Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Receives $15,000 Donation from NorthPoint Foundation

Every day the Greater Joliet Area YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs open opportunities to all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to offer these services and programs for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the NorthPoint Foundation, which recently provided a $15,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund.

“Fulfilling the Y mission is not possible without the kindness of organizations like the NorthPoint Foundation,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Executive Officer Katy Leclair. “We are so proud to have NorthPoint as a strong advocate for YMCA initiatives, and we are inspired by their dedication to our community. This gift will make a significant impact on the lives of the children and families we serve, helping to ensure that nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

Pictured in top photo: (L-R) NorthPoint Development Compliance Manager Katie Gonzales, C.W. Avery Family YMCA Executive Director Erin Lightbody, NorthPoint Development Manager Zack Adkins, NorthPoint Development Manager Joe Franek, NorthPoint Regional Vice President Christian Evangelista, NorthPoint Development Manager Joe Garb, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Advancement Director Donnie Chestnutt.

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Where the Fun Never Ends: Registration for Summer Day Camp Opens for Facility Members on March 8

At the Y, we provide safe, affordable, and fun summer day camps for youth and teens in grades K-8. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Daily activities include:

-Teambuilding
-Arts and Crafts
-Outdoor Exploration
-STEAM Activities
-Reading Time
-And so much more!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on March 8 for YMCA Facility Members and at 8 a.m. on March 15 for Community Members. Register for summer day camp by March 24, and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $50!

Learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camp programs available in your area by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Plainfield and the surrounding communities)

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Valley View School District 365U)

Galowich Family YMCA (Serving children in Grades K-5 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Galowich Family YMCA Teen REACH (Serving children in Grades 6-8 in Joliet School District 86)

Morris Hospital YMCA (Serving Morris and the surrounding communities)

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, preschool, and specialty camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports or specialty camp between March 8-24. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

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2025 YMCA Gala Silent Auction Bidding Now Open

The 2025 YMCA Gala will be held on Saturday at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Since its inception, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised nearly $1.8 million to benefit families within our community. Even if you won’t be attending this year’s event, you can still support the YMCA by bidding on items in our Silent Auction. Proceeds from the YMCA Gala will benefit the Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

Bidding is Now OPEN!

To explore this year’s Silent Auction and begin placing your bids, please visit our Event Headquarters by clicking below. To register, please click the ‘Log In’ button in the upper right corner, and add your e-mail address and payment information. After completing the registration process, you will receive an email that provides you with a link to our Mobile Bidding site. Upon visiting our Mobile Bidding site, you will be able to begin bidding on items in our highly anticipated Silent Auction. Winning bidders who are not in attendance may pick up auction items at their local YMCA branch the week of February 24. Please Note: At this time, we are unable to ship items to winning bidders.

YMCA GALA HEADQUARTERS

If you are attending this year’s Gala, you should have already received an email with a registration link. For more information, please contact Volunteer and Special Events Director Dori Fugate at [email protected].

Thank you for supporting the YMCA Gala.

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Registration for the Morris Hospital YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils Preschool Program Opens March 1

The Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to announce that it will offer a new Pint-Size Pupils preschool program for the 2025-26 school year!

Designed for preschool and kindergarten-aged children, the Y’s Pint-Size Pupils Program will help your young learner develop to his or her fullest potential. Through a variety of fun activities that include both structured and open play, our dedicated staff teach, model and reinforce the Y’s Christian character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Projects and lessons will explore colors, shapes, alphabet and numbers. Classes are small in size and incorporate bright colors, music and interactive games to help our youngest members develop their socialization skills and academic concepts.

Registration opens for Facility Members on March 1 and on March 8 for Community Members.

Our Pint-Size Pupils Program closely follows the school calendars for Morris Grade School and Saratoga Elementary School.

HOURS
9-11:30 a.m.

Classes will meet three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

2025-2026 MONTHLY TUITION
Tuition is paid via ten monthly drafts on the 15th of the month (August-May). There is a one-time $45 non-refundable registration fee.

Facility Member RateCommunity Member Rate
$220$440

To learn more about the Morris Hospital YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils program, please contact:

Jordan Overton
Youth and Family Director
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 513

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Morris Hospital YMCA Offering Adult Co-Ed Basketball League This Spring

If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, the Morris Hospital YMCA has got you covered with our Adult Co-Ed Basketball League! The league will run March 10-May 9 and registration is now open. Team spots are limited, so get a group of friends together and sign up today!

League Details:
-Teams will play once a week at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

-Games will be played at the Morris Hospital YMCA or Shabbona Middle School.

-All players must be 18 years or older.

-Rosters are due by the first game.

Rates:
Facility Member: $650 per team*
Community Member: $800 per team

*Team members qualify for member pricing if at least one member of the team has a Facility Membership at the YMCA.

REGISTER TODAY

For more information, please contact:
Sports Director Chris Interial
Phone: (815) 513-8080, ext. 514
Email: [email protected]

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Enjoy Family Fun with ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’ at the Galowich Family YMCA this March

The Galowich Family YMCA is the place to be for all your ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’ this March! We are so excited to offer a wide range of St. Patrick’s Day themed youth, family, and fitness activities! See below for more details. 

VIP and Me – Clover Create with Me
Date and Time: Thursday, March 6, 9-10 a.m.

VIP and Me is the perfect opportunity for toddlers and preschoolers to bond with the very important people in their lives! Stop by the Y and craft a few clover creations to bring home for St. Patrick’s Day! PLEASE NOTE: Activities designed for ages 2-5

Cost: $10 for Facility Members/$20 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY

St. Paddy’s Divin’ for Gold
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 4-7 p.m.

Members are invited to dive into the depths of the lap pool to collect “Leprechaun Gold” tokens. The tokens can then be exchanged for prizes. PLEASE NOTE: Participating children will be swim tested. Families are reminded to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Clover Hunt
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 5:15-5:45 p.m

Grab your flashlight and a bag, a silly leprechaun has left behind clovers to find! Who knows, you may find that special clover with gold on it! Prizes will be available. Open to ages 3-10. PLEASE NOTE: Start time is 5:15 for ages 3-5 and 5:30 for ages 6-10

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Friday Family Fitness – Over the Rainbow Zumba
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 6-7 p.m.

If you are looking for some family fun, look no further than Friday Family Fitness at the Y! You’ll be over the rainbow with a special Zumba event! This low-impact, high energy class will give you and your family an awesome workout! Remember to wear your green!

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Shamrock Stroll and Scavenger Hunt
Date and Time: Monday, March 17, 10-11 a.m.

Dress in green and join the Shamrock Stroll around the track while taking part in a scavenger hunt, prize raffles, and more!

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about these events, please contact the Y at (815) 744-3939.

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