York Programs

7th Grade Initiative

7th Grade

This program seeks to establish the Y as an important resource for young teens while providing a safe and healthy environment where they can meet friends and participate in value based programming. All 7th grade participants receive a FREE YMCA Membership for the entire school year.

8th Grade Bridge

8th Grade

The 8th grade program aims to bridge the gap between middle school and high school. As a follow up to the 7th Grade Initiative, the 8th Grade Bridge seeks to sustain the teachings and support of the Y by providing a safe place where students can continue to develop personally and academically.

Adult Swim Instruction

Ages 18+

This class is designed for beginner through advanced swimmers. Focus on proper stroke technique and endurance.

Affordable Housing

Y Housing Resources (YHR) is a strategic partnership between the Y’s Community Development Corporation, YCDC, and the Housing Initiatives Community Development Corporation, HIDCD. The mission of YHR is to couple affordable housing with the provision of supportive services to create stable and long-term living for York County residents.

Arthritis Aquatics

Aqua Exercise

This class consists of water walking and slow, gentle movements specially designed for arthritis, working on range of motion and muscle strengthening.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

Disease Prevention and Management

This 4-month evidence-based program helps those with hypertension lower their blood pressure.  Individuals will develop a blood pressure self-monitoring routine, learn tips for maintaining cardiovascular health and nutritious eating.  Offered at the Eastern and York branches.  Learn more.

BODYPUMP®

Strength Training

BODYPUMP®, the world’s most popular barbell class, builds strength, tones the body and pushes you to the limit.  Offered at Dover and York branches.

BOOM™ MUSCLE

Strength Training

Muscle, a 30 minute class, incorporates athletic-based exercises that improve upper body conditioning. The class format includes several “blocks,” which are groups of exercises that focus on different muscle groups.  Offered at Dover, Easter, Southern and York branches.

Camp Spirit

Ages 5 - 16

Childwatch

Ages 3 months - 12 years

Free child care is available during scheduled hours for YMCA Members who work out in the wellness center, participate in a group exercise class, use the pool or open gym. Ages vary by branch.

Competitive Stroke Clinics

Ages 12 - 18

Throughout the year York YMCA Swimming offers specialized clinics and mini-camps. These sessions are open to all competitive swimmers and focus on stroke development, starts, turns, and the mental aspects of improving performance.

Diabetes Resource Guide

Diabetes Coalition of York County

The YMCA of York and York County, in partnership with many health and well-being organizations, has developed a resource guide for individuals and families aiming to prevent or better manage diabetes.  Download the Diabetes Resource Guide or contact Cori Strathmeyer to receive a print copy.

Dodgeball

Will be held at the York Branch for ages 11-15 beginning mid-October. Will be held at the Bob Hoffman Branch for 8-10 beginning mid-January.

Enhance®Fitness

Active Older Adults

This evidence-based low-impact aerobic and strength group exercise program helps older adults of all fitness levels become more active, energized and empowered to sustain independent lives.  Offered at Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches.

Family Fun Night

All ages

Family Fun Nights at the YMCA are a wonderful way for families to learn, grow and thrive together. Join us each month for a new theme and lots of family-friendly activities.  Family Fun Night is free to members and is hosted at all 4 of our YMCA of York and York County Branches.  Learn More

Fencing – Beginner

Youth and Adult Sports

This class is based upon the fundamentals and beginning steps of fencing. Come learn to fence and have a great time. Offered at the Southern and York branches.

Fitness Evaluation

Personal Fitness

A trained wellness staff member will assess your current fitness level by evaluating cardio respiratory strength, body composition, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.  By appointment at Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches.  Learn more

Freedom From Smoking®

Disease Prevention and Management

The Freedom from Smoking® program, developed by the American Lung Association, is a 7-week program designed to help people quit tobacco use and develop a smoke-free lifestyle.  Offered at Dover and York branches.  Learn more

Group Cycle

Cardio Exercise

This is a high-intensity, low-impact, 45-minute workout. Participants must bring water and towel. You may reserve a bike up to 2 days in advance by contacting the branch. Offered at the York Branch.

