NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Virtual Fitness Class Schedule

In order to stay connected with your friends — both YMCA members and your fitness coaches here at the Y, we are pleased to share our virtual schedule with you, which you can do from home. Let’s roll out our mat, grab some weights, lace up our sneakers and stay fit together.

Live-Streaming On Facebook and Zoom

View our Virtual Fitness Calendar of live classes every day. We are live-streaming classes on Facebook and on Zoom, so you can get together with Y members and your favorite trainers and instructors to bring us closer as a YMCA family.

Like us on our Facebook pages: our Hockomock Area YMCA Facebook Page and our Hockomock Area YMCA’s Health and Wellness Facebook Page.

Virtual Fitness on YouTube

We’ve built a large collection of recorded Virtual Fitness videos on the Hockomock YMCA’s YouTube. You’ll find everything from Bootcamp to Yoga classes, nutrition, stuff for kids and active older adults.


For our live streaming ZOOM classes:
Zoom has recently increased security protocols which include password protected links.

To join a Zoom class, simply click the class link at the designated time and you will enter a waiting room. A staff person will admit you to the live class! When using Zoom, you can join with your camera on or off. If you join with your camera on, you and your surroundings are visible to other participants. If you join with your camera off, only your name is displayed.

*If you have any troubles joining the Zoom workout, please message us on our Health and Wellness Facebook Page. Right before and during the virtual class, Y Staff will be available for questions on our Health & Wellness Facebook Page as well as on Zoom to help you.

We look forward to staying connected with you. When you workout with your Y community, be sure to share and tag us so we know you are here.

Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. Thank you for being part of our Y family!

Enjoy your workout!

Posted on: Monday, January 18th, 2021

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Throughout the year, we encourage all individuals and organizations to play an active role in making our local communities a safer place for children and families. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, typically at the hand of someone they know and trust; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that 1 in 5 children will be solicited sexually on the internet. Sadly, child abuse is happening, and it’s regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

In support of April being Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, our Y’s 14 childcare centers will be participating in Norfolk Advocates for Children’s “Rocking for Kids” event. NAC is putting together a rock garden in Foxboro, for their Garden of Hope, a spot to help brighten the lives of children who have been the victims of sexual abuse. For their garden, NAC is providing rock kits for participants to pick up which contain paint, paintbrushes, and rocks to paint. By the end of April, we will provide NAC’s Garden of Hope with 353 painted rocks. If you would like to drop off a painted rock to add to our pile, please bring it in to one of our Member Service Desks, and we will include it with our rocks when we deliver to Norfolk Advocates for Children.

In April we shared educational resources on social media on what we can do every day to help prevent child sexual abuse. When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can stop it from happening. Please join us in sharing these messages on social media with network of family, friends and colleagues.

For more information about training opportunities for your organization, please email protectkids@hockymca.org.

Our next Five Days of Action Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Initiative will take place June 7-11, 2021. We look forward to doing even more to help stop this crisis.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?:

Pledge to protect children every single day, one day at a time.

Know the facts. See the warning signs. Respond quickly to prevent child sexual abuse.


ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES

it’s important to know how to recognize and respond if someone needs help or support. Below are a list of resources to help.

What can you do as an individual or as an organization to help protect children from sexual abuse? Watch our Know See Respond video to learn more.


Hockomock Area YMCA Child Protection Trifold

Step-Up & Speak Out: A Parent’s Guide to Selecting Youth Serving Organizations

Mandated Reporting: What You Need to Know

How to Respond to a Survivor

Local Resources
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

CHILD PROTECTION TRAININGS

Have your place of business implement child protection trainings and policies.

5% of a community trained in Child Protection to be aware and responsive is the tipping point to make a positive change*. (Statistic from Darkness to Light)

If you are a member of an organization or community group that would like to learn more about our comprehensive trainings on Child Abuse Prevention, please email us at protectkids@hockymca.org.

For more information or strategies for talking with kids, you can access Darkness to Light’s 30-minute “Talking with Children” Training at no charge by registering and using code Talk2020.

Take the free “Protecting Children During a Crisis” Training in English or Spanish. You will need to create a login/password first on the Darkness to Light website before accessing the video.

Take the Darkness to Light Online Training.



Thank you for reading and helping learn more to prevent abuse so that we can give children the childhood they deserve.

#BeCauseY

Posted on: Friday, January 1st, 2021

Looking Back at 2020

2020 was a challenging year for many of us both personally and professionally. Throughout the pandemic one thing never changed: community minded supporters of our YMCA coming together in inspiring ways to be there to support each other and rekindle hope.

Despite the many challenges of the past year, I am so proud that our YMCA continued to make impactful contributions in the areas of food insecurity, child care, health & wellness and other emerging needs in our local communities.

