YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

At the Y, we give young people a safe place to belong, to build confidence and to learn positive behaviors from strong role models who exemplify the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Whether it be child care, early education, youth swim and sports, camp or college preparation, our programs and staff provide the support and opportunities needed to help our youth learn, grow and thrive.
SUMMER CAMP

Summer Camps at the Summit Area YMCA provide children ages 3 to 16 with safe and exciting opportunities to explore, learn, create and discover the world around them. Under the guidance of caring, enthusiastic, trained staff members, children create lasting friendships and lifelong memories, and find positive role models to look up to. 
Every year, the Summit Area YMCA provides financial assistance towards memberships and programs for individuals and families in need. In 2019, Juan's mother was diagnosed with cancer and the Summit Area YMCA provided financial assistance so that Juan may enjoy a fun-filled summer camp experience—​swimming, exploring, staying active and making friends. During the summer, the Jr. NBA visited the Summit YMCA for a special camp event where Juan meets various NBA players. While Lebron James was not reported to be in attendance, Juan believes he met his basketball hero and even got his basketball signed. For Juan, summer camp at the Y was the highlight of his summer!
"We utilized BH YMCA for our Kindergarten after-care so thought this would be an easy transition for the summer. My child participated in Camp Cannundus, Camp Lagoon and Learning Circle. For a child with a food allergy, Kelly McHugh, made the transition seamless.  She took time to meet with me one on one to review my child’s requirements, answered all of my questions and provided the comfort I needed when entering a new environment. My child loves the counselors, the fun activities and seeing her friends. There is a solid combination of learning coupled with fun activities which made this a very positive experience for her. Definitely, it’s well organized, safe, constant flow of communication and children really enjoy it!"
- Amy D., Berkeley Heights YMCA

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youth engaged in the 7th Grade Initiative program in 2019.
7TH GRADE INITIATIVE

Because 7th Grade is a pivotal and transitional time for many teens, the Summit Area YMCA offers free memberships to all local 7th graders in our service area. We are committed to supporting youth to make good decisions and form healthy habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle. This program provides opportunities for fitness, sports, special events, as well as the ability to socialize with peers in a safe, welcoming and supervised environment.​
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“I've always wanted to work out at the Y, so after I completed the demos I was glad I could come for free for the whole year. The staff here is so welcoming to me, I felt really good about myself every time I visit. I learned what the right weights were for me, I learned what's healthy for me and that there's more to working out than just the treadmill. I play baseball, so the staff gives me tips on what I can do to get stronger as a baseball player."
 — Brian B., 7th Grade Initiative Participant
CHILDCARE & EARLY EDUCATION

The Summit Area YMCA provides a nurturing and happy environment where children have the ability to discover their potential and develop their skills. We offer childcare and early education for children as young as 6 weeks old through Kindergarten and grade school to accommodate full time and part time schedules.

Whether you enroll in our Berkeley Heights Child Care Center, Summit YMCA Extended Care Program, or The Learning Circle YMCA Child Care Center, your child’s growth and development will increase each day in our state-licensed Childcare and Early Education Centers. With caring and qualified teachers and through the use of theme-based learning and constant communication, we support enriching and encouraging each child’s individual success.
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"Being a parent is hard, but being a parent of two little girls and having to file for bankruptcy is even harder. I walked into The Learning Circle YMCA and the wonderful staff there provided me all the information and steps needed for financial assistance. Within a few short weeks, I was able to have my oldest in such a loving and caring environment. Shortly after, I found out I was pregnant again and I knew right away where she was going to go for childcare. I am forever grateful for The Learning Circle YMCA and staff for giving me and my daughters the opportunities to grow and thrive."
— Cindy G., The Learning Circle YMCA​
YOUTH SWIM

At the Y, our Swim Program builds strong, secure, connected and confident swimmers. It works on developing sequence based skill sets that organically build on one another. One simple sign up for a year long session date allows students to learn faster, be safer sooner, and progress quickly through the various stages until they succeed. Students also learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning benchmark skills: Swim, Float, Swim and Jump, Push, Turn, Grab and more. The Summit Area YMCA's Swim Program teaches life saving skills as well as a way to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle in swimming.
“When we came to the Y, Diya was 5 years old and started with basic water acclimation. We brought her every day for swim lessons. In a year and a half, she is now eligible for pre-competitive swim team. I think it was the combination of the instructors, the pool and the consistency that helped her thrive. I don’t know how to swim, and now Diya has taken it upon herself to teach me how to swim too!”
— Deepti J., Summit YMCA
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swim lessons were taught through our swim programs. Whether it is through our free 2nd Grade Learn to Swim program or through financial assistance, we at the Summit Area YMCA are intent on providing opportunities to learning this life saving skill and ensuring that all individuals are confident and secure in and around water.  Youth swim not only encourages a healthy form of exercise but also builds self-esteem and confidence.
ACHIEVERS

The Summit Area YMCA’s Achievers Program motivates and encourages young adults by giving them the support, direction, and opportunities to pursue their personal, academic, and professional goals. Strong adult role models from the community make all the difference in the life of a child — and make our program highly successful. Participants have opportunities to attend college tours, receive corporate mentoring and to experience career clusters and so much more!
“The Y Achievers program has helped me prepare for college with SAT prep, time management skills and reviewing potential colleges. It broadened my thoughts on career paths and provided exposure to real-life work experiences through the Novartis Mentoring Program. The Y staff took the time to help us figure out our individual passions. The Achievers program guides you along the way to a bright future and I am going to college with confidence because I am prepared.”
  ​- Jeanne-Marie, Summit YMCA
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“I'm an upcoming senior and one of my favorite moments of Achievers was going to Rutgers University and taking a tour. It was super beneficial to experience it and I think it was one of my favorite colleges that I was really looking forward to. I truly believe that Achievers is something special especially to a high school student that wants to go to college and to get to experience what college is like before actually going. I really learned so much in Achievers and I recommend anybody to join.”
Pablo C., Achievers Participant, Summit YMCA

47 ACHIEVERS

​In 2019, Achiever Teens had the opportunity to visit:
  • Binghamton University
  • Caldwell University
  • Columbia Unveristy
  • Cornell University
  • Ithaca College
  • Kean University
  • Rutgers University - Newark
  • Seton Hall University
  • Stevens Institute
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Villanova University
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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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