Posted on: Thursday, June 7th, 2018

CSA Shares Offer Convenient Pickup @ Your Local Y

We are now accepting registrations for CSA Shares at both our Mansfield Community Farm & Gardens and our NEW Bellingham Community Farm! This is a great option for increasing your intake of veggies this spring and summer. Take advantage of these local sources of freshly harvested organic produce.
DETAILS ON OUR VEGGIE SHARE PROGRAM:

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY FARM & GARDENS

  • The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Mansfield
  • Our mission is to educate and involve the community in learning about fresh produce
  • We promote healthy, active lifestyles by connecting people to the food they eat and grow
  • Located across the street from 386 Essex St in Mansfield, MA
  • No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and consumers benefit from organic practices

BELLINGHAM COMMUNITY FARM

  • The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Bellingham
  • The goal of the Bellingham Community Farm is to provide the local community with a variety of avenues to access and learn about sustainably and locally grown food
  • Located at 200 Center Street in Bellingham, MA
  • We do not use any chemically derived herbicides or pesticides
  • We use OMRI approved field amendments and do not use genetically engineered seed

PURCHASE A CSA

  • From June – October, we produce a typical CSA weekly share of produce (approximately 5-8 lbs/items)
  • Produce may include: lettuce, kale, chard, bok choy, arugula, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, squashes, cucumbers, broccoli, melon, beans, peas, onion, potatoes, radish, beets, turnip, carrots, herbs, and more
  • All are harvested and prepped for pickup before you arrive
  • You may choose to pick up at the garden or **NEW** at a Hockomock Area YMCA branch! See pickup schedule below
  • See below for detailed information on cost and pickup times

PICK UP DETAILS (FOR AFTERNOON PICKUPS)
  • You may choose pick up at the gardens:
    • Tuesday or Thursday @ Mansfield farm
    • – OR – Wednesday or Friday @ Bellingham farm
  • OR – choose to pick up at the Y:
    • Tuesday @ the Foxboro Y
    • Wednesday @ the Franklin Y
    • Thursday @ the North Attleboro Y

Limited Spots.

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – MANSFIELD

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – BELLINGHAM

For further inquiries, including volunteering at the garden, please contact communitygarden@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Come to a free Pool Party – June 16

Make a Splash!

We’re thrilled to open our outdoor pools and invite you to join us as we kick off summer fun on June 16 at the Y’s in Foxboro and Franklin with a free pool party.

SPLASH BASH! Details:

June 16 (1:00-3:00pm)
@ the Foxboro Y and @ the Franklin Y

Bring a friend! Non-members, when you check-in, please be sure to mention Splash Bash for free admission to the YMCA. It is our policy that non-members age 18+ provide photo identification.

Enjoy free open swim and the chance to learn more or enroll in summer swim lessons and camp. Reconnect with some of your summer camp counselors and make new friends.

In Franklin, enjoy some carnival games and bouncy house near the Rockland Trust Family Splash Park, which will also be open. Swimmer evaluations in Franklin are scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

No registration is required. Children under 10 years old must be supervised by an adult when visiting the facility; child must be within an arm’s length of the adult. Adult members must be physically present in the pool with children eight years old and younger.

Note: All outdoor pools and our Franklin splash park will open on 6/16. Check out your local Y’s schedule on the homepage for that branch (see SCHEDULES section, mid page) or visit:

See you at the Y!

Posted on: Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

Our New Spring 2 Programs

Meet Me at the Y. Where Confidence Grows!

Learn about all the options your Y offers to keep kids active this Spring. New this session, participants can enjoy an upgraded look and feel when visiting YMCA Online Registration. Be sure to create an account if you are a current Y member prior to registering and click here for frequently asked questions about our exciting conversion to Daxko: a platform providing account management, program listings, registration and more

From sports leagues and dance recitals to our new Y swim lessons curriculum and a range of fitness options, we are about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibilty. The Youth Development Program Guide has all the details.

Session runs: April 23 – June 17, 2018.
Don’t miss these top picks for Spring 2:

POOL PALOOZA: water sports, relay races and more. Take your love of swimming to the next level in this aquatics recreation offering (@ the Franklin Y) — offered Tues or Thurs. Details and to register, click here.

GIRL POWER GO: Be Strong, Be Smart, Be Amazing! This is a class designed to get girls excited about fitness and feeling fabulous while making new friends. Combining life lessons, positive thinking & physical activity, we are proud to offer this in partnership with Girl Power Go, LLC. (@ all branches) — Grades 1-5 small groups w/ many options. Details and to register, click here.

KIDS RUNNING CLUB: for those who love to run and/or want to improve their technique and have fun with other kids! (@ Foxboro and Franklin Ys) — ages 5-12. Details and to register click here.

