YMCA of the Roses - Lancaster County

June is National Cancer Survivor Month. The YMCA of the Roses celebrates ALL survivors, regardless of the diagnosis or how far along on their recovery journey they may be. Our evidence-based programming, such as LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps our Lancaster community regain strength and confidence. Visit rosesymca.org/programs to learn more.

A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing golfers, sponsors, staff, and volunteers who made our Scott Kimmel Memorial Golf Outing yesterday at Bent Creek Country Club a resounding success! Your participation and generosity directly support our mission and programs. We are truly grateful for your invaluable support.

Let's give a big shout out to our incredible sponsors! Thank you to The W. Dale Brougher Foundation for being our Diamond Sponsor, and to Precor for your support as Platinum Sponsor. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to the following sponsors: The Dyer Company, RKL LLP, Barley Snyder, Colony Packaging & Machine, FASTSIGNS, Lancaster Stormers, Rodgers & Associates, Doceo, EI Associates, Freemotion Fitness, High Companies, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, and Stewart & Tate. Your support makes a significant impact and helps us continue our vital work in the community.

Special thanks to the team at Bent Creek Country Club for their exceptional assistance throughout the day.

Our Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA and City Center YMCA branches both participate in Silver Sneakers! Stop by the welcome desk at your local branch to get started with your Silver Sneakers membership!

Yes! We do participate in Silver Sneakers. Come on down! We offer group exercise classes, water exercise classes, personal training and so much more! We would love to have you, stop by the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA to activate your Silver Sneakers membership today

At our recent Annual Meeting, we were honored to celebrate two individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others and their communities.

We honored both William “Bill” Shipley, and posthumously, Grant Hummer with the Lifetime of Service Award. This award recognizes the impact they made on their respective communities in both York and Lancaster.

William “Bill” Shipley was a member of the YMCA of York and York County’s Board of Directors from 1991 to 2001 and served as Chair in 1999 and 2000. He has also been active in the York community, serving on the boards of York College, York Area Sports Night, Martin Library, Wyndham Hills Property Owners Association, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization, and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America.

Currently, Bill sits on the boards of Maple Press and Positive Energy Arts, while also serving as vice chair of the Penn State Libraries Development Board.

Grant Hummer joined the board of the Lancaster Family YMCA in 2005 where he served for nearly 20 years until his passing. He not only served on the Corporate Board but also on the Branch Board for the City Center YMCA, the Board of Camp Shand, and as Chair of the Building Services Committee, where his leadership was instrumental in building two new YMCA branches in Lancaster and Lampeter-Strasburg.

Additionally, Grant played a key role in the merger between the Lancaster Family YMCA and the YMCA of York and York County—helping us become who we are today: the YMCA of the Roses.

To read more about Bill and Grant, visit tinyurl.com/23pkhra6.

While our New American Welcome Center is located in York, we take pride in the efforts of our Lancaster team collaborating with community partners to welcome newcomers to the Lancaster area.

Mark your calendars for this year's Welcome Week: September 13-22, 2024! More details to come.

World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations, is recognized globally to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict and persecution. At the City Center YMCA, we welcome our local refugee neighbors through our Membership and Program Discounts and our work with the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13, CWS, and Bethany Christian Services. For more information, please contact our Welcome Desk at 717-393-9622.

Did you know Lancaster City is a Certified Welcoming City? To learn more about what this means and how you can help, go to https://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/welcome/.

Also, mark your calendars for this year's Welcome Week: September 13-22, 2024! More details to come.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, celebrates the emancipation of those who were enslaved—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To celebrate, the Y invites you to learn more about this day of freedom!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Meeting last night at York Revolution! Together, we celebrated the Y's impact in 2023. We recognized staff milestones, bid farewell to board members, honored Lifetime of Service honorees, and showcased our amazing volunteers.

A special shout-out to all our volunteers, board members, and staff! Your dedication and support make a real difference in our community.