Health and Well-being Presentations and Seminars

Learn more about healthy living topics through our seminar series provided by community partners and YMCA staff.  Time Varies by Seminar.  Learn more

Healthy Weight and Your Child

Ages 7-13

Healthy Weight and Your Child focuses on healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change to empower children to live a healthier and active lifestyle. Families work with trained Leaders for the duration of the 25-session program. Learn more.

Homeschool Swim

Instructional swim ages 5 - 18

Introduces swimmers to the team sport of swimming. Levels of novice to expert, swimming in a healthy competitive environment with great coaching and instruction.

Indoor Cycle for the Outdoor Cyclist

Cardio Exercise

This high intensity 45-minute class is geared for the outside rider and features long intervals and short recovery periods. Participants must have a heart rate monitor, water and towel. Offered only December – March at the York Branch.

Leaders in Training – Camp Spirit

Learn to Run 5K

Running Program

Prepare for 5K races or running for fitness during this 8-week program. Participants learn basic running and stretching skills require to complete a 5K.  Offered at the York and Dover Branches.  Learn more.

Learn to Run Distance

Running Program

Prepare to run a half marathon by training with running coaches.  A mileage schedule is provided.  Group runs that increase in mileage take place every Saturday. This program begins in March and ends the week of the York Half Marathon, May 29, 2019. Offered at the York branch.  Learn more.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

Disease Prevention and Management

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a FREE 12-week evidence-based program that supports adult cancer survivors in regaining their physical, emotional and spiritual strength. Offered at Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches as well as in the Hanover YMCA locations.  Learn more.

Massage

Personal Fitness

Decrease muscle soreness, stress and allergy symptoms while improving mental clarity, sleep quality and range of motion.  A licensed massage therapist uses a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve wellbeing.  By appointment at the Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches. Learn More

Nutrition Coaching

Personal Fitness

A certified nutrition coach will help you implement healthy eating strategies to improve wellbeing and reach your goals.  By appointment at Dover and York branches.

Personal Training

Personal Fitness

A certified personal trainer will develop a structured program to help you reach your personal goals. By appointment at Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches.  Learn more

Personal Training – Pilates

Personal Fitness

A certified pilates and personal training instructor provides one-on-one training sessions on the Reformer to help you build a strong and stable core. Offered at the York Branch.  Learn more.

POUND®

Cardio Exercise

Channel your inner rock star with this full-body cardio jam session, inspired by drumming. Using Ripstix, lightly weighted exercise drumsticks, torch calories and tone while rocking out to your favorite music.  Offered at the Dover and York Branches.  Learn more.

Private Swim Lessons

Instructional swim for any age

These one-on-one lessons offer individuals of any age the chance to learn to improve swimming skills in a private, respectful and safe atmosphere.  By Appointment

R.I.P.P.E.D.

Cardio Exercise

Resistance. Interval. Power. Plyometrics. Endurance. Diet. This class offers high cardio, weight training and Mixed Martial Arts, forming a non-plateau, high intensity workout.  Offered at Dover and York branches.

SafeKids Tae Kwon Do

Ages 6 and Up

The practice of Tae Kwon Do teaches children and adults discipline, self-control, and safety. This youth and family program is offered at all four YMCA of York and York County branches.

Senior Swim & Exercise

For 50 years & up, this class is combined with water walking, exercise, and a cool down in a warm pool with depth of 4 1/2 feet.

SilverSneakers® Classic

Active Older Adults

Variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength and range of movement for daily living skills. Handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles and balls are offered for resistance, and the chair is used for seated and/or standing support.  Offered at Dover, York and Southern branches.

SilverSneakers® Yoga

Spirit, Mind and Body

This chair-based class includes a series of seated and standing yoga poses designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement followed by restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation. Offered at the Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches.