TENNIS: Yes, it’s spring! Join us on the courts—from Munchkin Tennis through age 14, learning to love this game is a nice option for youth. (@ all branches + open pickleball Saturdays in Franklin) Details and to register, click here.

LACROSSE: We also offer lacrosse skills classes for ages 5-7 (Foxboro and North Attleboro Y’s) and ages 8-10 (North Attleboro). Join us! Details and to register, click here.

BASEBALL: From league game play to indoor skills sessions, take advantage of many options to enjoy America’s sport. Any of the online options—other than “T-ball Prep (Age 3)”—that start April 08 indicate this is a league and thus is Free for Enrollment for our family/single-parent members. This is part of our new membership perks incentive. Details and to register, click here.

LEGO ROBOTICS: What better activity can there be than this! Learn to build and program Lego robots (@ Franklin Y: grades Prek-1, Wednesdays 4:30p) and (@ Foxboro Y: grades 3-7, Fridays 4:30p). Details and to register, click here. View all STEM offerings @ the Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro Y’s: click here.

GYMNASTICS: There’s a LOT of skills and confidence growth happening on our mats this spring. Here’s the lineup, roughly in order of age:

  • ME & MY BABY (infant-2 yrs)
  • ME & MY SHADOW (2-3 yrs)
  • ME & MY TUMBLER (2-4 yrs)
  • SUPERHERO ADVENTURES (3-5 yrs)
  • PRINCESS GYMNASTICS (3-5 yrs)
  • TINY TUMBLERS (3-5 yrs)
  • TUMBLE BEES (4-5 yrs)
  • HOT SHOTS (4-6 yrs)
  • NINJA WARRIOR (4-9 yrs)

Gymnasts ages 6+ receive instruction at the Hockomock Area YMCA that is based on the USA Junior Olympic Development Program and progress through the classes in the following order:

  • ROLLERS (#1) – register
  • SWINGERS (#2) – register
  • FLYERS (#3) – register
  • TWISTERS (#4) – register
  • KIPPERS offers the next level of advanced gymnastics in a non-competitive atmosphere; for gymnasts that don’t wish to join preteam – register

Spring 2 Classes: Enroll Today

Posted on: Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Camp Open House Saturday, 5/5

Get ready for summer at our last Camp Open House – Saturday, May 5!

Both prospective and returning families are welcome to come to our open houses to meet our staff, tour the property with one of our directors, and learn what summer camp is all about.

This outdoor-based family event will highlight fun camp activities that the kids will look forward to such as camp crafts and games, gaga, sports, music, bounce house, tree climbing, STEM activities, face painting, and more!

Mark your calendar and join us in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro:

Camp Open House Saturday, May 5 10:00am-1:00pm

Y Members: Anyone who registers for camp at open house will be entered into a raffle for a free week of camp.

Non Y Members: Those who attend open house and register as members and sign up for camp at the open house will have their Y joiner’s fee waived.

Registered for Camp Already? Bring a Friend that registers for camp at open house & receive a $25 Y Gift Card!

Few environments are as special as summer camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

There’s a summer camp for every kid.

The Y has more than 130 years of experience in providing a safe, thriving environment for young people to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, discover the creativity and health benefits of the outdoors, and make lasting friendships and memories. If your child is a budding actor or athlete, a gymnast or outdoor adventurer, there’s a Y camp they will love. We offer part-day and full-day camps for all ages, including preschoolers and teens.

Our new Camp Guide collects all our programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Are your kids ready for their Best Summer Ever?

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action packed summer! For questions about our camps, please call the Y or CONTACT US.

Visit Foxboro’s Camp Website

Visit Franklin’s Camp Website

Visit Mansfield’s Theatre Camp Website

Visit North Attleboro’s Camp Website

Posted on: Wednesday, March 28th, 2018

We’re Having a Flip Fest!

It feels so good to give.

Gymnasts of all ages and abilities are learning the value of philanthropy. Our annual Flip Fest is back the week of April 29. Haven’t heard of Flip Fest? Well, please get involved! All the details on this fundraiser are provided below.

Because our Gymnastics teachers believe all kids should have the opportunity to grow and learn at the Y — regardless of ability to pay — they engage the boundless energy and huge hearts of our kids in the Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign. During the week of April 29, 2018, all our branches will be participating in Flip Fest. Note, you do not have to be enrolled in gymnastics to join the campaign and to earn some really neat prizes.

