Category: Uncategorized

We want to thank all our members and staff for their patience and understanding during the recent closures due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby. We are closely monitoring conditions and working with local authorities to ensure we provide a safe environment for everyone. Please review the updated information for YBASE (YMCA Before and After School Enrichment), childcare, and youth programs below, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7:

NOTE: PLEASE CHECK YOUR LOCAL BRANCH’S INFORMATION CLOSELY, AS YBASE HOURS WILL DEPEND ON SCHOOL REOPENING DATES AND TIMES

Golden Isles (Glynn County)

• No YBASE: School start for 2024-25 has been delayed until Thursday, August 8th.

McIntosh (McIntosh County)

• No YBASE: School start for 2024-25 has been delayed until Monday, August 12th.

Liberty County / Long County

• No YBASE: School start for 2024-25 has been delayed until Thursday, August 8th.

Richmond Hill (Bryan County)

• No YBASE: School resumes for 2024-25 on Thursday, August 8th.

Habersham / Islands / Pooler / Chatham YBASE (SCCPSS)

• No YBASE: School resumes for 2024-25 on Thursday, August 8th.

Tybee (TIMA)

• No YBASE: School resumes for 2024-25 on Friday, August 9th.

Effingham / Effingham YBASE / CLC

• No YBASE: School start for 2024-25 has been delayed until Monday, August 12th.
• Summer Camp: Extended through Friday, August 9th.
• Delayed Start for Summer Camp: Wednesday, August 7th at 9 AM.
• Creative Critters: Delayed start on Wednesday, August 7th at 9 AM.

Statesboro (Bulloch County)

• No YBASE: School resumes for 2024-25 on Thursday, August 8th.

We appreciate your continued cooperation and support. Please stay tuned for further updates as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Stay safe!

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia won in three categories, and was a finalist in two others, in this year’s Best of the Coastal Empire Community Choice Awards, presented by Savannahnow.com/Savannah Morning News. The three awards are Best Childcare, Best Overall Leadership and Best Place to Work. The Y was also a finalist for best Gym/Fitness Center and Best Nonprofit. 

“We are proud to be recognized for our service of building stronger communities throughout the Coastal Georgia region,” said Joel Smoker, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Giving our community resources to grow and flourish, fuels our work on a daily basis.”  

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia employs around 1,200 people during the summer and roughly 900 during the school year at its eleven branches and childcare facilities across Southeast Georgia. 

“Our incredible team—their hard work and commitment to the Y’s mission—is what makes working at the YMCA so special,” Smoker added. “We are lucky to employ such dedicated individuals that serve our communities both inside and outside of work.”  

CLICK HERE to learn about employment opportunities at the Y!

With a mission to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is the largest non-profit childcare provider in Georgia.  

“Like all programs at the Y, YMCA Childcare strives to be a program that is open to families of all means,” said Becky Lehto, the director of childcare. “We strive to truly represent every aspect of the communities we serve and turn no families away that are unable to afford the program.”  

It’s accomplished, Lehto said, through a state partnership with the Childcare and Parent Services Program (CAPS) and an internal scholarship program, which is funded exclusively through donations by the community and corporate sponsors.  

“The YMCA depends on donations in order to bridge that gap between what parents can afford to pay and what it actually costs to run programs and especially to give scholarships to families who would not otherwise be able to afford to have their children in high quality childcare.”  

“It’s critically important in 2024 that the YMCA does this because the childcare industry as a whole is seeing a rollback in the assistance that’s been offered in the last few years with post-Covid funding,” she added.  

The YMCA operates four licensed, full-day child learning centers spanning Effingham, Glynn and Chatham Counties. In addition, YMCA Before & After School Enrichment (YBASE) is gearing up for the new school year where engaged teachers provide individual attention and small group activities at the school sight. 

“We train each employee on creating activities, program management, and engaging with children in a positive way,” said Joquana Kelson, YBASE director. “We provide daily curriculum, activities, and materials for the program participants.”  

Currently, YBASE includes about 115 employees and serves 35 schools in Chatham County along with school sites in Effingham, Liberty, Long and McIntosh Counties.  

“Our program is important because we provide a safe space for children in the community to come while their parents are at work,” Kelson said.   

In addition, Fun Club, a licensed after-school program offered at ten out of eleven YMCA branches, is a program aimed at supporting families with safe and fun activities outside of school hours. 