And my commitment to you is that in 2021 our cause-driven YMCA will remain focused on being there in innovative and progressive ways to continue to provide a safety net for our neighbors in their time of need.

I hope you enjoy this brief video highlighting the collective impact we experienced in 2020.

With deep appreciation,

Ed Hurley
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Friday, January 1st, 2021

Out of School Time Support

Out of School Time Program Helps Families with Hybrid & Remote Education

With local schools operating hybrid or remote, the YMCA will fill the gaps to ensure kids have safe places to learn during the school day. Out of School Time (OST) provides full day in-person learning assistance and additional enrichment programming for grades K-6.

  • Spots remain at all sites.
  • For questions on the OST program, call 508-643-5290 or email schoolsout2@hockymca.org.
  • To register for the OST program, please do so at the links below. You may also register by phone by calling our YMCA Welcome Centers are also available to speak to you during branch hours. See phone numbers and addresses at website footer.
  • Reminder to please email or drop off in person paperwork that will have been emailed to you following your online registration, which will need to be in our hands before your student can participate on Day 1 of his/her YMCA virtual learning support.
  • Bus details for our Foxborough Public School families – if you choose to bus to/from the Y, this year there is a limitation in place which does not allow you to select a second drop off or pick up location, which you may want to use on days not at the Y. We apologize for this inconvenience imposed on us by the bus company.

  • VIEW A RECORDED PARENT MEETING On Sept. 15, we held a parent information Zoom call. Please watch for commonly asked questions, responded to by Association VP of Childcare Services Kim Jennings. CLICK HERE TO WATCH INFO MEETING (ALL SITES) OR… CLICK HERE FOR NORTH ATTLEBORO RECORDED MEETING OR… CLICK HERE FOR MILFORD RECORDED MEETING

OST full day programs – and full or half day in Foxborough – will take place at the YMCA (Foxboro and North Attleboro locations) and at the former St. Mary’s School in Franklin. We offer 3 or 5 day options running from 7:00am – 4:00pm with optional extended care available until 6:00pm. We will also run Before & After care at some school locations where we historically ran our successful YMCA Schools Out Programs (see far bottom of this page for Before/After). We intend to serve as many families as safely possible, because we know the need is great.

YMCA staff will assist students in their school assignments using their own Chromebook and headset, assist with questions during remote learning, and help to keep them on track as they connect with their teachers online. During class breaks and after school work is completed, the Y team will engage students with enrichment and physical activities.

Safety is our top priority, and the Covid safety protocols we’ll use are based on procedures developed for our successful Summer Camp and Emergency Child Care programs that allowed us to safely provide care for over 700 kids during the past six months. Please contact us with questions about our safety procedures.

Schools Districts We Serve

We have partnered with the following school districts to serve children in grades K-6: Bellingham (through grade 7), Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Milford, North Attleboro, Plainville, and Wrentham Public Schools. In order to keep cohorts together from area schools and just to keep safety at the forefront, we are asking students in Bellingham and Wrentham to choose the Franklin OST site. If attending from Plainville’s public schools, please select from our North Attleboro enrollment options.

Additionally, this programming is available for pre registration for K-6 students outside of the public school system or those living in other towns in need of care. After online enrollment, please email schoolsout2@hockymca.org to share pertinent information that we should know that wasn’t included in the registration questionnaire.

General Information by Location (and last bullet: Extended Care)

  • FOXBORO:
    OST half day at the Foxboro Y runs: 9:00am – 12:00 pm or 12:00pm – 3:00pm 5 DAYS (cost $105 per week)
    OST full day at the Foxboro Y runs: 7:00am – 4:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)
    OST full day at the Foxboro Y runs: 7:00am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)

  • FRANKLIN:
    OST at St. Mary’s (formerly BFCCPS on Main St.) runs: 7:00am – 4:00pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)
    OST at St. Mary’s (formerly BFCCPS on Main St.) runs: 7:00am – 4:00pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)

  • NORTH ATTLEBORO:
    OST at the North Attleboro Y runs: 7:00am – 4:00pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)
    OST at the North Attleboro Y runs: 7:00am – 4:00pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)

  • EXTENDED CARE ‘TIL 6PM ** THIS IS AVAILABLE ALL SITES**
    Runs: 4:00pm – 6:00pm 3 DAYS (cost $30 per week or free to Hockomock Y members – not offered in Mansfield)
    Runs: 4:00pm – 6:00pm 5 DAYS (cost $50 per week or free to Hockomock Y members)

    Before/After care to support 1/2 day classes at Foxborough’s Public Schools is also available, including support from the town’s school buses!
    Where: @ The Foxboro Y – 5 DAY (2 DAY Ahern School). Runs: 7:00am – approx 8:30am and in the afternoon, runs: approx 3:00pm – 6:00pm (school buses picking up and dropping off at the Y).