Here’s a powerful testimonial that may inspire your participation…. “The Hockomock YMCA has been a blessing to us. If it were not for all the donations we would not be able to send our children there. Even a small amount can make a difference. Please consider making a donation and spreading the word, as you too can help other children and families like us.” – A Grateful Family

7th Annual Flip Fest — QUICK FACTS & HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Ask others to support your efforts to enrich someone’s life right here in our community.
Knowing that the generosity of others is at the core of the Y’s existence as a nonprofit. It is only through the support of volunteers and donors that we are able to support and give back to those most in need.
100% of contributions raised will go to our Reach Out for Youth and Families 2018 Campaign.
You will be able to raise money based on the number of flips (or cartwheels, forward rolls, walkovers, etc.*) you do during our celebratory Flip Fest Days (week of 4/29) or you may ask for a flat donation of any dollar amount.
Once your pledge form is complete, come to the Y during class time April 29-May 6 for counting!
Non-participants in gymnastics classes may schedule their private flip count with a staff member. Please email: jonathanlerch@hockymca.org (Foxboro), amytr@hockymca.org (Franklin), or debbiemo@hockymca.org (North Attleboro).
Our Flip Fest pledge forms are available for easy download.

GET STARTED TODAY!
DOWNLOAD YOUR PLEDGE FORM

Prizes will be awarded based on dollars raised:

  • $250+ — Raffle entry in our drawing for 1 FREE WEEK of gymnastics camp, Summer 2018
  • $150-$249 — I Flip for ROFY leotard
  • $75-$149 — I Flip for ROFY t-shirt
  • $25-$74 — I Flip for ROFY medal
  • $1-$24 — Balloon and healthy snack at completion of flipping

For more information on the mission of our YMCA and to support our cause, please click here.

*Flips can be of any nature, for all levels and include beginner rolls to advanced skills.

Posted on: Wednesday, March 21st, 2018

Reach Out Breakfast: People Making A Difference

Raising life-changing funds for children and families in our community

What a great morning we had on March 16 at the Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign Breakfast. We held our annual breakfast at Gillette Stadium. Among the community leaders, we were honored to have Patriots CEO Robert Kraft speak to guests. Patriots Coach Brian Flores spoke powerfully about the impact the Y has had on his brother Chris who is a part of our Integration Initiative.

A record crowd of 800 people attended, raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance and program subsidies to welcome neighbors into our YMCA who need us most. At our Y, we believe we have something special – a sense of community – and everyone should have access to it.

Funds raised will provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.

Subsidized programs include LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, our YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, our Integration Initiative, and our Teen Centers and Programs.

Read the news coverage by the Sun Chronicle

View our event facebook photo album

Watch Jon’s story, a powerful video shared at the event

GIVE TODAY

Posted on: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

Girl Power Go – New Program Offered at all Branches

STRONG AND EMPOWERED

Be Strong, Be Smart, Be Amazing!
Girl Power Go is a program designed to get girls excited about fitness and feeling fabulous while making new friends. The YMCA is offering a NEW class at all our branches this spring—combining life lessons, positive thinking & physical activity. This is brought to you through partnership with Girl Power Go, LLC.

Girls will learn strategies and develop tools to build strong connections to self and others. How to be brave and courageous, while still being loving and kind. Healthy eating, the importance of rest, how to stand in your power and how to be a good friend are just some of the topics covered. Includes fun fitness segments such as boot-camp, yoga, strength training, teamwork games and kick boxing.

Runs: April 23-June 18

  • Mondays @ the Franklin Y (grades 1-2) 3:45pm (no class 5/28)
  • Tuesdays @ the Franklin Y (grades 3-4) 3:30pm
  • Mondays @ the North Attleboro Y (grades 1-2) 3:30pm -OR- (grades 3-4) 4:30pm (no class 5/28)
  • Thursdays @ the Foxboro Y (grades 1-2) 3:30pm -OR- (grades 3-4) 4:30pm
  • Cost: $150 member; $175 program member
  • Class duration: 1 hour in Franklin; 50 minutes in Foxboro and North Attleboro to allow for pick-up and drop-off

  • Special offering of Girl Power Go—Mondays @ Bellingham Memorial Middle School (grades 4-7) 2:20pm-3:05pm
    • Runs at BMMS: March 26-May 21, 2018 (no class on 4/16)
    • You do not have to be a Y member (cost: $113 member or Schools Out participant; $150 non-member)
    • Enrollment form (BMMS location only), click here

Questions? please contact: Kim Jennings kjennings@hockymca.org.

Register starting 3/27/18 through our ONLINE REGISTRATION

Or, please contact your local Y.

Posted on: Friday, February 9th, 2018

Spring Classes Get Underway

Learn about all the options your Y offers to keep kids active this Spring. Our upcoming programs are open for enrollment and are about encouraging active and connected lifestyles as we move to outdoor sports leagues, dance recitals, our new swim lessons curriculum, and more. Encourage the kids in your life to try something new from the suggested programs below. The Youth Development Program Guide has all the details.

Spring 1 Session runs: February 26 – April 15, 2018.

