NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Join Us for Camp Blast Family Night

Friday, March 30th, 6:30-8:00pm

You are invited to enjoy a ‘summer-like’ evening filled with fun for the whole family! You’ll also learn why kids have the ‘Best Summer Ever’ when they attend our summer camps.

Our Camp Blast Family Night will include:

Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Face Painting
Camp Songs
STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math)
Crafts, Games, Raffles, & Prizes
Bouncy House
& Much More

Children will get to participate in and experience Y Camp hands-on. Parents and prospective campers will have the chance to tour our camp facilities, meet camp directors and counselors, ask questions, and try out the many activities our summer camps offer.

We’re going to have lots of fun! Join us at our free family event at our Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro Branches.

Want to see all our offerings as well as registration forms? Visit our CAMP WEBPAGE

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: Monday, March 19th, 2018

Join us for Springtime Activities

It’s time to bring on spring; and what better way than to participate in some, fun spring-like activities.


#1

Breakfast with the Bunny

Saturday, March 24 at all three of our branches

EVENT DETAILS:

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with your little ones and capture the moment they meet the bunny!

9:00am or 10:00am breakfast seatings in Franklin and North Attleboro.

9:30am or 10:30am breakfast seatings in Foxboro.
The bunny will visit each breakfast seating.

Kids will enjoy some fun spring activities and crafts.
Cost: $5/Family & Single Parent Members; $8/All Others; Children under 1 are free.

Register by visiting a branch or by calling any Member Service Desk.

#2

Hippity Hop

I spy an Easter egg in the pool! Children are invited to bring their swimsuits and dive for Easter eggs filled with tokens for prizes and more!

  • Free event for family-type members. All others – $6.00 each.
  • Please bring a basket to hold prizes and eggs!

EVENT DETAILS:

Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038
Saturday, March 24, 2018

  • Craft offered before and after swim
  • Easter Bunny on site from 1:30-3:00pm
  • Children age 6 & Under must have adult supervision with them in the water
  • Non-Swimmers must have adult supervision with them in the water
  • Swim Egg Hunt Times: 1:30-2:00pm OR 2:15-2:45pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch 67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02067
Friday, March 30, 2018

  • Easter Bunny on site from 12:00-2:00pm
  • Children age 6 & Under: 12:00-1:00pm
    (Children must have adult supervision with them in the water.)
  • Children age 7 & Over: 1:00-2:00pm
    (Non-Swimmers must have adult supervision with them in the water.)

North Attleboro Branch 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760
Friday, March 30, 2018

  • Craft and snack in lobby: 11:30am-12:30pm
  • Easter Bunny on site from 12:00-1:15pm
  • Children age 6 & Under: 12:00-12:30pm
    (Children must have adult supervision with them in the water.)
  • Children age 7 & Over: 12:45-1:15pm
    (Non-Swimmers must have adult supervision with them in the water.)

Register by visiting a branch or by calling any Member Service Desk.


#3

Y Eat Healthy Book Club

Claire Duckmanton, Hockomock Area YMCA Nutrition Director and Bonnie Tragakis, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from An Unlikely Story are partnering to offer a free community book club focused on healthy eating and living!

Join us at the North Attleboro Branch and an Unlikely Story (alternating months) to explore cookbooks, food literature, cooking methods, and lifestyle changes centered around real, whole foods and a clean eating lifestyle.

  • Tuesday, March 20th, 7:00-8:00pm @ the North Attleboro Branch YMCA
    “100 Days of Real Food” by Lisa Leake

  • Tuesday, April 10th, 7:00-8:00pm @ An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe
    “Healthy Meal Prep” by Stephanie Tornatore & Adam Bannon

  • Tuesday, May 8th, 7:00-8:00pm @ the North Attleboro Branch YMCA
    “Easy Vegetarian One-Pot”

Open to all –omnivores to vegans–who are open to cooking; and requesting that everyone remain open and respectful of others’ choices.

A YMCA membership is not required.

Food tastings and cooking demos will be sprinkled in as well!

An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe will offer a 10% discount on all books purchased during each book club session. Book purchases are not required for participation.

Posted on: Sunday, March 18th, 2018

April Food Drive

Partner with us for our 4th annual Healthy Food Access Food Drive!