    Our registration link for all OST and extended day options is below (in capital letters), but the link for Foxboro Y’s AM/PM + bus option is here: click to enroll. Ahern families, click here to enroll 2 day option.

    Note: use promo code BEFOREANDAFTER if your signup includes care beyond full day or half day. This will allow you to avoid paying our registration fee twice – for any child you have already enrolled in OST. We should also point out that a 5% discount for siblings is in place – and will be applied automatically upon the start of the billing cycle. To be clear, sibling discount will not appear during your pre-registration, however it will be applied by the Y office before your first bill is due.

Currently, we are accepting $50 deposits.

Following enrollment at the link below, please keep an eye out for our email with required next steps*.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME + OPT. EXTENDED DAY **

Site-specific registration links are also available for your convenience: Foxboro | Franklin | Mansfield | North Attleboro


MORE CARE – FOR DAYS YOU’RE AT SCHOOL:

Many students in our service area will be able to access YMCA Before & After Care on site at their school. This is offered at a number of schools we have partnered with in the past and is available on the two days of learning taking place at school. Hours: Before School starts at 6:00am and runs until the start of the school day and After School starts at the end of the school day and runs until 6:00pm. Note: use promo code BEFOREANDAFTER to avoid paying our registration fee twice – for any child you have already enrolled in OST.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR BEFORE/AFTER CARE **

School-specific links: Bellingham AM/PM | North Attleboro AM/PM | Wrentham AM/PM | Foxboro AM/PM + bus – details: see “Extended Care” (above bullets)


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and the community, offering programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. Part of that mission is a financial assistance program to those who need support and for those that qualify. Download our financial assistance brochure pdf: here.

  • Use promo code VOUCHER$50 at the above links if you are using a state voucher
  • Use promo code ROFY$25 at the above links if you currently receive a Hockomock Area YMCA scholarship

Questions, please contact us at 508-643-5243 or schoolsout2@hockymca.org.

* Included will be forms that you must complete and return to your local Hockomock Area YMCA. Though they may have been responded to in the online pre-registration, the forms must be completed in their entirety. Thank you and we wish your students success in the coming school year!

Posted on: Sunday, November 22nd, 2020

Youth Classes at your Y

We are excited to be welcoming youth back for a variety of classes geared toward healthy living and youth development. Open enrollment means that you are welcome to sign up at any time, however spaces are limited as we strive for safe numbers and social distancing whenever possible. Your safety is our top priority and we are following guidelines from the CDC and local health officials to ensure that we meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

REGISTER TODAY

Currently, we are offering the below classes:

  • Swim Lessons – starting at 6 months. To learn about swim levels and placement, click here. For Swim Starters, (ages 6 mo-4yrs, stages A-C), register here. For Swim Basics, (ages 3+, stages 1-3), register here. For Swim Strokes, (ages 5+, stages 4-6), register here.

  • Intramural Swim Team is available at our Foxboro, North Attleboro, and Franklin branches. Register here.

  • Gymnastics Classes – are now offered for preschoolers and youth/teens at all branches. For parent/child gymnastics, register here. For preschool gymnastics (ages 3-6), register here.
    For gymnastics (ages 6-14), register here.

  • Sports – We are now offering 45 min classes in the categories below! Note that beginner and intermediate karate and age 2 All Stars classes only run 30 minutes. Cost for sports classes is $32 (member) $64 (nonmember) per month (half hour classes: $27/$54).
    1. All Star Sports:
      In Foxboro: Wed. 10:15am (age 2); Tues. 10:15 or 11:15am (age 3-4) | In Franklin: Mon. 10:30am (age 2); Mon. 11:15 or Tues. 11:30am (age 3-4); Tues. 4:00pm (age 5-6) | In N. Attleboro: Thurs. 10:10am (age 3-4). Register here.
    2. Basketball:
      In Foxboro: Tuesdays 4:00pm (age 5-6), 5:00pm (age 7-8), 6:00pm (age 9-12) | In Franklin: Wednesdays 3:15pm (age 6-8), 4:05pm (age 9-12) | In N. Attleboro: Fridays 3:15pm (age 4-6), 4:15pm (age 6-8), 5:15pm (age 9-12). Register here.
    3. Karate (ages 5+):
      In Foxboro: Sundays beginner, intermediate & advanced run 9:30, 10:15 & 11:00am (respectively) | In Franklin: Wednesdays: 6:10, 6:50, 7:30pm. Register here.

  • Dance Classes – are running in Foxboro & Franklin. We also offer musical theatre classes at the Mansfield Y. Register here.

  • Theatre Classes – are in full swing at our Mansfield Arts & Education Center! Register here.

  • Fitness Classes – for youth ages 5-14 are a great way to stay active and build healthy habits. Register here.