At the YMCA, children can engage in programming from birth through adulthood. Summer camp, leaders in training (LIT) and youth development offer support at every stage and age. 

 “We embody the same vision and mission as the YMCA of a healthy mind, body, and spirit for all and so we want to develop the whole child. We want to develop them social-emotionally, we want to develop them physically, we want to develop them academically so that we are sending children who are primed and ready for success into our local kindergartens where they are starting off on an even playing field with kids who have had the highest qualities of experiences,” said Lehto.   

For more information about childcare programming, CLICK HERE.

On Tuesday, July 16, the Habersham YMCA Leaders in Training (LIT) program welcomed Mayor Van Johnson to their Career Day Expo and embraced his words of encouragement. “You have a purpose,” said Johnson. “Every single one of you has this thing in you to do really great things. It’s in your DNA, you’re supposed to do great things.”

The YMCA Leaders in Training program fosters a culture of leadership, service and civic responsibility. It provides young teens (13-16) with training and mentorship aimed at connecting them to their potential and purpose.  

During Career Day Expo, the group presented their professional interests and future career goals which included being an accountant, electrician, an actor, executive producer and more. Adrienne Arkwright, the Habersham YMCA Youth Development Director, and Terry Hines were behind the mayor’s visit.  

“We want you around a board table” Mayor Van Johnson said. “Do you know what kind of stuff happens around board tables? Decisions are made around board tables. We want you to sit there, we want you to be comfortable there, and one day we want you to own this space.” 

For more information about Leaders in Training at the Habersham YMCA contact Adrienne Arkwright at [email protected]

We have been given the all-clear following the report of a potential threat at the Islands Family YMCA. The building has been thoroughly searched and confirmed safe by Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) officers, who were on site with K9 units.

While the building has been deemed safe, the Islands Family YMCA branch will remain closed for the remainder of the day (Wednesday, June 19). This includes all activities related to fitness, sports, camp, and childcare. We plan to reopen the branch at normal hours on Thursday, June 20 (4:30 a.m.)

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our members and community.

Our staff, trained to handle emotional and stressful situations, will be available to anyone who has concerns or needs support. We thank the CCPD for their swift response and the use of their precinct and facilities.

Thank you for your patience and support during this time. We will provide any further updates as necessary.

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces its annual “Lifeguard Rodeo,” a crucial event dedicated to ensuring the highest safety and emergency response standards among our lifeguard staff. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 9, at the Islands Family YMCA on Whitemarsh Island. While this event is not open to the public, it represents a significant investment in the safety and preparedness of our aquatic staff across all branches.

The Lifeguard Rodeo is an intensive, day-long training session designed to maintain and enhance lifeguard skills and standards. According to Camille Stone, Membership, Fitness, and Aquatics Director at the West Chatham YMCA and Chair of the Aquatics Cabinet for the Association, this annual event is crucial for ensuring our lifeguards are well-prepared for the busy summer season. “We close all the pools in our association on this day so that all our aquatics staff can attend and participate. It’s essential that our training is to the highest level possible, ensuring uniformity and maintaining high standards across all branches,” said Stone.

During the rodeo, lifeguards will engage in a variety of training exercises and scenarios, including emergency extrications, active and passive rescues, and team responses to emergencies. These drills are designed to help lifeguards become more comfortable with their roles in high-pressure situations and ensure they can effectively work as a cohesive team. Stone emphasizes the importance of this training, stating, “It’s all about maintaining standards and ensuring we have the strongest team possible. This allows us to have a consistent program in place across the association. A lifeguard from one branch could step in at another without missing a beat, ensuring seamless safety and service for all our members.”

The event will feature several training stations covering CPR, pool chemistry and chemical handling, active and passive rescues, and spinal extrications. Lifeguards will rotate between acting as rescuers and those being rescued, gaining hands-on experience in each scenario. In addition to these critical skills, there will be an emphasis on stress response, communication, and team building.

One of the highlights of the day is “Aquatic Bingo,” an engaging activity designed to reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way. Lifeguards will complete bingo sheets with scenarios that promote safety and customer service, such as helping a stressed swimmer, staying hydrated, and reviewing emergency action plans. Prizes will be awarded to those who complete their sheets, adding a competitive and enjoyable element to the training.

The day will culminate in a relay contest, pitting branches against each other in a friendly competition that reinforces teamwork and the practical application of skills learned throughout the day.