All month long in April, you can make a difference by donating to this initiative to help our neighbors in need in our communities. Bring a healthy food item (or two!) along for your next visit to the Y. We are collecting at our branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro and at locations throughout our communities.

Through this food drive, the YMCA aims to collect healthier food items to provide to local food pantry partners and educate the community about the need for improved access to healthy food choices. Did you know? One in nine people in eastern Massachusetts is at risk for food insecurity.

Suggested items include: whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is also looking for volunteers! Volunteer support is needed to help the YMCA team in a variety of capacities including: weighing and counting donations, transporting donated items to area food pantries, and helping spread the word about this initiative with friends and neighbors. A flyer containing all the details is available here for convenient download.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Shannon Nisbett at shannonn@hockymca.org.

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: 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: Thursday, February 8th, 2018

New YMCA Swim Lessons Curriculum

This winter, our YMCA is updating our swim lesson program, so expect to see a great new look and simpler class names. The latest evolution of Y Swim Lessons accommodates varying abilities and will foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress between levels. Through this approach, advanced swimmers flow more easily to higher levels while swimmers who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.

Our Youth Program Guide explains everything and provides a schedule for all the new classes, but here’s a quick overview. In our updated curriculum, there are three general categories of Y Swim Lessons:

SWIM STARTERS: Baby & Toddler Lessons with Parent
Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision.
Swim Starters classes are Stages A, B, C.

SWIM BASICS: Fundamentals of Swimming
Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming.
Swim Basics classes are Stages 1, 2, 3.

SWIM STROKES: Refining Stroke Technique
Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
Swim Strokes classes are Stages 4, 5, 6.

Each Swim Lessons category has three stages or levels that are designed for swimmers of every age and ability.

SWIM STARTERS BABY & TODDLER LESSONS WITH PARENT

Parent/Child
6 Months – 3 Years

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision.

A / WATER DISCOVERY

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.

B / WATER EXPLORATION

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

C / WATER INDEPENDENCE

Parents work with their children to develop comfort in underwater exploration by learning self rescue techniques. This class is geared for children not ready to be independent from parents.

SWIM BASICS FUNDAMENTALS OF SWIMMING

Everyone
Ages 3 and up

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming.

1 / WATER ACCLIMATION

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation for a student’s future progress in swimming.

2 / WATER MOVEMENT

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.

3 / WATER STAMINA

In stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety 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.

SWIM STROKES REFINING STROKE TECHNIQUE

Everyone
Ages 5 and up

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

4 / STROKE INTRODUCTION

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

5 / STROKE DEVELOPMENT

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

6 / STROKE MECHANICS

In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

In the coming days, we’ll provide some helpful resources to make sure everyone in your family will know how to choose the right Swim Lesson class, and if you have any questions please stop in at your local YMCA or give us a call.

Posted on: Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Annual Campaign Breakfast 2018

Join us as we kick off our 2018 Annual Campaign.

REACH OUT FOR
YOUTH AND FAMILIES
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST

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

Friday, March 16, 2018
at Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Massachusetts
»» Networking begins at 7:00 a.m.
»» Breakfast and Program at 7:30 a.m.
»» RSVP by March 9 to: realimpact@hockymca.org
or call 508.643.5278

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

The Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign provides necessary funding for our YMCA’s vital community service initiatives. Funds raised 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.

Posted on: Monday, January 22nd, 2018

Say hello to February Break!

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In.

Kids ages 5-17 are invited to join us during February school break for fun, social, and educational activities.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, at the Y we offer flexible schedules and the opportunity for kids to learn skills and build relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, educational achievement, all while having a lot of fun.

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

in North Attleboro

We are pleased to offer a variety of specialized options for you to choose from. We have Elmwood Days which offers a range of activities for kids ages 6-12 and a great way to “try out” camp. Field trips include the Museum of Science, Lazer Gate, Snow Tubing at New England Sports Park, the Cinema Pub and Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium, & Ice Skating/Camp Day.

For our specialty camps, choose from Swim Camp for ages 5-13, Gymnastics Camps for ages 3-5 or 6-14, Vacation Craft Camp for ages 4 to 9, or Super Sports Camp for ages 6-12. All of these programs offer swim time in our pool.

We have Pre & Post Care available for kids ages 5 to 14 for parents who need childcare options before 9:00am and after 4:00pm.

For our outdoor enthusiast pre-teens and teens, join us to go rock climbing or skiing with transportation to and from the North Attleboro Branch.