  • Cooking Classes – are available for kids ages 3-10. Register here.

  • STEM – classes that are running now include Robotics, Coding and Legos for ages 6-8 at the Franklin Y. Register here.

Enrollment Details:

  • “Open Enrollment” is in place for most youth programs so that you can sign up for class and have your child join right away, participating through the end of this school year or until you’d like to stop. Transfers between classes may also take place if you wish.
  • Programs are charged monthly. Learn more here.

Prior to Coming to Class:

  • We encourage kids to arrive at the Y wearing their bathing suit for swim class or their leotard for gymnastics under their regular clothes ready to take class.
  • Please bring a full water bottle. (Water fountains are not available)
  • Face masks are required at all times while in the facility.
  • Please remember to leave at least 6 feet of space for social distancing between you and others.
  • We encourage bringing as few people as possible to your class so that we can keep numbers low and members can be safely distanced from each other.

When You Arrive:

  • You’ll be greeted by our Member Service Desk staff. All staff are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.
  • We will ask you health questions. Anyone that is symptomatic will not be allowed admission into the facility for the safety of all.
  • You will self scan into the facility using your key tag or the “HockYFitness” mobile app on your phone.
  • Locker rooms will be available for changing and individual showers are also available.
  • A limited number of lockers will be available for use.

Ways We’re Keeping You Safe:

  • Health screenings for all participants, caregivers and staff. You will be asked health questions prior to entering the Y each time you visit.
  • Self-scanning check in and check out.
  • Reduced capacity. Most classes have reduced capacity by 40%-50% to allow for social distancing. Max class sizes range from 3 to 8 kids per class depending upon program and size of space available.
  • Masks required for staff, participants and caregiver. Children must arrive wearing a mask or face covering. The only time masks are not required is when participants are in the pool swimming.
  • Between every class, staff will disinfect all used equipment, railings, seating and more.
  • Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer supplies are available for use.
  • When you exit the Y, please remember to scan out with your key tag. This process helps us keep track of our facility capacity to keep everyone safe.

What to Expect for Swim Lessons:

  • There will be very little seating on the pool deck and a small observation area in the main lobby to observe the pool.
  • Face masks are required at all times while in our facility and when entering the pool area. Your child will meet their swim instructor on the pool deck with their face mask on. Right before entering the water, participants can remove their mask and hand it to their parent/guardian.
  • Our swim instructors will teach both in and out of the pool depending on the level of instruction needed. Again, all staff will be wearing masks.
  • When the swim lesson is over, your child should get out of the water, dry off, and put their face mask on right away.
  • Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer supplies are available for use.
  • After the swim lesson, there is only a short window of time for instructors to talk to parents and clean equipment. You can proceed to the locker room to change.

What to Expect for Classes:

  • We encourage kids to arrive at the Y wearing clothes they need, under regular clothes if needed, so that they’ll be ready for class.
  • Have your child leave items in one of our cubbies located outside the gym when possible and wait outside the gym until their instructor calls them in.
  • Face masks are required to be worn at all times by participants, staff and caregivers.
  • When it’s time for class to begin, the gym doors will be opened. The instructor will call your child’s name for attendance. Your child will be asked to sanitize their hands upon entering the gym. They should bring in a full water bottle. If a child is allergic to hand sanitizer, they will be asked to wash their hands before entering the gym.

Other Amenity Information:

  • Limited seating will be available for each class to allow for social distancing. We ask that each child in class is accompanied by one caregiver during class, and that caregivers do not bring siblings who are not enrolled.
  • At this time our Kid’s Gyms are closed.

If Your Membership Is on Hold?

Call the Y to activate your membership from Hold; this will allow you to receive the member pricing on your program. Before your first visit, please be sure to review our new policies, sign our updated Waiver and Code of Conduct below. The prompt will ask you for your barcode which is the numbers on the back of your Hockomock Area YMCA keytag and your last name. If you do not have a Y keytag, call the Y for assistance.

Sign Waiver

We look forward to seeing you at the Y!

Posted on: Friday, November 20th, 2020

Vacation Week Programs & Care

When school is not in session due to the a school vacation week, kids are invited to join us at the Y for fun and active programs.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through Y programs, children are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, socialization, better health, and achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

These programs are being offered in partnership with YMCA staff on our Operations Program Team as well as our School Age Child Care Program Team.

Safety is our top priority, and the Covid safety protocols we’ve developed and are consistently enhancing are based on procedures developed for our successful Emergency Child Care programs, Summer Camps and our Out of School Time Virtual Learning Programs that allowed us to safely provide care during the last nine months. Please contact us with any questions about our safety procedures.

