Hamilton Area YMCA
Diverse Abilities - SKOR and SOAR
Personal goals and individual achievement — that’s the focus of our SKOR (Special Kids Organized Recreation) and SOAR (Special Organized Adult Recreation) programs, which provide quality programming for individuals with intellectual, physical, and/or emotional disabilities.
These programs promote peer and family interaction in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Participants ages 5 and up can enjoy a variety of instructional, social, and sports programs ranging from Aquatics to Zumba, each designed to meet their individual needs, interests and capabilities.
For more information about SKOR/SOAR programming, please contact Janice Nastasi, Director of Inclusive Programming, at 609.581.9622 ext. 114 or jnastasi@hamiltonymca.org.
The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to an inclusive environment. For more information regarding our inclusive program offerings and accommodations, please contact Tyler Koerber at 609.581.9622 ext. 121 or tkoerber@hamiltonymca.org.
As with any program of this nature, volunteers play an important and vital part. “Buddies” engage with our program participants and are there to provide help with learning different skills as well as just being there to talk to when needed. If you or someone you know would enjoy this experience, click on the Volunteer Registration link under "Downloads" to get involved.
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Spring I - Facility Members - Monday, February 17
- Program & New Members - Thursday, February 20
Spring II - Facility Members - Monday, April 13
- Program & New Members - Thursday, April 16
Instructional Programs
Instructional programs meet on a weekly basis and focus on the personal goals and individual achievements for all participants. Our programs focus on the importance of appropriate social interaction and demonstrating proper social skills. All programs promote peer and family interaction in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Membership to the Hamilton Area YMCA is required for most programs. See each program for details. Program fees apply. Parent participation may be required if the participant cannot work within ratios listed.
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Alley Cats Bowling (ages 5+)
Participants and their families enjoy a fun afternoon of bowling at Hamilton Lanes located at 1200 Kuser Road. Bowling ramps and bumpers are available upon request. Participants must be able to work with a 5 to 1 ratio.
Drop-ins and non-members welcome. Contact Janice Nastasi at jnastasi@hamiltonymca.org for details.
Basketball season runs for 8 weeks beginning in January.
Learn different dance moves to some of today’s favorite music. While you’re at it, you will also learn some of the popular line dances so you can keep up on the dance floor all night! Participants must be able to work with a 7:1 ratio, and be able to follow instructions. Parents may be asked to assist if the participant cannot work independently within the ratio.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, ping pong, and racquetball. It is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It’s a Low impact game that’s easy to learn, great exercise and A LOT of fun!
Strength Training (ages 16+)
Participants learn exercise techniques, body positioning, nutrition information, and more while working with some of the most current equipment available. Participants MUST be able to work with a 7 to 1 ratio, follow instructions independently, and understand the importance of safety for themselves as well as other members working out.
SOAR Strong II (ages 18+)
Get your fitness goin’ on as a certified YMCA Trainer introduces participants to Cardio, Body Weight, Resistance, and Flexibility activities. Learn the importance of stretching and flexibility and transition into different physical activities to promote health and fitness. Participants must be able to work within a 7:1 ratio and be able to follow instructions and understand the importance of safety as part of the program will take place in the fitness center working on different machines.
Zumba classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness parties packed with specially choreographed, friendly routines and a variety of music including 80’s 90’s and current favorites. The positive effects it has on kids include increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Participants must work on a 7 to 1 ratio.
Special Events & Social Nights
We offer many special events throughout the year. Events may include dances, Family picnics, Moonlight Bowling, movie nights, and more! These events are open to all individuals with disabilities ages 5 and up and their families. Membership to the Hamilton Area YMCA is not required. A minimal fee and registration form are required to attend. Other restrictions may apply depending on the event.
If you have an idea for a special event, contact Janice Nastasi at 609.581.9622 ext. 114 or jnastasi@hamiltonymca.org.
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New date coming soon!
Join us for a fun, stress-free night to break up the week! Play board and action games in a casual, social environment with old friends and make new ones too!
Registration is required. Fee: $3.00 per participant.
Registration information coming soon!
Hang out with your friends while you get a chance to play basketball, watch a movie, and eat pizza! Members and non-members are welcome!
