GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

On June 6 the YMCA marks more than 170 years, as more than a place, it is a movement that offers programs and services designed to foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Here are five past notable events and achievements that demonstrate the Y’s commitment to the communities it serves:

1. American Institutions: Celebrations such as Father’s Day, and organizations like the Peace Corps, all have their roots at the YMCA.
2. Camping Under the Stars: The oldest known summer camp, Camp Dudley, first opened in 1855 and countless numbers of boys and girls have since learned the skills and wonders of camping through the Y, developing critical skills and making memories along the way.
3. Inventing New Ways to Play: From James Naismith’s invention of basketball to instructors creating racquetball and what would eventually become volleyball, the Y has a rich tradition in activities that are played by millions of people around the globe. One Y staffer, Robert J. Roberts, is even credited with inventing the term “body building.”
4. Nobel Laureate: YMCA leader John R. Mott was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for the Y’s groundbreaking role in raising global awareness and support and for the organization’s humanitarian efforts.
5. Furthering Education: The Y is credited with spearheading the first public libraries, night school for adult education and English as a second language courses.

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Heather Perkins has devoted much of her life to the Y’s mission. For nearly two decades, she has worked in communities across Kentucky, Georgia and Indiana, helming nearly every YMCA program imaginable. Her most impactful work, however, has come within the youth development realm, where she has been a driving force behind a wide variety of exciting, innovative programs for kids and teens.

In March, Heather was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, thus beginning a new chapter in her storied YMCA career. A self-described “energizer” with a knack for cause-driven leadership, Heather is eager to work alongside a talented new team, and to push the boundaries that will continue to strengthen communities throughout Will and Grundy Counties.

“I believe in people,” Heather said. “My goal is to inspire and encourage people to reach their full potential. That’s my biggest hope: To be the cheerleader; to be the support guru; to help dreams and aspirations become realities; to make people’s lives happier and healthier.”

Prior to joining the Joliet Y, Heather was the Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis’ Youth Development Center that served 128 schools and more than 6,000 youth daily. During that time, Heather collaborated with a number of community partners, from hospital networks to the local art museum, to deliver much-needed programming to spaces outside the four walls of the YMCA. She hopes to impart a similar strategy in Joliet and its surrounding areas.

“I think collaboration is great,” she said. “Our impact is more powerful and meaningful when we work together—which is also why what we’re doing here at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is so important. We’re opening so many doors and asking people to join us on our journey. I’m excited to see the endless possibilities.”
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To promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA), the C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating HEPA Champions Week at its 16 before and after school Kidz Zone sites throughout Plainfield. As a part of the festivities, more than 400 youth are participating in lessons, crafts and games that encourage them to make healthy food choices and to enjoy physical activity.

On Monday, May 9, we visited select Kidz Zone locations to get in on the celebration. Here’s what we saw:

SNACK TIME MEETS STORY TIME
Kids were treated to a healthy snack that included an apple and a cheese stick. While they enjoyed their treats, Kidz Zone counselors read them a story about the importance of food groups and trying new things.

BINGO!
Of the many crafts and activities that promoted nutritional eating, “healthy bingo” was the biggest hit of the day. Each bingo card featured an assortment of fruits and veggies, instead of numbers.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
As a physical activity, children played a game that not only incorporated exercise and teamwork, but also challenged them to learn about the food pyramid.

HEPA AT HOME
Kids were encouraged to share what they learned with their families and incorporate HEPA lessons at home. To learn how you can an adopt HEPA standards, contact your local Y today!

Camp Counselor at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Audrey.
I have worked for the Y for over a year now in many different roles, including Kidz Zone Counselor, K-Kidz Assistant, Kidz Korner Attendant, Birthday Party Attendant and Summer Camp Counselor.

Last year was my first year as a camp counselor, and it was so much fun and extremely rewarding. I look forward to coming to the Y every day and making the children’s summer the “best summer ever!”

What’s your favorite part of YMCA Summer Camp? 
My favorite part of camp is all of the special events we do, such as Bubble Soccer and Wheel of Wisdom. Every day at camp is fun and a new adventure, but the days we have something special are the absolute best. The kids get very excited to have their turn, and the counselors join in and have fun too!

Describe your philosophy as a camp counselor in three words.
Kids come first.

What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
This position means the world to me because I hope to become an elementary school teacher one day, and this job gives me so much insight into how kids behave and how to relate to them.

If you could travel any where on Earth, where would you go?
Thailand!

Which movie or TV show can you watch over and over again?
The Sandlot.

Pizza or tacos?
Tacos.

Beyonce or Rihanna?
Rihanna.

Cubs or Sox?
Cubs.

Longtime member Mark Walker has coached baseball, soccer and basketball at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

YMCA: When did you first get involved with the Y?
Mark: Before I had any children, I would go to the Y to work out. As time went on and I had kids, the YMCA became a great place to get my boys involved in sports because of the many programs and classes offered there. As my boys got older, I began coaching their sports. Baseball, soccer and basketball. The camps for kids are great too.

What’s your experience been like?
The YMCA is like a home away from home. My boys and I love going there. The staff are all super friendly, and it’s a fun place to be. I’ve met many friends through my times at the Y.

Trivia About Mark

What’s your favorite thing about the Y?
The friends I’ve made. The ability to workout while the kids have fun in Kids Corner. I love coaching the boys’ sports as well.

Who’s your favorite ballplayer?
Jake Arrieta from the Cubs. I love how confident he is.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m an avid Star Wars action figure collector.

Which TV show can you watch over and over again?
That’s an easy one. Seinfeld!

If you could travel to any place on earth, where would you go?
Give me a beach and warm water and I’m good. I’d like to get back into scuba.