- YMCA Kid Zone Registration for the 2025-26 School Year Opens for Facility Members on April 12
We know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance.That is why the Y is excited to partner with area school districts to offer our Kid Zone youth enrichment program at schools throughout Joliet, Plainfield, Morris, Bolingbrook, and Romeoville.
Kid Zone provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values. Our caring professionals are committed to helping kids build confidence and character.
Through guided play, children learn to respect themselves and others, work out their differences and discover the value of true friendship, all while in a safe and nurturing environment. Academic support from caring role models enriches your child’s educational experience and enables families to spend more quality time together.
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 for Facility Members and at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 for Community Members!
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE
Sign your child(ren) up for Kid Zone by Monday, April 28 and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $50!
To learn more about the Kid Zone Program, click here.
- Join the Y During Our 2025 Tax Day Sale
JOIN THE Y ON TAX DAY AND SAVE!
During the Y’s 2025 Tax Day Sale, new and alumni members will pay a $15 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $105.
Valid only on Tuesday, April 15 at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch.
OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:
Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:- Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
- Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
- Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).
Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.Three CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue, Morris, IL 60450 - YMCA Announces CN as Official Summer Day Camp Sponsor
YMCA summer day camp programs create opportunities for kids to learn new skills, be creative, build self-confidence, and gain independence in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. Each summer, hundreds of area children attend summer day camp at the Y, developing new friendships while building a healthy spirit, mind, and body.
And, as a nonprofit, community-based organization, the Y relies on the generous support of its members, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners to provide these programs for children living in our community.
That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is proud to announce that CN will return as the official sponsor of YMCA Summer Day Camp in 2025 as part of a new three-year partnership.
“We are incredibly excited to have CN’s continued support as our YMCA Summer Day Camp sponsor,” YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “Summer day camp is one of our largest youth development programs, serving nearly 1,500 kids in our community each year. CN’s generosity will help to ensure that campers throughout Will and Grundy Counties have the opportunity to make memories, go on new adventures, and learn, grow, and thrive at YMCA camp this summer and beyond.”
The Y is set to offer day camp at seven different sites across Will and Grundy Counties this summer. Registration is underway and financial assistance is available. To learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camp, please click here.
- Greater Joliet Area YMCA Offering Lifeguarding and Lifeguarding Instructor Courses This Spring
You’re in good hands when you learn lifeguarding at the Y. We have been an industry leader in aquatic safety for more than 100 years, and we are excited to host multiple spring courses to help new and experienced lifeguards hone their skills in preparation for the summer. All course certifications are valid for 2 years.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING COURSE
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.Prerequisites:
- Must be 15-years-old or older.
- Must be able to complete a swim a continuous 150-yard swim, two minutes of treading water without the use of hands, followed by an additional 50-yard swim
- Must complete a timed swim to retrieve a 10-pound object from under 7-9.5 feet of water.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants who fail to complete the swim test will receive a 50% refund. Attendance at every class is mandatory. No refunds will be given to participants who miss classes or who are unable to meet testing requirements at the end of the class successfully.
Location: C.W Avery Family YMCA (Includes Water Park Option)
Dates and Class Times: Saturday, March 29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), Sunday, March 30 (9 a.m-3 p.m.), Monday, March 31 (9 a.m-5 p.m.)
Cost: $250 for Facility Members/$300 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAYLocation: Galowich Family YMCA
Dates and Class Times: Tuesday, May 20-Friday, May 23 (3-7:45 p.m.), May 24 (8 a.m.-2:45 p.m.)
Cost: $250 for Facility Members/$300 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAYAMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER RECERTIFICATION COURSE
The Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Recertification course is designed to help existing Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors (LGI) and Instructor Trainers (LGI/T) renew their certifications by reviewing course knowledge and skills. This course is required to maintain certification and is available exclusively through blended learning.PLEASE NOTE: To enroll in this course, you must already hold the appropriate Lifeguarding Instructor or Instructor Trainer certification.
Location: Galowich Family YMCA
Date and Class Time: Friday, April 18 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cost: $110 for Facility Members/$115 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAYLocation: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Date and Class Time: Friday, May 2 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cost: $110 for Facility Members/$115 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAYIf you have any questions please contact Facilities, Aquatics, and Risk Operations Director Cindy Moss at 815-267-8600, ext. 228 or by email at [email protected].
- Greater Joliet Area YMCA Invites Area High School Students to Participate in Summer Day Camp Volunteer Program
Are you looking to take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood? The YMCA’s summer day camp volunteer program is for you!Area high school students, entering grades 9-12, can now sign up to volunteer at YMCA Summer Day Camp locations throughout Will and Grundy Counties. With flexible schedules, and a variety of volunteer roles available, you will be sure to find a volunteer opportunity that piques your interest and proves to be a rewarding experience.
At the Y, we strive to create a summer day camp experience like no other. And we are proud to say that volunteers play an important role in the success of these programs. By working together, we can ensure that all children will have the opportunity to benefit from an engaging and impactful camp experience. Students can apply online today by clicking below.
To learn more about becoming a YMCA Summer Camp Volunteer, please contact:
Dori Fugate, Volunteer and Special Events Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext.
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