December Vacation Week Details:

  • Program Days: Monday, 12/28 through Thursday, 12/31
  • Program Hours: Monday, 12/28 through Wednesday, 12/30 7:00am – 6:00pm
  • Thursday, 12/31: 7:00am – 2:00pm (The Y closes at 2:00pm on New Year’s Eve)
  • Families can choose which day(s) they wish their child to participate.
  • Our Locations: The Foxboro Y; St. Marys Franklin and the North Attleboro Y.
  • Activities will vary per location and may include: Gymnastics, Swim, Outdoor Activities, STEM, Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Special Visitors, Gym Time.
  • Please bring a lunch, snacks and water bottle. Each child must wear a mask, and we encourage each child to bring an extra mask in their backpack. The only time children do not need to wear masks is when swimming in the pool.

at the Foxboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO Y)

We are also offering a Stay All Day Program on Christmas Eve – Thursday, 12/24 (9:00am-1:00pm) including cooking, baking, swimming and STEAM activities! Join our Nutrition Director Ms. Lauren and Enrichment Director Ms. Lyn for all the fun! For ages 5 to 10.REGISTER TODAY

Take advantage of the school vacation week with Private Swim Lessons at our Foxboro Y December 27 – 30. Increase a swimmer’s confidence by learning one-on-one with a YMCA instructor. Flexible scheduling with half hour private swim lessons.REGISTER TODAY

at the Franklin St. Mary’s former school location

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN ST. MARYS)

Milford Public School families can attend at the Franklin St. Mary’s former school location

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN ST. MARYS)

at the North Attleboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO Y)

We look forward to seeing you at the Y!

Posted on: Thursday, September 17th, 2020

Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program

Our YMCA’s Virtual Kindergarten Readiness program is designed to engage your child in developmentally appropriate activities to enhance and develop social-emotional, cognitive and language development, preparing your child for Kindergarten.

We developed and implemented this program in June. And it’s back by popular demand! We are starting new five-week sessions for both two and three day per week options starting September 21 and will run through October 20. Join us!

Each Virtual Kindergarten Readiness session will provide your child with opportunities to learn in a group setting via Zoom technology. Each session is 45 minutes in duration.
Sessions are being offered two days (Tuesday/Thursday) at 1:00pm and another at 2:00pm. These classes will be taught by teachers of our Children’s Center at our North Attleboro Y.
We are offering three day sessions (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) at 10:00am. These classes will be taught by our teachers of our Garelick Early Learning Center at our Franklin Y.

Sessions will be taught by Hockomock Area YMCA qualified teachers who meet the Department of Early Education Qualifications for Preschool Lead Teacher.

Sessions are driven by weekly topics that will provide each child an opportunity for sharing, and a strong emphasis on content through review and applications of mathematics and literacy concepts that are fundamental for their age group.

REGISTER TODAY

Each family will receive an email outlining the weekly lesson plans, attachments that will be provided for the week, and the link to the Zoom meeting. These lessons will contain materials needed for certain project/activities. All materials will be easily accessible in each family’s home.

For more information or questions, please contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org or call 781-879-6271.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

There are two packages available to both YMCA members and non-members. The duration of each session is 45 minutes. Participants can sign up weekly.

  • The two day a week session is $30 (members) and $40 (non-members) per week.
  • The three day a week session is $45 (members) and $60 (non-members) per week.

What are the YMCA staff qualifications?

Our staff have experience working with children and have a variety of educational backgrounds relative to this program including degrees in education or related areas of study.

Are staff background checked?

Yes, all Hockomock Area YMCA employees undergo a thorough background screening including criminal history, sex offender and reference checks.

What training do staff receive?

Our staff are required to complete online and in person Child Abuse Prevention training, as well as trainings on policies, procedures and risk management. Each preschool lead teacher has completed the MA Department of Early Education and Care Strong Start trainings (12hrs) as well as an additional 20 hours of classroom management, behavior management and curriculum implementation trainings.

Will my child be instructed one-on-one?

Virtual sessions will be in a group format and are designed for up to 8 children.

What technology is needed?

You will need a computer with a camera and an internet connection. Sessions will be conducted through Zoom. You do not need a Zoom account. An access link will be provided prior to your first session via the email you provided through YMCA registration.

What does a session include?

The YMCA’s Virtual Kindergarten Readiness program is designed to engage your child in developmentally appropriate activities to enhance and develop their social-emotional, cognitive and language development to prepare your child for Kindergarten. Each Virtual Kindergarten Readiness session will provide your child with opportunities to learn in a group setting via Zoom technology. Sessions are driven by weekly topics that will provide each child an opportunity for sharing, and a strong emphasis on content through review and applications of mathematics and literacy concepts that are fundamental for their age group.

How do I sign up?

Registration for this program can be done online or in-person at any Hockomock Area YMCA branch during our modified business hours.

What ages are eligible?

This service is available for children ages 4-6.

What days and times are sessions available?

