Greater Scranton YMCA Gears Up for 2021 GivingTuesday Campaign

The Greater Scranton YMCA believes all children, adults and families from our community deserve the chance to experience all the Y has to offer. For so many, and perhaps now more than ever before, the resources are not available to join the Y, send a child to preschool or enroll in the after-school program.

That’s why on GivingTuesday, November 30, 2021, we’re asking for support. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. On GivingTuesday, our goal is to raise the funds needed to ensure those most in need from our community can benefit from our services.

“The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to turn no one away for an inability to pay,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Annually, we award hundreds of thousands of dollars to low-income children, adults and families from our community, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Funds raised for our year-end appeal will allow us to continue fulfilling our mission.”

Additionally, as part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s fundraising efforts, the non-profit organization is proud to participate in AllOne Charities’ GivingTuesday Match Day initiative. From Thanksgiving through December 1st at 4:00pm, AllOne Charities will match contributions participating organizations raise up to $1,000. Donations can be made on AllOne Charities’ GivingTuesday donation form or mailed to 83 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Checks must be made payable to AllOne Charities.

For more information or for questions on how to donate to the Greater Scranton or participate in AllOne Charities’ Match Day, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3113.

The Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Hoot & Howl Halloween Party

The Greater Scranton YMCA is inviting families from across our community to join us for our free Hoot & Howl Halloween Party at the Y on Saturday, October 23, 2021. The event will feature a costume contest, DJ, magician, Family Haunted Walk, refreshments and more. The celebration will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will end at 3:00 p.m.

“We are thrilled to offer a free Halloween event at our facility that welcomes all members of our community,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Following more than a year of social distancing and disruptions to seasonal celebrations, we are proud to provide children and families with some excitement!”

Children of all ages are welcome. Costumes are optional. While pre-registration is not required, it is preferred. For more information or to RSVP, contact Brandon Whipple, Health & Wellness Director, at bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3116.

Greater Scranton YMCA Helping Youth Achieve a Healthy Weight

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. Many families, though, need support changing their habits together in order to help children who are overweight or obese reach and maintain a healthy weight. That’s why the Greater Scranton YMCA — a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health — wants to help families through improved eating habits and increased physical activity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity affects about 13.7 million, or one in five U.S. children and adolescents. Obesity can increase risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. Here in Pennsylvania, 14.5 percent of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving the state a ranking of 26 among the 50 states and D.C., according to the State of Childhood Obesity.

“Experts are more aware than ever that families need support to change their eating and physical activity habits,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we’re happy to partner with families and offer support as they work to incorporate changes to help kids grow up at a healthy weight.”

The Y also encourages families to talk with their health care providers about their children’s health. “You cannot determine whether a child is at a healthy weight simply by looking at them,” explains Fisher. “Working with a health care provider ensures that families receive the proper guidance when it comes to health and their children.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is helping families improve their health and help youth grow up at a healthy weight through incorporating daily physical activity into early childhood education and school age programming, as well as through youth and family memberships, swim lessons, youth sports and more.

While outside support is key, developing healthy habits begins at home. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and more physical activity and into your daily family routine:

  • Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together.  Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and back packs.
  • Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and bodies moving.
  • Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.
  • Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).
  • Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s youth and family programs, please contact Brandon Whipple at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org, or visit the Greater Scranton YMCA’s website at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.

The Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Free Back to Normal Bash and Open House

On Thursday, June 3rd, the Greater Scranton YMCA will host a free event open to all members of our community. The Back to Normal Bash will take place from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and will feature free food, beverages, DJ, bounce house, magician and more.

The event will take place outside in the back of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s facility in Dunmore. While registration is not required, the first 200 people who RSVP via the Y’s website will receive a FREE T-shirt (adult sizes only)!

In addition to the event from 4:00-7:00 p.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA is opening its doors all day for community members to tour the facility and workout for free. For anyone who joins the Y on June 3rd, the joiner’s fee will be waived.

“We are so excited to be coming out of this trying year and could not think of a better way to celebrate than to have a traditional family-style barbeque with music and magic,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are proud to open our doors for the day, allowing all members of our community to see what our facility has to offer.”

The Y’s Covid-19 safety plan will be in effect during this event. Staff is asking attendees to wear masks, except while exercising, and maintain appropriate distance from others. 

For more information, visit us online or contact Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org.

As Communities Return to “Normal,” Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to return to a “normal” summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

 “As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA typically teaches 1,500 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. Last year, though due to COVID-19 precautions, we saw that number dip and want to remind parents and caregivers that it’s more important than ever to keep water safety top of mind as families start to return to their usual summer routines,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.