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO)!

Details on the North Attleboro programs are found on the flyer below.

Download the North Attleboro Flyer

in Foxboro:

We are pleased to host special visitors daily to offer enriching experiences for our Foxboro campers ages 3-5 enrolled in Junior Wapawca.

We offer Vacation Combo programs, for our sports enthusiasts between the ages of 4-7 to enjoy a variety of sports and gymnastics. Our school-aged campers–ages 5-11, will have a great time in our popular Foxboro Wapawca Days, with field trips to Lazer Gate, snow tubing at the New England Sports Park, the New England Aquarium, United Skates of America, and Altitude Trampoline Park! Pre & Post Care programs are available for kids ages 5 to 14 for parents who need childcare options before 9:00am and after 4:00pm.

Kids ages 10 to 14 are invited to check out Voyagers Adventures where they will have fun snow tubing, creating at Fungineers Stem, rock climbing, shooting arrows during archery, and visiting Patriots Place. Or pre-teen and teen outdoor enthusiasts can join us to go rock climbing or skiing with transportation to and from the North Attleboro branch of our Y.

Teens 16 years and older are invited to register for our YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course. The course dates are 2/17 Saturday, 1:00-5:00pm and 2/19-2/21, Monday – Wednesday, 9:00am-5:30pm. The course includes: CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin, and First Aid certifications. There is required online training pre-course work. Participants must pass a swim test to take the course. To participate, please contact sheilar@hockymca.org or 508-772-1325 to schedule a swim test.

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO)!

Details on the Foxboro programs are found on the flyer below.

Download the Foxboro Flyer

in Franklin

At the Franklin Y, we offer full day camps and extended day options, whether your interests include playing games/sports, exploring new destinations, learning new skills, or improving your swimming, we’ve got something to engage and support you. Please contact ryank@hockymca.org or 774-235-2736.

For teens, outdoor enthusiasts like yourself will get together from our branches and take part in rock climbing and/or skiing day trips, with transportation to and from the Bernon Branch.

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN)!

Details on the Franklin programs are found on the flyer below.

Download the Franklin Flyer

Posted on: Monday, January 22nd, 2018

Join us for Family Time!

4 Ways to Stay Warm this Winter!

Chase away the winter blues with our top suggestions for getting your family together with others while the kids exert energy, try new things, make new friends…and be kids!


#1

Valentine’s Dance

Friday, February 9
Join us for a Sock Hop as our DJ fires up this year’s favorite tunes. Don’t miss our annual Family Valentine’s Dance! We whole heartedly invite you to participate in the evening’s crafts, healthy snacks and more.

EVENT DETAILS:

FREE! Fun for the entire family
Our Foxboro Branch will have a DJ and dancing, a photo booth, nail salon, temporary tattoos, games, snacks, and more.
Our Franklin Branch will have music and dancing, beauty makeovers, an indoor snowball fight, snacks, and more. Please bring a pair of new socks to donate to our Sock Drive!
Our North Attleboro Branch will have 50’s themed fun with stilt walking, jacks, hula hoops, slinkies, and more! And don’t forget to bring in some new socks to donate for our sock drive.
Runs: 6:30-8:00pm in Franklin, Foxboro and North Attleboro

#2

Sweetheart Lunch

Wednesday, February 14 at all three of our branches
Enjoy lunch with your sweetheart!

EVENT DETAILS:

11:30am-12:30pm in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro
Serving heart-shaped sun butter and jelly sandwiches and strawberry yogurt parfait
Cost: $5/Members $8/Program Members

Register for Sweetheart Lunch

#3

Minion and a Movie

Drop off your kiddos to watch a movie ‘with a Minion!’
(and enjoy some time for yourself while they have fun)

When? Friday, January 26 at our Franklin Branch

EVENT DETAILS:

12:30-3:30pm
Cost: $15/each (children must be potty-trained)
Don’t forget to wear your cozy pajamas!

Register for a Minion Event

#4

Hosting Made Easy

Celebrate your birthday or event at the Y! We offer a variety of party packages including access to a birthday party room and use of our facility. Our most popular events are pool parties, gymnastics and sports parties, arts themed parties and dance parties. Other rentals include graduation, youth group overnights, and adventure packages.

To book your event or find out more information, please call the Y or CONTACT US.

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