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our aquatics team. We offer comprehensive training and certification as part of the hiring process. If you are interested in a rewarding career as a lifeguard or aquatics personnel, we encourage you to submit your resume and become part of our committed team. For more information about the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and our programs, please visit our website at ymcaofcoastalga.org

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is proud to announce the selection of Jazmine Spicer, Regional Executive Director, for Cohort #19 of the YMCA of the USA’s (Y-USA) Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI). Spicer’s participation in this prestigious program reflects her ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and professional development within the organization. 

Recently promoted to the role of Regional Executive Director in recognition of her exceptional leadership, Spicer has overseen increased programmatic success and rising membership numbers while promoting financial stability as Executive Director of the Habersham YMCA branch. In her expanded role, she also assumes oversight of the Statesboro Y branch, further amplifying her influence. 

When asked about her selection for MEDI, Spicer expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply humbled and honored to be accepted into the multicultural Institute. It represents a significant milestone in my career.” 

Spicer highlighted the collaborative nature of the MEDI program, noting its potential to facilitate meaningful connections and exchanges among YMCA leaders from various backgrounds. “The opportunity to engage with fellow participants with diverse perspectives and experiences is invaluable,” she explained. “Through collaborative learning and dialogue, we can broaden our understanding, challenge assumptions, and explore innovative approaches to leadership and community engagement.” 

“Jazmine’s selection for MEDI underscores her dedication to excellence and leadership within the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Her participation in this program is a testament to her commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and the communities it serves,” noted Krystal Crawford, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. 

Spicer outlined her expectations and goals for the program, emphasizing her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership roles. She also highlighted her excitement about collaborating with participants to develop a higher level of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, viewing it as an opportunity to leverage her learning in her role as Regional Executive Director. 

Spicer’s enthusiasm for the program extends to its emphasis on cultural awareness, noting that the first in-person meeting will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, providing a unique opportunity to understand the Asian Pacific Community and its significance to the YMCA mission. 

Reflecting on the support and resources from Y-USA, Spicer expressed optimism about the organization’s efforts to provide valuable resources, including the MEDI program, to support professional development and growth within the YMCA community. She remarked, “I am truly encouraged by the commitment of Y-USA to invest in programs like MEDI that foster leadership development and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. These initiatives not only empower individual leaders like myself but also contribute to the collective strength and effectiveness of the YMCA community as a whole.” 

Spicer emphasized the significance of such initiatives in nurturing talent and enhancing the capabilities of YMCA leaders to address the evolving needs of the communities they serve. “By equipping us with the necessary tools and knowledge,” she continued, “the MEDI program enables us to better understand and serve the diverse populations within our communities, ultimately leading to more inclusive and impactful programming.” 

Spicer offers advice to aspiring leaders, encouraging them to seize opportunities for growth and learning, even if they feel apprehensive. “Never pass up on any opportunity for growth, to learn or to be exposed,” she advised. “All it’s going to do is stretch you.” 

Rincon, GA – Brace yourself for a chilling adventure as the Effingham YMCA announces its annual Polar Plunge event, set to take place on Saturday, January 20 at 10:00 AM. Participants are invited to dive into the (what may be) icy waters of the Effingham YMCA pool, located at 1224 Patriot Dr. in Rincon, to support a charitable cause and kick off the new year with a splash.

This event is open to both members and non-members, with a nominal fee of $10 for YMCA members and $15 for non-members. All proceeds generated from the event will directly contribute to the annual campaign of the Effingham YMCA, supporting its mission to foster community well-being.

Participants can showcase their plunging prowess in two exciting competitions: the “Biggest Splash” and the “Longest Plunge.” Prizes and bragging rights await those who dare to take the plunge to new heights.

To keep participants warm and energized, Paddles Coffee has generously stepped in to provide a complimentary cup of hot coffee: A perfect way to recharge and celebrate the spirit of giving back.

Trevor Wilson, Membership, Fitness and Aquatics Director of Effingham YMCA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Polar Plunge is not just about taking a refreshing dip; it’s a community coming together to make a positive impact. By participating, you’re not only embracing the winter thrill but also supporting our commitment to building a healthier and stronger community.”

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a heartwarming event that promises icy fun for a good cause. Let’s plunge into the new year with a splash!

About Effingham YMCA

The Effingham YMCA—a branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia—is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and social responsibility. Through various programs and initiatives, the YMCA aims to strengthen the foundations of the community and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Learn more at ymcaofcoastalga.org