The Y would like to give a special thank you to our outgoing board members, Dave Gruno, Larry Kouma, Delma Rivera-Lytle, and Board Chair Gina Kruper. They have provided invaluable guidance and leadership and have steered the Y through successful initiatives and strategic decisions.

We'll be sharing a post later this week to spotlight our lifetime of service award honorees, William Shipley and posthumously, Grant Hummer.

You can view our 2023 Impact Report here: https://tinyurl.com/fprm9jb2

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and dad figures in our Y family! Thank you for all you do to keep our families and our community healthy and strong! 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

Our campers at City Center YMCA's Camp Unity had quite the week for Fear Factor Week! Thank you to our friends at Reptile Invasion for stopping by and teaching the kids about reptiles!

We still have a limited amount spots left at Camp Unity and Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA's Camp Friendship. Find your adventure at the Y this summer! Visit rosesymca.org/summer-camp to learn more!

A huge thank you to our friends at the Lancaster Chamber for letting the Y be in their opening video for their 152nd Annual Chamber Dinner! Special shoutout to City Center YMCA member Sam for his participation in the basketball section!

We also want to extend our thanks to the talented team at MAKE / FILMS for spending an afternoon with us at the Y to capture those moments.

Go watch the full video now!

152nd Annual Dinner Opening Video

Help support TeenHaven at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster City by donating sports equipment at the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA between June 1-30!

Thank you to Henry Paterson for bringing his project to the Y and our community!

“My goal was to design a project that would directly help our Lancaster community. As a student-athlete, I was drawn to the notion of collecting sports equipment at the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA and donating the equipment to Teen Haven at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster City.”

Donate Sports Equipment at the LS YMCA to support TeenHaven at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster City June 1st –30th!

This project was created by Henry Paterson, a rising junior at Bridgeway Homeschool Academy. Henry is a member of the National Beta Club, an organization that promotes academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among elementary and secondary school students.



“My goal was to design a project that would directly help our Lancaster community. As a student-athlete, I was drawn to the notion of collecting sports equipment at the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA and donating the equipment to Teen Haven at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster City.”



Teen Haven is equipping urban youth through Christian faith and guidance and giving young people opportunities to launch into a life of leadership and purpose by providing a safe, fun, and loving environment, diverse and creative programs, and building trusting relationships. Through the donations of sports equipment, we can provide Lancaster City youth with the means to engage in physical exercise and get outdoors as summer vacation begins.



Donations can be placed in the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA lobby in the donation bin.

Thank you all for your support!

It’s Founder’s Day! On this date in 1844, George Williams and 11 other young men held a meeting in London that would lead to the founding of the YMCA. For 180 years, the Y has worked to strengthen communities –creating the first group swim classes, spearheading the first English as a Second Language (ESL) class and addressing chronic disease through programs like the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

We had a great time last night at Fig Lancaster's Summer Issue launch party at Issei Noodle Lancaster! We are excited to feature our personal training program at City Center YMCA in this issue. Special thanks to Megan for sharing her Y story with us.

"I learned this lifestyle is a lifelong journey with no finish line, so it's important to enjoy the process just as much as the progress and achievements."

View the summer issue here: https://issuu.com/figindustries/docs/fl-summer2024_web?fr=sMDIyNjY0ODYzODM

To learn more about personal training, visit https://www.rosesymca.org/programs/22531317/personal-training/?locations=3149

At the YMCA of the Roses, you BELONG here. Pride Month is an opportunity to live up to our mission of providing a safe, welcoming community for all.

A group of our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants recently graduated from their program! The group celebrated their strength, success, and friendship with a potluck at the end of their final session, which was concluded with a body prayer led by one of our participants.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA assists those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to regain strength and connect with other cancer survivors. It is a 12-week program with 2 sessions per week that seeks to improve physical fitness, build confidence, and improve overall quality of life.

To learn more about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, email Jessica Rodriguez at [email protected] or go to https://www.rosesymca.org/programs/163/livestrong-at-the-ymca-cancer-survivor-program/ .

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of the Roses is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

In memory of many, in honor of all. On this Memorial Day, we express our gratitude and say thank you.

