Speaker for August 18 - Margo Byrne
The Ventura Family YMCA graciously hosted our Club for an off-site meeting at its facility. Margo, Amy, Kate, Amber, and David all said a few words about the activities and services available at the YMCA.
Amber, the Aquatics Director, explained how the YMCA is truly for everyone. She noted that members range in age from six months old to 97 years old. Activities are offered for all age groups including, parent-child classes, swim teams, water aerobics, and water therapy for arthritis.
David, the Sports Director, told us about basketball, tee ball, soccer, and other sports offered at the YMCA. He is especially proud of a new teen program where the teens meet to discuss current issues. They then prepare a bill, secure a sponsor, and actually go to Sacramento to meet with the Governor.Amy, the Operations Director, described how the facility is “busting at the seams.” They literally have 6,000 members. In order to get the most out of the facility, they are going to knock down the wall between two racquetball courts and create a big cardio room. They will still have one racquetball court.
Amy explained that there are a lot of people who want to get started in fitness, but do not know where to start. As such, the YMCA has created a Ready to be Fit program. Each member is paired with a coach, at no charge, who shows the member how to use the equipment and helps create a fitness routine.
In order to encourage children to make fitness a part of their lives, the YMCA has a Kids Cardio Club. This is where children can work out with their parents. By working out together, the family bond is strengthened and parents act as good role models.
Kate stated that the YMCA has a Silver Sneakers program for seniors. Due to this, Medicare will pay for its customers to have a full membership to the YMCA. Other health insurance plans may pay for all or part of the membership fee.
One of the many programs offered at the YMCA is its Resident Camp. Children from 4th grade through 11th grade are taken on a camping trip. In addition to the usual camping activities, the children set goals and do some self-reflection. Kids who return the following year review how they did throughout the year in working toward the goals they had previously set.
After the presentation, the Club was taken to the pool area where we met several children in the Operation Splash program and handed out some goodies to them.
Thank you to the YMCA for hosting our Club and for putting your heart in all that you do.
Deborah A. Perkins
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