NEW THIS SPRING 1
Allstar Kidsport (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys for age 2 with parent/guardian)
Allstar Kidsport (for ages 3-4)
Allstar Kidsport (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys for ages 5-6)
Basketball Skills
Double Play-sports Combo (@ the Foxboro and North Attleboro Ys for ages 3-5)
Fit Kids (@ the Foxboro and North Attleboro Ys for ages 5-7; @the Franklin Y for ages 3-6) FREE CLASS FOR FAMILY-TYPE MEMBERS
Floor Hockey (@ the Franklin Y for ages 3-5)
Football Draft Picks (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 3-5)
Homerun Heroes (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys for ages 3-5)
Indoor Arena Flag Football (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 7-11)
Karate (beginner – intermediate – and advanced)
Lacrosse Skills (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 5-7 and @ the North Attleboro Y for ages 5-10)
Munchkin Tennis (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys)
Preschool Indoor Soccer (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys)
Volleyball (@ the North Attleboro Y for ages 9-13)

NEW SPORTS LEAGUES
NEW THIS SPRING: LEAGUES ARE FREE FOR FAMILY-TYPE MEMBERS (details here)
T Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball
Soccer
Cheerleading @ the Foxboro Y and North Attleboro Y
Flag Football @ the Foxoboro Y and North Attleboro Y

NEW FITNESS & NUTRITION CLASSES
Kids Running Club (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 3-14)
Run Kid Run (@ the Franklin Y for ages 8-12)
Be Strong – Teen Youth Strength Program (@ the North Attleboro Y for ages 10-13)
Sports Performance Training (@ the Franklin and North Attleboro Ys for ages 11-16)
Healthy Chef (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 3-14)

NEW DANCE CLASSES THAT WILL PERFORM IN SPRING RECITALS*
Acro (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 6-9)
Ballet and Beam (@ the Foxboro and Franklin Ys for ages 3-5)
Ballet (@ the Foxboro and North Attleboro Ys for ages 4-5)
Tots & Tutus (for ages 2 – 3)
Dance Magic (for ages 3-4)
Princess Dance (for ages 3-5)
Dance Combo (for ages 6-9; starts at age 4 in Franklin)
Hip Hop (for ages 6+; starts at age 3 in Franklin)
Ballet (@ the Foxboro Y for ages 6-9)

* At the Foxoboro and Franklin Ys, these dance classes run through June 17—as students are preparing to perform in our spring recitals.

NEW STEM CLASSES
Our STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classes are brought to our Y family through partnership with Tinker and Create LLC and promote creative learning and interest in math and sciences. A huge range of hands-on activities is listed for each of the branches. Just click on the link to read more at your local Y’s STEM CLASSES REGISTRATION.

NEW THEATRE PROGRAMS
Willy Wonka Kids! auditions (for ages 7-10) will be held on Feb 27 and March 6. All who register will be cast. Read more here
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown auditions (for ages 11-14) will be held on March 21. Register Today
Rehearsals are held weekly at our Mansfield Arts and Education Center on Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:00pm (and some Saturdays).
Save the date for a night of theatre: YMCA Theatre Institute—our pre-professionally trained high school students—perform Little Shop of Horrors on March 16 & 17.

NEW ENRICHMENT SERIES (@ North Attleboro) – Read more
Sprouts » ages 1-2
Caterpillars » ages 2-3
Cocoon » ages 3-4
Butterflies » ages 4-5

Enroll Today!

Posted on: Thursday, February 8th, 2018

Looking Back on 2017

On behalf of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Board of Directors and my staff colleagues, please enjoy this short video looking back at 2017, highlighting our Y’s impact on those we are proud to serve. Thank you for being part of our Y family and for joining in our commitment to enhance lives and enrich communities.

I am grateful for your support of our YMCA and look forward to all that we will experience together in 2018.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

Explorer Camp Adventures

Charge Into The Great Outdoors!

So many good things happen when kids go outside. Space to roam and natural light are healthy for kids and adults alike. This summer, encourage children and young adults to trade technology for outdoor adventure.

Explorer Camp Adventures are an exciting way to exercise, challenging your mind as well as your body, and make great friends. In addition to our excellent traditional day camps, our Y runs a series of overnight summer adventure camps, providing training, instruction and equipment. Our groups take trips to adventure locations in the area and beyond–including Maine, Vermont, and the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

Our adventure camps are designed to get youth outdoors, help them build healthier lifestyles and create an appreciation for nature and ecological interdependence. Led by program director Dave Lovely-Taillon, the program has expanded to serve students in our 15 surrounding communities. Expeditions range from 3-day overnights to 5-day white water excursions.

READ DETAILS AT OUR WEBSITE PAGE

Or download the CAMP GUIDE today (registration paperwork for these trips is found on page 18).