HEALTHY LIVING
Improving individual and community well-being.

Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in utilizing an holistic approach to wellness focusing on building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With our doors completely open for our members in 2021, we served over 17,000 members and guests at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA and Springfield Community Pool delivering health and wellness programs to all ages and fitness levels.

SERVING OUR MEMBERS

The YMCA was as excited as ever to provide a successful, exciting, and inclusive year for our members. With doors reopening and programs restarting in person, our members relayed their excitement to us. Offering fan favorites such as group exercise classes and sports, to adding new youth and senior enrichment programs, to special events that celebrated our community, the Y continues to build off this momentum into 2022. 

10,000+

adult members served gained confidence, strength, and friendship

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

Members were able to re-enter our doors and attend their favorite group exercise classes at the brand-new Berkeley Heights YMCA & Summit YMCA. With over 3,000 classes offered throughout 2021, including 65 outdoor classes that allowed members to exercise while social distancing, members participated in a wide range of classes such as HIIT, cardio, dance, yoga, cycling, and more! Throughout the year, members of all ages and fitness levels were able to enjoy exercise while trying new things with the guidance of our certified fitness instructors.

34,000+

overall attendance in our strength, health, and mind-building group ex classes

LIVESTRONG® AT THE YMCA

In the first half of the year, our 40 Livestrong® participants had the choice to do the 12-week small-group recovery program from the comfort of their homes. With health as the main objective, our certified Livestrong® instructors worked with these members on rebuilding muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, reducing fatigue and improving confidence and self-esteem through weekly virtual sessions. By mid-2021, this program was brought back in-person for those who missed the socialization and camaraderie between fellow cancer survivors face-to-face.

40

Participants took control of their health by graduating from our virtual and in-person Livestrong® program

YOUTH SPORTS

Families alike, couldn't wait to watch their kids hit the field after a long year without being able to cheer alongside each other. Kids were able to see their friends, release their energy, while parents caught up after a year of isolation. Children as young as 3 years old up learned about sportsmanship and the fundamentals of the game, while middle school students enhanced their skills for the big leagues. 

651

children developed confidence and team building skills through youth sports programs

OUTDOOR POOLS

2021 was an exciting summer season for the Y as we operated two outdoor community pools, the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA and the Springfield Community Pool. With the first full summer season amidst the pandemic at BHCPY and our first official summer operating the Springfield Community Pool, we were able to serve over 1,200 families who were itching to get outside and make a splash. Both outdoor pools offered free swimming, lap swim, swim lessons, water fitness classes, competitive swim team, summer camp, and hosted free events such as Healthy Kids Day®. 

We welcomed our families to enjoy these large, outdoor, heated pools that each featured multiple diving boards, zero-entry kiddie pool, playground and pool house, all surrounded by beautiful landscaping for a relaxing and fun summer by the water. 
BERKELEY HEIGHTS COMMUNITY POOL

615

families soaked up the summer sun at our brand-new Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA
SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY POOL

594

families were able to relax and unwind at our Springfield Community Pool

AQUATIC PROGRAMS

At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe in the importance of water safety and that everyone should be comfortable in and around water. Our youth swim lessons help build strong, secure, connected and confident swimmers and ensure that anyone can learn to swim at any age! In 2021, we offered our essential swim lessons to 674 children so they can learn how to swim at an early age, at both our indoor pools at the Summit YMCA and the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA.  

However, swimming is not just for kids! The Y offers a variety of water fitness classes for members who are 18 and older for those who prefer a more low-impact workout. These classes are suited for all ages and fitness levels while relieving stress and pain from aching joints and muscles. With our two indoor and outdoor pools, we were able to offer over 300 aquatic classes for our members and guests. 

674

total children participated in foundational swim lessons that taught them how to be safe around water

318

individuals participated in our multitude of low-impact
water fitness classes

SENIOR PROGRAMMING

Our motto has always been to offer programs and services for all. This includes seniors who rely on fitness centers and community organizations that provide adaptable, affordable, and supportive programs that suite their needs. All throughout 2021, the YMCA serviced 1,555+ senior citizens who were active members in wellness, recreational, and social programs such as group exercise classes, arthritis & Parkinson's Disease classes, Senior Spa Day, and Senior Brunch. 

1,555+

seniors participated in fitness, rehabilitative, and social programs

57

participants regained control of their health through our arthritis and Parkinson's classes.
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SUMMIT AREA YMCA
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY POOL | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA
In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.
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Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 19,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.
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www.thesay.org