Sessions are being offered two days (Tuesday/Thursday) or three days (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) per week.

How can I contact my child’s instructor?

We ask that communication with your instructor be conducted through email. Your instructor will provide you with their contact information prior to your first session.

Who should I contact with questions?

For more information or questions, please contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org or call 781-879-6271.

Posted on: Monday, August 24th, 2020

Spier Family Virtual Triathlon

SPIER FAMILY VIRTUAL TRIATHLON & DUATHLON

Participate virtually now through September 26,2020

REGISTER NOW

Participate in our virtual sprint triathlon or sprint duathlon now through September 26, 2020.

Fast Facts

  • Sprint Triathlon: 0.5 mile SWIM, 12.4 mile BIKE, 3.1 mile RUN.
  • Sprint Duathlon: 12.4 mile BIKE and 3.1 mile RUN.

Anyone ages 14 years or older can participate as an individual.

You can also participate as a team – the whole family can participate!

Your participation and entry fee will benefit our food securities initiatives. And your gift willl be doubled!

While our annual Spier Family Triathlon did not happen this year due to the pandemic, through the the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge when you participate in this virtual healthy living event, your registration fee will help alleviate hunger (and will be matched by this challenge) in our communities through our food security initiatives.

Learn more about our food access initiative at hockymca.org/food-access

REGISTER TODAY

Questions, please contact Katie Moore katiem@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, August 1st, 2020

YMCA Restaurant Week

We are partnering with local restaurants to host a Hockomock Area YMCA Restaurant Week the week of September 21st!

Take a well-deserved break from cooking and know that when you dine in or out on the following dates and restaurants, a portion of your bill will be donated by these restaurants back to supporting our YMCA’s food securities initiatives.

Your support will help individuals and families who continue to face food insecurity during this unprecedented time in our communities.

Partcipating Restaurants:

Unos Bellingham & Wrentham: Monday, September 21st

Uno’s will donate up to 20% of your check to benefit our YMCA. Share the coupon and present to the restaurant on Monday when you dine in or take out.

Bertucci’s: Wednesday, September 23rd

All local area Bertucci’s locations will donate 15% of your check to benefit our YMCA. Share the coupon and present to the restaurant on Wednesday when you dine in or take out. When ordering online, use the code: 112-388-175.

Evviva Trattoria: Thursday, September 24th

Evviva Trattoria: Add $10 to your bill and the restaurant will donate it back to our YMCA. When you do this, Evviva Trattoria will provide you with a $10 voucher to enjoy towards a future purchase. Share the coupon aand present to the restaurant on Thursday when you dine in or take out. Live entertainment on Thursday, too.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Alyson at alysonc@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

Summer Just Got Longer

DEAR PARENTS AND CAMPERS,


NEW! We have added a week of camp to the end of summer to accommodate the new start date for school. Week 13, September 8-11, is now available for registration for Camp Elmwood & Jr. Camp Elmwood, Camp WAPAWCA & Jr. Camp WAPAWCA, Camp Wiggi & Jr. Camp Wiggi, and for our teens….Voyager Camp!

We are excited to welcome you to summer camp at our locations in Franklin, Foxboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield, and Bellingham.

We have worked diligently with our local boards of health to provide a safe and caring place for our campers and our staff. Although we know that camp will look a little different this year, please know that the spirit and magic of summer camp will be alive and well, and the experience your camper will have here will be amazing, keeping with our tradition of offering a great, quality summer experience. Our camp staff team is looking forward to seeing you all!

Take a look at some important details we provide to parents and campers in our weekly welcome emails along with some additional tidbits of information.


VIEW CAMPS AVAILABLE & REGISTER WITH US


NEW! Week 13: September 8-11 is now available for registration for our traditional camps and teen Voyager Camp.

Other camp opportunities include:

FRANKLIN:

  • Camp Wiggi (grades 1-6) & Jr. Camp Wiggi (ages 3-5) – ongoing through September 11th
  • Camp Silver Lake in BELLINGHAM (grades 1-6) – ongoing through August 21st
  • Super Sports Camp (grades 1-6) – ongoing through August 28th
  • Gymnastics Camps (grades 1-8 & ages 3-5) – through August 28th
  • STEM Camps: Space & Rocketry (grades 4-8) – Week of August 3rd; Engineering & Technology (grades 2-5) – Week of August 10th; Wonderful World of Steam (grades K-1) – Week of August 24th
  • Voyagers Camp – Juniors (grades 6/7), Seniors (grades 8/9) – ongoing through September 11th
  • LIT: Leader-In-Training (grades 7/8) – July 27-August 14
  • CIT: Counselor-In-Training (grades 9/10) – ongoing through September 11th

FOXBORO:

  • Camp WAPAWCA (grades 1-5) & Jr. Camp WAPAWCA (ages 3-5) – ongoing through September 11thr
  • Super Sports Camp (grades 1-6) – ongoing through August 28th.
  • Gymnastics Camps (grades 1-8) – Week of July 27 or Week of August 10
  • Voyagers Camp – Juniors (grades 6/7), Seniors (grades 8/9) – ongoing through September 11th
  • LIT: Leader-In-Training (grades 7/8) – July 27-August 14
  • CIT: Counselor-In-Training (grades 9/10) – ongoing through September 4th

NORTH ATTLEBORO:

  • Camp Elmwood (grades 1-6) & Jr. Camp Elmwood (ages 3-5) – ongoing through September 11th
  • Super Sports Camp (grades 1-6) – ongoing through August 28th
  • Gymnastics Camps (grades 1-8 & ages 3-5) – ongoing through August 21st
  • Half Day Swim Camps (ages 5+) – Weeks of August 3rd and August 10th; Half Day Elmwood available for 2nd half of day
  • NEW Baking & Cooking Camp (grades 1-8) – Week of August 24th
  • Voyagers Camp – Juniors (grades 6/7), Seniors (grades 8/9) – ongoing through September 11th
  • LIT: Leader-In-Training (grades 7/8) – July 27-August 14
  • CIT: Counselor-In-Training (grades 9/10) – ongoing through September 11th
  • New Horizons Teen Village (grades 7+)(Camp for teens with special needs) – Week of August 10th & 17th

MANSFIELD:

  • Story Explorers (Ages 3-6) – half day theatre camp for the Week of August 9th
  • 3-Week Musical Theatre Production Camp (grades 3-9) – July 20-August 7


THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

  • Camps will celebrate a fun theme each week
  • Although we will not be able to include field trips in our programming this year due to COVID 19, we are safely incorporating special guests into our camp experience for all age groups in place of field trips.
  • Videos and pictures are posted throughout the week of our fun times in camp on our camp Facebook pages.
  • We have a free Popsicle Day once per week!
  • Friday is Pizza Day! ($1.00 per slice)
  • Look for a counselor spotlight each week in your welcome newsletter!
  • All of our camp staff are certified in CPR and First Aid, and have had extensive and mandatory child sexual abuse prevention training, and have signed a staff statement of compliance with our Y’s Code of Conduct, Abuse Prevention policies, and Child Safety absolutes.
  • Financial assistance is available for families in need. Contact Lynette or Lori at Foxboro/Mansfield, North Attleboro, Franklin for more information.
  • Your child(ren) will play, laugh and learn and have a wonderful camp experience with us.


WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY

  • Face mask or covering – Masks will be worn during drop off & pick up, when traveling to and from the restroom and changing areas, and when social distancing is not possible.
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Healthy lunch, snacks, and drink
  • Re-fillable water bottle
  • Labeled gallon zip-lock bag with child safe scissors, glue stick, colored pencils, and markers (minimum of 5 colors)
  • Please have camper wear closed-toe shoes/sneakers to camp

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • PLEASE LABEL all items with your camper’s name
  • It’s best to keep everything in a backpack
  • Send a plastic bag to put wet clothing in after swim, so the rest of the items do not get wet in the backpack.
  • Freeze a water bottle the night before camp and pack in lunch box to keep lunch cold
  • Pack flip flogs for walking to the pool
  • Hat – optional


SUMMER CAMP ARRIVAL PROTOCOL

DROP-OFF for camp is between 8:30am-9:15am. Please remember to stay in your car and follow the marked signs to the designated area.
If you signed your child up for Pre-Camp, drop off is between 7:00am-8:30am.

STAFF: Upon arrival, each staff member will go through a health screening and have their bag wiped down with wipes.
CAMPERS: Upon arrival, the following will happen to ensure that campers are coming to camp healthy and ready for a good day. Staff will be wearing face masks and gloves while maintaining social distances during camper drop off.

  1. Parent or guardian will be greeted warmly.
  2. Staff will ask parent/guardian health questions and complete a camper health screening.
    A) Today or in the past 24 hours, have you or any household members had any of the following symptoms?
    • Fever (temperature of 100 degrees F or above)?
    • Felt feverish or had chills?
    • Cough?
    • Sore throat?
    • Difficulty breathing?
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)?
    • Abdominal pain?
    • Unexplained rash?
    • Fatigue?
    • Headache?
    • New loss of smell, taste?
    • New muscle aches?
    • Any other signs of illness?
    B) In the past 14 days, have you had close contact with a person known to be infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
    C) Has your child traveled outside of the Northeast (MA, CT, VT, NH, ME, NY, NJ) within the past 14 days? If the answer is yes, your child is not able to attend camp until a 14-day self-quarantine period has passed.