1. Never swim alone or 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.

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

3. Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.

4. Wear a life jacket: Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

5. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs, including the upcoming Annual Safe Around Water Campaign sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton, please contact Ken Brewster, Aquatics Director, at (570) 828-3112 or kbrewster@greaterscrantonymca.org.

Greater Scranton YMCA’s Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2nd Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner Celebration will take place Friday, May 21st at Glen Oak Country Club. While the golf portion of the day is sold out (interested golfers can be added to a waiting list), the evening portion of the event is open to everyone, not just golfers, and dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Following the completion of the golf tournament, the evening celebration will begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner/program at 7:30 p.m.

Harry McGrath was a proud member of the Greater Scranton YMCA. He specialized in education law, advocating for the rights of all students, particularly those with special needs. It became his passion to improve the quality of education for children living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the tournament will support the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, a six-week program serving rising first and second grade students who are struggling with reading and are attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts.

“Our dad worked tirelessly so that children in this area had the necessary tools to succeed in school,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Event Coordinator and Greater Scranton YMCA Board Member. “The Summer Learning Loss Prevention program is consistent with his goal of using his legal career to positively impact the lives of the children he was privileged to represent, and our family is humbled and grateful to honor his legacy through a program he would undoubtedly support.”

Committed sponsors thus far include:

  • Gold Sponsors: Highmark Health; Universal Printing Company LLC
  • Silver Sponsors: Jen Ricci State Farm; Haggerty, McGrath, Collins, O’Rourke and James Families
  • 19th Hole Sponsors: The Perry Law Firm; J. Conrad Bosley Appraisal Services; Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC; Fellerman & Ciarimboli
  • Backpack Sponsors: Vanston & James Funeral Home; Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, PC; Topp Business Solutions; P&W/Washo, Inc.; DePietro’s Pharmacy; NET Credit Union
  • Additional Sponsors: Frank O’Neill Law Office; The Wood Grille; Helbig Meditation and Arbitration; Malone and Rosetti Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Timothy and Janet Brier; Joanne Cantafio & Family in Memory of Anthony “Taps” Cantafio; Pat and Christine Philbin; PNC Bank; University of Scranton Athletics; Dick and Richard Conaboy; Maloney Law, P.C.; Northeastern Envelope Company, Inc.; Thomas Lyons and Mesko Glass and Mirror

For more information about the tournament, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA’s website or contact Betsy at (570) 768-6118.

Greater Scranton YMCA QUEST and Summer Scholars Program

Kids from low-income families often start school unprepared. Despite progressing at the same rates during the school year, gaps widen each summer and students fall further behind their peers. The gap culminates in low high school graduation and college attainment rates, limited job prospects and negative economic impact. This gap is referred to as the Achievement Gap, or Summer Slide.

Now, perhaps more than ever before, providing children with learning opportunities over the summer months is crucial to their educational success. Through the Greater Scranton YMCA’s summer learning loss prevention programs, QUEST and Summer Scholars, the Y makes a profound impact in combating the achievement gap. These programs allow the Y to provide children with the tools and resources they need to succeed at the start of their next school year.

“For years, the Greater Scranton YMCA has worked to combat the achievement gap and provide all children in our community with the tools and resources needed to continue developing academically during the summer,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “In light of the pandemic, we understand summer learning programs are more important than ever before and we are so proud to continue providing our community with these invaluable resources.”

QUEST is a learning program integrated into our summer day camp. The program serves all campers in kindergarten through eighth grades and is offered at no additional cost. QUEST is held four days per week. Weeks one and two include pre-testing, weeks two through nine are program weeks and week ten includes post-testing. During each of the four days per week the program is held, children filter through different subjects, like math, literacy, geography and sign language.

Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program with a goal to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In some cases, participants will have the opportunity to exceed grade level expectations. In summer 2021, the program will serve rising first and second grade students attending the Mid Valley and Dunmore School Districts. Breakfast and lunch, as well as transportation at the Mid Valley School District, are provided. Since the program began in 2016, more than 125 students have been served.

Summer Scholars participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichment in the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips (dependent upon COVID-19 regulations), as well as trips to the Greater Scranton YMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers, as well as Y staff. The program will be held from 8:00am – 3:00pm on Mondays through Thursdays beginning July 5th and running through August 12th.

To learn more about summer learning loss prevention at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Trish at tfisher@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3130.

Greater Scranton YMCA Rally for the Y Fundraiser

The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce our very own Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, will again participate in the Expresso Bike Challenge: Rally for the Y fundraiser.

