YMCA offers free memberships to seventh-graders
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 1, all students entering seventh grade will have free access to all YMCAs in the region through Aug. 31, 2020.
Officials at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest said they made the decision because they understand the challenges that youth face during adolescence and the need for supportive role models to help them during this time, and beyond.
The YMCA provides a safe space for pre-teens to build character, engage in healthy activities and build meaningful relationships with peers and caring adults. Their goal, they said in a press release, is to encourage teens to maintain and/or adopt healthy habits to last a lifetime.
Statistics show that seventh grade is a critical time in a young person’s life when exposure to risk factors grealy increases. The YMCAs seventh grade intiative will give kids an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by participating in healthy, confidence-building activities, and programs in a safe environment, YMCA officials said.
“The YMCA is dedicated to providing vital resources for all ages, and this new intiative will help local youth discover their passions and help them succeed in school,” Christine Brischle, YMCA of the Inland Northwest Vice President of Membership Operations, said. “We look forward to being an important piece of the larger framework that contributes to the success of all children in our region. We can’t wait to get started and welcome our new youth to the YMCA.”
Students will have access to teen/youth activity centers; the climbing wall and skate park (Memorial Day-Labor Day) at the Valley Y; all aquatic centers including lap pools, recreation pools, lazy river, water slides, and more; gymnasium and wellness floors (must complete free youth wellness cardio and strength equiment trainings prior to wellness floor access); group exercise classes, and discounts on selected programs. YMCA officials caution that some amenities may not be available at all locations.
Memberships can begin by visiting any regional YMCA to complete a membership application while accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also sign. All youth must adhere to the member code of conduct and YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA is a drug, alcohol, weapons, tobacco and vaping free zone.
Regional YMCAs include Central Spokane, North Spokane, Spokane Valley, South Spokane branches in Washington state and Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint.
Anchored in the Spokane community for 135 years, the YMCA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
Information: ymcainw.org