    IMPORTANT UPDATE:

    Parents, due to the updated travel restrictions which now include Rhode Island, our YMCA will be following state guidelines as well as the guidance from our local boards of health. If you have traveled to Rhode Island as of August 1st you we will not be able to allow your child into camp unless they have quarantined for 14 days or can produce a negative nasal COVID test.

  3. If camper passes health screening, staff will use touch-less scanning to sign them into camp.
  4. Camper exits car. Camper will be given some hand sanitizer and their bag will be wiped down after arrival. If child is in a car seat and needs help getting out of car, please pull the car over to your right.
  5. The fun camp day is about to begin!


SUMMER CAMP PICK-UP PROTOCOL

PLEASE REMEMBER:

  • Please stay in your car during pick-up.
  • All campers need to be signed out of camp. Thank you for your patience.
  • To ensure a safe transfer for your child, we require a photo ID to pick up, every day. Please have your ID ready at dismissal to help with a smooth transition.
  • If you would like to speak with your child’s counselor, please pull forward and to the right of pick-up and let us know. There might be a slight delay due to the time. Thank you for your patience.
  • Campers may also take advantage of post camp options. Sign up here
  • If you need to dismiss your child prior to 3:30pm, please contact the camp office so that we may have your child ready for pick-up.

PICK-UP TIMES:

  • Mansfield Theatre Camps and Camp Silver Lake: Pick up time is between 3:45-4:15
  • All other camps will follow a staggered, scheduled pick-up time for children:
    • If your child’s last name starts with the letters A-H, your pick-up time will be at 3:45pm.
    • If your child’s last name starts with the letters I-P, your pick-up time will be at 4:00pm.
    • If your child’s last name starts with the letters Q-Z, your pick-up time will be at 4:15pm.
  • POST CAMP: Pick-up times for post camp are between 4:15pm-6:00pm. Please stay in your car and have your photo ID ready.


RAINY DAYS

A decision will be made by 5:00pm on whether to make the following day of camp, a “Rainy Day”.
When a Rainy Day is called:

North Attleboro

Foxboro

  • All Foxboro camps will remain at the Foxboro YMCA, rain or shine.
  • We are not able to offer swimming on rainy days.

Franklin

  • Silver Lake Camp will move to the Community Center located at 2 Maple Street, Bellingham, MA when a rainy day is called. Pick up time will stay the same, between 3:30-4:15mp
  • All other Franklin YMCA camps will remain at the Franklin YMCA, rain or shine.
  • We are not able to offer swimming on rainy days.

Rainy Day Reminders

  • Camp staff will direct cars where to go at each rainy day location during morning drop off and afternoon pick up.
  • We require a photo ID to pick up your camper every day. Please have your ID ready at dismissal to help with the smooth transition.
  • Throughout the day, covered areas and rooms inside the building may be used during rain. All campers will be brought inside if lightning occurs.
  • Please check out our Camp Facebook pages and website for updates on rainy days.


DID YOU KNOW

The Hockomock Area YMCA welcomes children with special needs. In Franklin, please contact Sarah Henesey, Association Senior Director of Inclusion; In Foxboro or Mansfield, please contact Barbara Morris, Director of Inclusion; In North Attleboro, please contact Michelle Deschenes, Inclusion Specialist; if you have a child that may need additional supports in order to be successful in camp. We have wonderful staff and amazing volunteers who can assist your child. In most cases, we can accommodate your child’s PCA, ABA, or other support staff that may be necessary for your child’s inclusion. With a little extra time and lots of creativity, we can include your child and make sure he or she has an amazing experience this summer. In order to coordinate support for your child, registration and contact with the Inclusion staff must occur at least one week prior to your child’s week at camp.


PARENT TESTIMONIALS RECEIVED AFTER 1ST WK OF CAMP

“It has made me so unbelievably happy these past two days seeing all these pictures of kids having fun and finally being kids after these few months. My son is so psyched about camp and now I’m so psyched to send him, thank you!” – camp parent

“Just a quick note about camp. My friends’ daughter started Junior Camp Elmwood today. She had never attended before and suffered from major anxiety going to day care the last couple years. She’s an only child and the last few months have been really tough for their family. My friends decided to give camp a shot instead of waiting to see how day care played out. Anyway, she is home after her first half day and can’t stop talking about how much fun she had. It was a great first day experience.” – camp parent


THANK YOU

Thank you choosing our Y to provide a fun and safe camp experience for your child. We understand these are uncertain times and we are grateful to the many families who have signed up for summer camp. We appreciate your confidence, support, and patience. We look forward to welcoming and serving you and your child(ren) at camp this summer.

If you haven’t signed up for camp or would like to add sessions, or pre & post camp, visit our

ONLINE REGISTRATION

We look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,

Alex Dorson, Kerrie Francis, Ashli Phillips, Julia Paolino
Camp Directors

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066