Family Fun is Fit
at the Mid-Shore YMCA

Written by: KIMBERLY L. KILMER

When entering the doors of the Mid-Shore YMCA on South Schumaker Drive in Salisbury, the feeling is that of entering the home of a well-known and trusted friend. “Workouts make my day,” remarked an exiting member to the employee behind the reception desk. Two other members leaving the pool chatted in the lobby over post-workout sips of water. It was a decidedly friendly, laid back and welcoming environment.
The Mid-Shore YMCA is a branch of the Mid-Delmarva Family YMCA. Along with the Lower Shore Branch in Pocomoke City the two branches serve over 12,000 members. A third branch, the Chincoteague Island Family Branch, has recently opened a store-front facility to serve the residents of Chincoteague, Va.

Branch Executive Director Missy Denault, Marketing and IT Director Michelle Powell and Community Projects and Membership Director Deanna Harrell, were all quick to point out that the YMCA is changing to meet more of the current needs of local Delmarva residents. The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. It is clear this is no longer the YMCA of yesteryear. While the focus on values may be consistent, the YMCA of today seems very diligent and determined to create membership, programs and activities that enhance family values in response to the challenges that face families today.

“Our family memberships are now all-inclusive,” said Denault discussing the current membership packages available at the Mid-Shore Branch of the YMCA. “We have tons of family events as well as programs and activities for all family members.” A quick look at the January to April 2010 program guide attests to that.

Families that join the YMCA on the family membership package have full-access to all of the Mid-Delmarva YMCA facilities, wellness programs, aquatics, sports, youth and family programs. A family membership includes parents and all dependent children under the age of 24. Specialized programs for children include Childwatch for children ages 6 months to 8 years that is available while a parent is enjoying his or her own YMCA activity, Little Learners for children ages 3 to 5 years old and School Days Off and Snow Days, which are programs designed to care for school children from kindergarten to eighth grade when school is not in session. Y Zone, a staffed youth program making interactive games such as Wii, Xbox and Dance Dance Revolution available, is for children ages 7 and up and a drop-in basketball program for teens fills the after-school hours from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. Youth programs include an extensive summer camp for ages 3 years and up.

Programs that are specifically designed for families are both innovative and popular at the YMCA. According to Powell, 60 percent of the membership is on a family plan. Many of the current programs are designed to allow busy families to come, relax and enjoy programs together. Flick N Float nights that include snacks provided by the YMCA allow families to lounge in the pool while watching a family-friendly movie. Another day of family fun is the Crafts and Cocoa program which incorporates making a holiday craft while sipping hot chocolate and watching a family-friendly holiday movie.

As well as its family membership plans, the Mid-Shore YMCA offers a variety of membership packages to meet the individual needs and interests of local residents from college-age students to seniors. In addition to other programs, the YMCA has provided an ongoing one-day water safety program that is taken by all Wicomico County fourth grade students. This program is free of charge and is also open to private schools that choose to participate. A Health Intervention Program (HIP) for at-risk obese children is administered by the YMCA and available through a doctor’s referral.

Financial assistance may be available for those that need a little help to enjoy the services offered by the YMCA. “We never turn anyone away,” says Denault. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization that holds annual special events and activities to raise funds for the financial assistance program which provides services to those that might not be able to afford membership on their own. In 2009, $67,000 was awarded in financial assistance. For more information, please visit www.middelmarvaymca.org. Mid-Shore YMCA, 715 S. Schumaker Dr., Salisbury, Md.,
410-749-0101