YMCA of the Roses branches will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 28.

Our outdoor pools are open with special hours this weekend.

Lampeter-Strasburg Outdoor Pool will be open Saturday-Monday 12-7pm.

Leola Community Pool will be open Sunday & Monday 12-7pm.

Reminders if there is lightning and thunder closures will follow safety guidelines. No refunds for weather related closures.

Memberships may be purchased at the Welcome Desk or online:
https://www.rosesymca.org/programs/

Thank you! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

The outdoor pools are open for special hours this Memorial Day weekend!

Summer is a time for kids to explore and expand the limits of their imagination. At City Center YMCA's Camp Unity and Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA's Camp Friendship, every day is a new adventure! Don't miss your chance to register for our summer camps!

Learn more and find your adventure on our website:

Summer Camp – YMCA of the Roses Summer day camp provides youth with an opportunity to enjoy summer outdoors with friends. At YMCA camp, we focus on building a

Mental health is how we think, feel and act. This May, join the Y in talking about mental health with family and friends for Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health is an important part of our overall health. Many of the things we do to support our mental health also supports our physical health and vice versa. Getting enough sleep, eating nutrient dense food and moving our bodies all support both our mental and physical health.

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of the Roses is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

We invite you to join us for a day of golf and fellowship as we honor Scott Kimmel's memory and support the YMCA! Bent Creek Country Club will host the Scott Kimmel Memorial Golf Outing on June 24.

The Scott Kimmel Memorial Golf Outing was established to honor Scott's memory and to continue his legacy. By participating, you are making a direct impact on our mission work. Your support will help us fund programs that aim to create a more inclusive and accessible community for all.

Interested in becoming a golfer or sponsor? For more information, please contact Mike Smith at [email protected].

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Our PreK Counts students at City Center YMCA celebrated with their moms before the weekend began!

Leadership staff from the YMCA of the Roses recently attended the YMCA Statewide Advocacy Day held in Harrisburg. The Y staff had the opportunity to engage with elected officials and share their stories and experiences.

Advocacy Day serves as a reminder of the YMCA's commitment to fostering positive change and advocating for policies that support their mission.

PA State Rep. Mindy Fee poses with Mike Smith, VP of Administration; Kathy Duclo, Director of Housing; and Linda Orr, Housing Supervisor.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mom figures in our Y family! Thank you for all you do to keep our YMCA of the Roses families and our York and Lancaster communities healthy and strong!

Get a College Membership today for just $75! There is no joining fee! This membership runs from May to August and terminates on August 31.

In order to be eligible, students must show proof that they are currently enrolled in college. Take advantage of this promotion by visiting your local branch to sign up.

The offer is valid from May 1-15.

Class schedules or transcripts are proof of enrollment.

Don't miss Healthy Kids Day tomorrow at City Center YMCA! From 9 am to 12 pm, our basketball court will be the site for activities such as dodgeball, octopus tag, family BootCamp, and even a kid-friendly obstacle course!

Thank you to our friends at Kegel's Produce for sponsoring!

City Center Branch Update:
We are 24 hours away from Healthy Kids Day at the City Center YMCA! Tomorrow (Saturday, May 11), our basketball court will be closed for basketball users from 8 am to 1 pm, and the pool will be closed for lap swimming from 1 pm - 3 pm. You may also experience more crowded group exercise classes. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding.

Please join us for Healthy Kids Day! From 9 am to 12 pm, our basketball court will be the site for activities such as dodgeball, octopus tag, family BootCamp, and even a kid-friendly obstacle course! We will also have community partners in our gym with crafts and activities, and Kona Ice will be in our gravel parking lot!

Bring your towel and appropriate swim attire and continue the fun in our pool from 12 - 1 pm! All are welcome, member or non-member!

We do expect long lines to get into the building during some parts of the event. Please ensure all adults bring a photo ID and to save time, you can pre-register your family for Healthy Kids Day at https://www.rosesymca.org/programs/22531374/events/ . Pre-registration is free and will save you lots of time so you can get right to the fun!