The 2021 Rally for the Y fundraiser will take place throughout the month of April, with funds raised benefitting the 2021 Annual Support Campaign. Brandon will ride as many miles as he can on the Expresso Bike throughout the month. Last year, he logged 300 miles on the bike and raised $3,000. This year, his goal is to raise $5,000. In addition to what Brandon raised, Expresso will donate $0.10 for every mile he rides.

“In this line of work, raising money for those in need is very important,” said Brandon. “Giving those who are less fortunate a chance to come be part of our YMCA where they can make new friends and feel like they belong is an amazing feeling. The fact that I am able to raise money while exercising is an added bonus.”

Funds raised for the Annual Support Campaign support the Y’s financial assistance program. Last year, the Y awarded $373,275 in scholarships to children, adults and families from our community, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. We believe that together, we can provide a Y membership for those struggling with chronic disease; child care for parents who need to go to work; a safe, nurturing space for kids to attend school remotely; and outreach to seniors who are feeling isolated.

To support the 2021 Rally for the Y fundraiser, simply visit us online and choose the 2021 Rally for the Y campaign. If preferred, you can also mail a check to the Y. Please note Rally for the Y on the memo line and mail to the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely Street, Dunmore, PA 18512.

Greater Scranton YMCA Launching E-Sports Program

With a goal to promote teamwork, leadership, online safety, and individual growth steeped in YMCA Youth Development practices, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce its participation in the national Y’s E-Sports program.

The Y is made up of people from all backgrounds working side by side to strengthen communities. We are committed to advancing equity for all in everything we do so that everyone—regardless of who they are or where they come from—has an opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. The E-Sports program will be another pathway for the YMCA to empower youth and teens to reach their full potential by providing them with access to nurturing environments, enriching experiences and support systems that reduce barriers and strengthen cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.

Registration is open for the program, which will be comprised of NBA 2K, Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League. Each league can serve up to 50 children in middle and high school. Registrants will make up the Greater Scranton YMCA team, which will compete against other YMCAs across the country. Interested participants will need to have the ability to play on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Switch. In its pilot session, there will no cost to participate in the program, which is open to existing YMCA members and non-members (in future sessions, registration fees will apply).

“The YMCA is excited to launch this new program as we continue to evolve to find ways to keep kids engaged with one another virtually during COVID,” said Wayne Stump, Branch Executive Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Not only do E-Sports require teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship and leadership, but they also help kids develop friendships and provide an educational opportunity through developing STEM skills that can help with a future career path.”

Similar to in-person youth sports leagues, E-Sports will be held in eight-week sessions, with practice and games held twice per week. The program will run from April 5th through May 28th. The middle school group will practice and compete on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and the high school group will practice and compete on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Yearly league championships will lead to regional championships, which will then lead to the national championship. For more information, contact Wayne at wstump@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3266. To register, visit https://scranton.recliquecore.com/programs/40031/

Greater Scranton YMCA Announces Virtual Wellness Platform Through A Regional Collaboration

The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce a new online wellness platform to benefit their members and the community. On January 25th, the Greater Scranton YMCA launched Y Wellness 24/7, providing live and on-demand group exercise, and sports and play programs online, free to their members. Over 150 live classes and 100s of new on-demand classes led by over 120 nurturing and motivating YMCA instructors will be available weekly. The platform also provides access to 1000s of additional on-demand classes from leaders in the fitness industry nationwide. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in mandated closures and strict safety protocols, the need for outstanding virtual wellness offerings has been on the rise. Recognizing this need in our communities, Y Wellness 24/7 is the result of a collaboration among 29 YMCA associations from throughout the northeast United States. Involved in the partnership are many Pennsylvania YMCAs including those in Bloomsburg, Bucks County, Lancaster, Lebanon Valley, York and York County as well YMCA of the North Shore and YMCA of the Twin Tiers in Massachusetts and New York, respectively. 

Y Wellness 24/7 provides live and on-demand classes in training, mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management. With the collaboration, YMCAs are able to serve youth, adults and seniors through a variety of class formats such as strength training, cardio, kickboxing, cycling, Tai Chi, yoga, dance, bootcamp, balance, core and more.    

“We are so pleased to partner with YMCAs from across the northeast region,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “By working together, we are able to meet the needs of our members across the region by offering more classes and a greater variety of classes.” 

Since the March pandemic shut down, the Y has made it their mission to meet community needs in new ways. The creation of this virtual wellness platform is another step toward serving YMCA members from across the region.