June Newsletter: Break the hunger and a sweat this summer

Help end hunger with the Y

The YMCA is partnering with WLOS to bring healthy food to children. Break the Hunger is a food drive that improves food access for kids when they’re out of school for the summer. With support from Carolina Furniture Concepts and Two Men and a Truck, the June 13 event will spotlight our work across the region and help us reach even more families in need, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene.  

The food drive is collecting healthy, shelf-stable snacks to create “snack packs” for kids. We’ll distribute them at our Mobile Food Markets, which are expanding to meet increased demand.  

Items like applesauce, granola bars, trail mix, fruit cups, and nut butters are especially needed. All donations should be low in added sugar and sodium, have no trans fats, and be mostly whole foods.  

Collection boxes are available at every YMCA location. Donations will also be accepted at Carolina Furniture Concepts on the day of the event. Join us in making this summer healthier and happier!  

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Keep your kids active all summer long

The Y is the place for kids and teens to stay active and have fun this summer. Here’s how:

• Our half-day sports camps let kids learn and play basketball, flag football, pickleball, soccer, rock climbing, archery, and more. These camps are designed to help kids ages 5-16 build skills and confidence in and out of the game. Sports and ages vary by camp. Learn more and register here.
• Children ages 3-5 will enjoy a half-day of arts, crafts, songs, outdoor play, and water safety at Camp Kiddos. They’ll get prepared for school while learning new things and making friends in a fun and safe environment. Find more information and sign up here.
• Teens ages 13-15 can use the wellness center on their own after completing a Youth and Family Orientation. Learn more here.
• YMCA Camp Watia is an overnight camp where kids ages 8-17 can dare, discover, and dream. A limited number of camper bunks remain. Learn more here.

Financial assistance is available for Y membership and programs. Learn more here.

A workout for the whole family

Make the most of your workout time while showing your children the benefits of staying active. Parents and kids are invited to a free Family Bootcamp at the Reuter Family Y on Sat., June 28 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Have fun building healthy habits as a family in a safe and supportive environment. Children ages 5 and up are welcome. Learn more and sign up here. 

Parents, take time for you

School is out and parents' schedules just got a lot busier. Need a break? Drop off your kids ages 1-12 and enjoy an evening to yourself. The Parents Night Out is a fun, safe, and affordable alternative to babysitting. This program is open to the public and is offered at multiple locations on different dates. Find the option that works best for you here.

Bonus: Every quarter, household members and single adult members with dependents receive one free Parents Time Out session.

Groove and move together  

Join us for Family Zumba at the Asheville YMCA on Sunday, June 22 at 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. to dance, laugh, and get active together! This upbeat, easy-to-follow workout is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. No dance experience needed. This free event is open to the community.

Be the difference

Discover new ways to support young people with Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, this free two-day course is an opportunity to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues in youth. Learn more and find our upcoming trainings here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Build strength in each step

Looking for ways to improve your strength, balance, and mobility? Silver and Strong is a small group 8-week strength training program for older adults that aims to challenge your body in new ways through specially designed workouts.

• Asheville YMCA: June 13-Aug. 18, Fridays, 1-2 p.m. Sign up here.
• Hendersonville Family YMCA: June 17-July 31, Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sign up here. 

Caring through connection: Alzheimer’s awareness at the Y

Over 55 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. During National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, the Y is raising awareness about brain health and the steps we can take to protect it. Staying active and socially connected can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It’s never too early — or too late— to start! Just a little movement can make a big difference. Click here to explore our programs to support your brain and body health.

In partnership with Dementia Partners AVL, the Y hosts a group that provides support for caregivers and folks with dementia or related ailments. Watch the video below to learn more.

Find something new at the Y  

Whether you're interested in crafting, games, learning new things, or finding a supportive community, the Y offers a wide array of activities for different interests and needs.

• Calisthenics Workshop: Learn the basics of calisthenics and discover how this form of exercise can enhance your workout routine. This free event occurs on Monday, June 9 from 3-4 p.m. at the Reuter Family Y and is open to the community. Learn more here.
• Art Class: Dive into the world of art and let your creativity flow at the Woodfin Y. On Thursday, June 12 from 3:30-5 p.m., this class will help you explore your creative side while making new friends. This class is free and open to the community, and materials will be provided. Learn more here.
• Grief Support Group: In partnership with Black Mountain Counseling Center, the Black Mountain Y is hosting a support group for all forms of grief and loss. This group will meet on Tuesday, June 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. and is free and open to the community. Childcare will be provided. Learn more here.
• Crafting Club: All craft enthusiasts are invited to come to the Hendersonville Family Y on Thursday, June 26 from 1-3 p.m. for our crafting club. Bring your current project, get inspired, and connect with fellow crafters. All creative hobbies, ages, and skill levels are welcome. This is a free event open to the community. Learn more here.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Y. Discover all of our events here.

From surviving to thriving: A tribute to our warriors

In June, we honor the courage, resilience, and hope of millions during National Cancer Survivors Month. During this time, the Y highlights LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, an evidence-based program for those living with cancer. Through this program, the Y supports participants with the tools they need to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more here.

Never miss a workout

Can't make it to the gym during your busy day? Work out anywhere, anytime with YMCA360! This platform has a variety of virtual workouts, live-streamed content, kids' activities, educational videos, and more. Learn how to get started here.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Holiday hours

All YMCA of Western North Carolina facilities will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Regular hours will resume on June 20.

Explore new job opportunities

Love the Y? Why not work here too? We’re hiring a variety of part-time positions. You’ll enjoy a flexible schedule and a free YMCA membership while also making a difference in our community. Find our current openings here.

Free fresh food for all

Enjoy the taste of summer at our Mobile Food Markets. Every month we visit many locations around the region to distribute free healthy food, as well as tasty recipes and valuable nutrition information. Distributions are open to the public; no questions asked. See this month's schedule here.

Celebrating Father’s Day

Did you know that Father’s Day started at the Y? Over 110 years ago, a young woman raised by her single father wanted to celebrate fatherhood. The first Father’s Day celebration was held at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Here’s to all the dads and father figures who keep our families and our community healthy and strong!