Speed and Agility Training for Teens

Ages 11 - 19

Improve performance, speed and overall conditioning in this 8 class program. Proper technique is emphasized for safety and effectiveness.  Ages 11-19. Offered at the York Branch.

STEM Camp

4th and 5th Grade

Stroke Development

Instructional swim ages 6 - 12

Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive stokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

Stroke Introduction

Instructional swim ages 6-12

Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and learn the breaststroke and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.

Stroke Mechanics

Instructional swim ages 6 - 12

This level refines stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. Students also work on building their endurance.

Teen Swim Instruction

Instructional Swim for ages 13 - 17

Geared for youth at a beginner level to advance their skills and feel confident in the water which will include breathing and stroke technique development.

Turkey Trot 5K

Join us for our 23rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday, November 28, 2019 and burn some calories before your feast! Led by our biking turkey, this fun race is a great family activity that many have made a Thanksgiving Day tradition.  Learn more.

Volleyball – Girls Intramural Program

Ages 8 - 15

This program is for girls of all skill levels, ages 8-15. 8-10 year olds will be held at the Bob Hoffman Branch and 11-15 year olds will be held at the York Branch. Programs are offered in early September, mid-November, early February, and early April.

Volleyball – York Branch Girls Club

Ages 11 - 18

This program is for girls who want to practice and compete at a high school level. Practices are twice a week from December through May with weekend tournaments twice a month from January through May at locations throughout Pennsylvania. If you want to learn from highly qualified instructors and prepare for our intramural program, club volleyball and/or school volleyball the York Branch YMCA offers a three-day volleyball clinic.  Learn more

Water Acclimation

Instructional swim ages 3 - 5

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a students future progress in swimming.

Water Discovery

Instructor led for ages 6 month - 18 months

Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.

Water Exploration

Instructor led for ages 19 - 36 months

In stage B, the parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.

Water in Motion

Aqua Exercise

WATER in MOTION is an aqua exercise workout that provides a low impact, high-energy challenge for participants of all ages, skill and fitness levels.  Offered at the York Branch.

Water In Motion Platinum

Aqua Fitness

WATERinMOTION® Platinum is a shallow-water, low-impact aqua exercise experience that offers active aging adults and deconditioned participants a fun workout.  Offered at the York Branch.

Water Movement

Instructional swim ages 3 - 5 and 6 - 12

In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Water Stamina

Instructional swimming ages 3 - 5

In Stage 3, students learn how to swim from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

Wellness Center Orientation

Personal Fitness

Meet with a trained staff member to learn proper form and usage of YMCA equipment. New members receive a free orientation appointment to learn how to use cardio and strength equipment.  By appointment at the Dover, Eastern, Southern and York branches.

Y Fitness Challenge

Personal Fitness

Throughout the year, we offer fitness challenges to help you get motivated for improved health! Information is posted in each branch and on our Facebook pages.

Y Kids Club

Before and After School Care

The YMCA offers quality before and after school programs in elementary schools across York County. All programs are licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and participate in Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stars Quality Assurance Program (STARS). Our curriculum is built based on the interest of the children and tie in to the PA Early Learning Standards. Full day care is available on days when school is closed.  Learn more

Y Readers

1st to 9th Grade

A reading program designed to help students improve their reading and writing skills and to address the achievement gap the nation faces.  Program details will be posted on March 1, 2019.  Contact Program Director, for more information.

Y-Achievers

9th to 12th Grade

Y-Achievers is a college-preparatory program that helps teens and young adults prepare for their futures. The program includes: Career exploration, SAT/ACT preparation, tutoring, networking, mentoring, college tours, communication workshops, and leadership development workshops.  Learn more

YMCA Competitive Swim Team

Competitive swimming ages 5 - 18

The York YMCA’s Competitive Swim Team is open to youth of all levels & abilities. It is the perfect program for those who love to swim but have never competed on a team It is ideally for those who enjoy competitive swimming but enjoy a low pressure, relaxed atmosphere. It is especially beneficial for high school swimmers wishing to stay in shape during the off-season. Swimmers compete in local swim meets that give them friendly competition and teach them sportsmanship and teamwork. Practice is held at two locations, the Graham Aquatic Center, located at 543 N. Newberry Street in York, and the York YMCA Southern Branch, located at 100 Constitution Ave in Shrewsbury.

