The Hamilton Area YMCA offers programs that are specially designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of today’s preteens and teens. The YMCA is committed to helping preteens and teens become strong, capable adults and our wide variety of programs reflects that commitment. We are counting on preteens and teens to play important roles in the life of the community.
Our Preteen and Teen Programs include:
Aquatics
Health and Well Being
Martial Arts
Sports
Leaders Club
Special Events
XRKade
Y Connection
Y Achievers Mentoring Program of Hamilton
A few months ago, a small group of community leaders assembled to discuss how we could develop a program to meet the needs of youth in our community. Quincy Hendryx, Detective Hamilton Police Department; Gloria Stephens, Director of the John O. Wilson Hamilton Neighborhood Association; Gary Gray, Director of the Hamilton Township Bromley Center; Jim Fell, President and CEO from the Hamilton Area YMCA: Tom Goodwin, former New Jersey Senator and Hamilton Township Councilman and James Stevenson, former School Board Member and community activist are partnering in an effort to create the Y Achievers Mentoring Program of Hamilton. The program is a college readiness program that helps young people set and pursue high educational and professional goals and exposes them to diverse career options.
We believe that when youth are given opportunities, resources and the support of caring adults, they can realize their full potential. They will become productive adults who positively contribute to their community. We also believe that our youth are our most valuable community asset. The investment of time and resources into their lives is invaluable.
It is this belief that compels us to build effective relationships with like minded people, organizations corporations and institutions. We believe with you as our partner, we can nurture the youth where you and your affiliates live, play and work. Together we can strengthen our community by engaging young people in the Y Achievers Mentoring Program of Hamilton.
We would be honored to have you become a Y Achiever Sponsor:
• Give your time:
- Become an Adult Achiever ~ Nominate yourself or someone you know to volunteer each Wednesday afternoon from October through May. Mentor a small group of Achievers throughout the year.
• Lend your talent:
- Become a Workplace Mentor ~ Teach /Mentor a small group of students with their Adult Achiever at your work place two times a month on Wednesday afternoons and for Career Day in May.
- Become a Guest Speaker ~ We also need volunteers to present topics such as money management, leadership development and any other skills to our Achievers.
• Share your treasure:
- Donate to support Y Achievers work.
- Sponsor a child who may not otherwise be able to afford the program.
Our program serves Hamilton youth in grades 6 through 9. Achievers will gather every Wednesday at the Y in large and small groups. Achievers will also have the opportunity to participate in three different career clusters throughout the school year.
Please consider being part of this exciting program. For additional information or an application, please contact Karen McNamara at kmcnamara@hamiltonymca.org or 609.581.99622 ext 124.
The Hamilton Area YMCA JKR Branch is now The S.P.O.T. (Safe Place for Our Tweens) (ages 9 – 12)
This event allows 9 – 12 year olds to “hang out” at the YMCA under the supervision of trained YMCA staff. Basketball, music, swimming, spin classes, video games in our Youth Interactive Center, and the snack bar will be offered at this monthly Saturday night event. Please dress comfortably for the activities you wish to participate in. The S.P.O.T. is held the first Saturday of each month 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Teen Nights (grades 6 – 8)
The Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch is open just for you! Come have fun with your friends while a DJ plays your favorite music. Events are fully chaperoned by qualified YMCA staff. All participants must sign in with name and phone number and must agree to follow all posted rules. Snacks, glow sticks and drinks will be available for purchase. All events are held on the third Friday of the month from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., please be prompt in pick up. A Hamilton Area YMCA Membership is not required for participation in this program.
Y Connection
The Y Connection is a middle school initiative that offers Hamilton Township middle school students a free pass allowing them access to the Hamilton Area YMCA JKR Branch from the end of the school day to 5:00 pm when school is in session.
For more information contact Ryan Young at ext. 21103 or ryanyoung@hamiltonymca.org
We are a charitable association dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Part of a world-wide movement, we put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote good health, strong families, youth leadership, community development, and international understanding. YMCAs are open to men, women, and children of all ages, incomes, abilities, races, and religions. -YMCA Mission Statement