix of making crafts, playing games and listening to stories with part of the class being structured activity time. Minimum of 3 participants to run class. Class meets in the multipurpose room on: Monday’s 10:15-11:00 a.m. Monthly Class Fees: $14 Primary Plus, $20 Primary, $40 Non-Members
FREE Walk this Way- The YMCA in conjunction with the City of Portage is now offering a walking club. This club will walk every Tuesday. This community club does not require a membership to the YMCA. Interested walkers/runners can meet in the YMCA lobby at 9:45 am. The “Rails to Trails” will be utilized for this program and led by YMCA, Executive Director, Dave Kasarda. During inclement weather, the YMCA track will be used. Membership not needed.
FREE Running Club- Free Community Running Club is for amateur runners who will meet in the YMCA lobby every Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Membership not needed. Dress for the weather. All 1 hour runs will be outside unless it is lightening or below 15 degrees. Participants will be running 3-5 miles with calisthenics and stretching. Must be 14 and up to participate. Fun Zone is only available to YMCA Members.
Volleyball- Thursday night volleyball free for Y-members 14 and older from 7-9 pm. Non-Members pay only $10. Advanced Court and recreational court available. Parent or guardian must sign in participant.
Singles Racquetball League-League begins January 28 for those 18 and older. Cost is $25 primary plus, $35 primary, $50 non-members. Register today and have the opportunity to enjoy our newly refinished courts.
Y-Ball Basketball-Practices begin March 4 thru April 26. Games played March 16 thru April 27. No practice or games March 25 thru 29. Ages 3-13 accepted. Practices one night a week with games on Saturday’s. Cost: $28.70 primary plus, $41 primary, $82 non-member.
Cheerleading-February 28 thru April 27 for those ages 4-12. Practices on Wednesday’s from 5:30-6:30 pm. Cheerleaders will cheer at Y-Ball games. Cost: $31.50 primary plus members, $45 primary, $90 non-members. Uniforms extra. Register today.
Rewarding Referrals-In the month of February, the Portage Y will be offering “Buddies For Bucks”! Existing members can bring in a buddy and receive $25 in Y-Bucks for each buddy enrolling in a membership. Y-Bucks must be redeemed within 60 days. Y-Bucks can be used for programs or membership. Questions contact Janet Grant at janet@ymcaofportage.org
Come Roll With Us-Get out your bowling ball and shoes! It's that time of year again! Join us in raising funds for the Y's Annual Support Campaign “We Build People” March 10, 2013, noon at Camelot Bowl in Portage. Teams of 5 are encouraged pick up a packet at the Y and collect pledges for the community campaign….and most important, throwing a strike and having fun networking with others in the community on a Sunday afternoon.