Time Varies by Location

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program

Disease Prevention and Management

The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program empowers prediabetic adults to make lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes.  Offered at Dover, Southern and York branches. Learn more!

YMCA Weight Loss

The Weight Loss Program is designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors. New in 2019. Learn more.

Yoga Gentle Flow

Spirit, Mind and Body

Increase balance, coordination and flexibility through breath-synchronized movement. This slow-paced flow class begins with standing postures, flows into balance poses and includes many floor postures. All skill levels welcomed. Offered at the York and Southern Branches.

Yoga Vinyasa Flow

Spirit, Mind and Body

Coordinate movement with breath. Class format includes Sun Salutations, balance, heart and hip openers, spine twists and final relaxation. Participants flow between standing and floor positions. All skill levels welcomed. Offered at the Eastern, Southern and York branches.

York YMCA Child Development

Ages 1 - 5

Since the 1960’s, the YMCA of York County has been providing a quality, affordable child development program to families in the area. The Y’s Child Development Center’s primary purpose is to provide a quality early learning experience in an environment where parents will know their children are safe and nurtured. This child-centered program provides opportunities for growth, hands-on exploration and child-led learning through play.

Our child development program is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services. At 12-months and walking, children transition to our toddler room where exploration, social skills and language development are key focus areas. As skills develop, older toddlers, starting at 24-months, begin to work on toilet training. Once potty trained, children participate in weekly swimming lessons. Swimming is an important part of the weekly activities in our program.

In addition, the York Branch YMCA has two preschool classrooms for children ages three to five. Using the creative curriculum and learning centers, lesson plans are developed around the observed interests of the children. We strive to develop unique and enriching activities that encompass creative thinking, exploration of science and mathematics, inquiry, discovering, beginning literacy and community involvement.

The preschool classrooms implement the P.A.T.H.S. (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) Curriculum to enhance social emotional development. Within this curriculum, children learn to recognize their feelings and appropriate ways to express them.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. We accept CCW/CCIS funding

Youth and Government

7th - 12th Grade

This program aims to develop young men and women to be better citizens by being both knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy. Students meet with other Youth and Government clubs, discuss, debate and propose legislation for change.

Youth Basketball

Ages 4-11

For ages 4-11 who wish to learn and expand on the fundamentals of basketball through instruction, practices, and games. Appropriate basket heights for each age group. Begins in early December at the York and Bob Hoffman Branches, and again in early April at the York Branch. Program also begins in November and again in January at the Southern Branch.

Youth Functional Fitness

Ages 8 - 11

Youth enjoy fun and challenging fitness activities by utilizing a variety of tools and completing bodyweight exercises.  Ages 8-11. Offered at the York and Dover Branches.

Youth Soccer

Ages 4 - 11

This program for ages 4-11, is designed to introduce the sport of soccer and enhance skills in a team format through instruction, practice, and games. Outdoor soccer begins in mid-September at the York, Bob Hoffman, and Southern Branches. Indoor soccer begins in early February at the York and Bob Hoffman Branches, and November and March at the Southern Branch.

Youth Wellness Center Program

Ages 11-13

Youth learn to how to use cardio and strength equipment safely and effectively in this 4 class program.  A new fitness topic and skill is introduced each week.  Parental participation is required.

Youth/Teen Co-Ed Dodge Ball League

Ages 10 - 14

Join us for non-stop games in a fun, recreational setting. Games are played with safe and soft, rubber-coated, foam balls. Teams are formed after the first day.  Offered late October

Zumba® Fitness

Cardio Exercise

Zumba fuses hypnotic musical rhythms and dance moves to create a dynamic workout system designed to be fun and easy to do! Offered at Dover, Southern and York branches.