Participants should be able to work within a 7:1 ratio. Parents must stay in the building for participants under the age of 13 and/or for those that are unable to work independently within the ratio. All participants MUST have a registration form completed.
Registration information coming soon! Stay tuned for upcoming dates!
Participants will be able to build, design, and test their own experiments and inventions!
STEM Night is open to all individuals with disabilities age 10 and up who are able to work with a volunteer and follow instructions. Participants should be able to work within a 5:1 ratio. Parents must stay in the room for those participants that are unable to work within the ratio and any participant under the age of 13. We will have volunteers on hand to assist, but we can always use the extra hands to help out.
Diverse Abilities Swim
View our Aquatics page or contact Nicole Bizuga at 609.581.9622 ext. 128 for more information.
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Diverse Abilities Swim - Swim Basics (ages 3 - 6)
Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
Diverse Abilities Swim - Swim Strokes (ages 7 - 10)
Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Diverse Abilities Swim - Teen (ages 11+)
Non-swimmers and beginners who have basic skills in the water will learn technique and build confidence through various activities. Instructors work on individual needs in a group setting.
Sports Programs & Leagues
Our Sports Programs contain a variety of sports that meet on a weekly basis throughout each season and provide different levels of instruction for all participants.
Sports programs are available for individuals ages 5 and up. Teams are put together by age and ability level to the best of our ability. Participants will go over the skills and rules, from the very basics to more in depth instruction, as well as participating in non-competitive scrimmages each week. Membership is required and additional one-on-one support may be available.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for or sponsoring one of our Sports Programs, please contact Janice Nastasi at jnastasi@hamiltonymca.org.
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Basketball season runs for 8 weeks beginning in January.
Participants will practice different skills and drills throughout the season with some help from local athletes from Hamilton Girls Soccer Club. They will also have the opportunity to play non-competitive controlled scrimmage games.
Soccer season runs for 8 weeks beginning in September.
Participants will practice with our Special Olympics Athletes in different events including:
- 50 Meter Dash
- Standing/Running Long Jump
- Tennis Ball Throw
- Softball Throw
- Mini Javelin Throw
Track and Field season runs for 8 weeks beginning in March.
Special Olympics Competition Sports are a more competitive option for individuals ages 8 and up. Participants compete in the Special Olympics New Jersey Sport Competitions. Membership to the Hamilton Area YMCA is not required. Participants must be able to work independently without a one-on-one and must have a valid Special Olympics New Jersey Medical.
All Team sports (i.e. basketball, softball, soccer) will meet on a weekly basis for practices and competitions. All individual sports (i.e. powerlifting, track & field, bocce, snowshoeing) will meet on a weekly basis for practices and will have a few competitions throughout the season. Practice dates, times, and location will be determined at a later date based on SONJ scheduling.
The 2019 - 2020 registration form can be found in the "downloads" box in the upper right-hand side of the page. More information on each sport can be found on the Special Olympics page of our website.
Programs
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This non-profit organization is dedicated to giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball league that celebrates their spirit in a non-competitive atmosphere. Miracle Field, built on land donated by the Hamilton Area YMCA, is a 100% barrier-free baseball field that allows individuals with disabilities to bat, field, circle the bases and participate in America’s favorite pastime.
Miracle League runs two seasons annually:
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Spring season (April - May)
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Fall season (September - October)
For more information, visit the Miracle League page or contact Miracle League Executive Director Dan Sczweck at 609.581.9622 ext. 144 or dsczweck@hamiltonymca.org
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The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to an inclusive environment for individuals with and without disabilities who want to participate in programs and activities together. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reasonable accommodations may be provided. Reasonable accommodations are individualized techniques and resources used to enhance program participation without fundamentally altering the program.
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National Inclusion Project
Inclusion means all participate and all belong. We work every day to make the inclusion of children with disabilities a reality. The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them. Since its inception, the organization has made a real impact by ensuring that children nationwide can experience all that life has to offer. The National Inclusion Project partners with communities and inclusive programs like the Hamilton Area YMCA, creating awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.
*SKOR Programming is funded in part by the Office of the Disabled, County of Mercer.